| Additional Information: | A 'site file' exists for this property. It contains additional information such as correspondence, newspaper clippings, or historical information. It is a public record and may be viewed in person at the Wisconsin Historical Society, State Historic Preservation Office.
This two story Italianate house features an irregular shaped plan configuration (with additions), a cut stone foundation, a cream brick exterior, a wood trim and an asphalt shingled, combination gable and hip roof. This well preserved example of the Italianate style is a smaller and less ornate, yet similar in detail, version of the William Tallman house. Italianate features include the low-pitched hip roof, overhaning eaves with brackets, highly decorative window hoods, and the full-lenght front porch. The building is in excellent condition, and is currently being used as both a residence and a funeral home. It was owned by Philip H. Henning in 1982.
Architectural Significance: The J. T. Durkee House (See Bib. Ref. A, B) possesses high artistic values, represents a type, period, or method of construction, and is a visual landmark in the area.
Historical Statement: Built in about 1869 for J. T. Durkee, this house was designed by architect George F. Schulze, who also designed the Fredendall block, the 1867 Rock County Courthouse (with Milwaukee architect Edward T. Mix), and numerous houses. (See Bib. Ref. B). The second owner of the house was William Tallman, son of the owner of the Tallman Perfume Factory. The house remained in the Tallman family until the 1950s and was converted into a funeral home in the late 1950s. By 1987 it was known as the Wolfgram Funeral Home. |
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| Bibliographic References: | A. Assessment Rolls: 1870, 1880, 1890.
B. City Directories; 1870, 1892.
D. Historic Janesville, Heritage Preservation Associates, Inc. MacDonald and Mack Partnership, City of Janesville Department of Community development, 1994.
E. Italianate Houses of Janesville, Thematic Resource.
The Old Fourth Ward Historic District: A Guide, Janesville Historic Commission, 1990. |
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