| Additional Information: | ARCHITECTURAL STATEMENT:
This simple, two story, L-shaped frame dwelling has been sided with asbestos at an unspecified date. A veranda reaches across a portion of the west-facing main facade. The foundation is made of concrete and the roof is covered in asphalt shingles. This residence is in good condition.
Albert H. Caron owned this building in 1981. It may now be used as apartments, according to the inventory card for this property. At the time of the survey in 1981, Caron lived at 702 E. Grant Avenue, Eau Clarie, WI 54701.
HISTORICAL STATEMENT:
This structure served as the farm house for the Eau Claire Lumber Company, one of Eau Claire's earliest and most successful lumber enterprises. (See Bib. Ref. C). Joseph G. Thorp, the company's first president, was a native of New York and first arrived in Eau Claire in 1856. While inspecting the area, Thorp purchased for himself and his brother-in-law, Nelson Chapman, approximately 3000 acres of land, which included half of the village plat, the adjoining pine lands, and the water-power, sawmill, and timber along the Eau Claire River, where the two entrepreneurs established their company - the Chapman & Thorp Lumber Co. (the company's sawmills were located just east of the present Dewey Street bridge). In 1866 the company was reorganized as the Eau Claire Lumber Co. with Thorp as president, G.Y. Gilbert as vice-president, and Chapman as treasurer. (For further information concerning these individuals see the Intensive Survey Final Report.)
The company prospered despite floods, fires, and varying economic circumstances. According to one source, "at one time the Eau Claire Lumber Company ran seven mills and cut from eighty to ninety millions of feet of lumber annually." In addition, the company reportedly owned close to 50,000 acres of land, part of which included much of the city's Third Ward where this building is located. The Eau Claire Lumber Company, like several others in Eau Claire, operated a large farm to supply the needs of their laborers. In 1887 the company was sold to Frederick Weyerhauser and it became part of the Mississippi River Logging Company. (See Bib. Ref. B, C). |
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| Bibliographic References: | A. DATE OF CONSTRUCTION - ASSESSOR CARDS.
B. "THE COLUMBIAN BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY AND PORTRAIT GALLERY OF THE REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF THE UNITED STATES," 1895, P. 623.
C. BARLAND, LOIS, 1960, "SAWDUST CITY," P. 38.
D. MATERIALS, STRUCTURAL SYSTEM - SANBORN PERRIS FIRE INSURANCE MAPS, AREA RESEARCH CENTER, UW-EC LIBRARY. |
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