Property Record
199 E PARK AVE
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Henry R. Laing House |
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| Other Name: | |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 48773 |
| Location (Address): | 199 E PARK AVE |
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| County: | Green Lake |
| City: | Berlin |
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| Year Built: | 1894 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1991 |
| Historic Use: | house |
| Architectural Style: | Queen Anne |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Clapboard |
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| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Nathan Strong Park Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 5/10/2005 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 1/21/2005 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | Another map code is 3/11, found on the DOT map. Built in 1894 [2], this two story house displays elements of both the Queen Anne and the Shingle styles. It features an irregular shaped plan configuration, a ganite stone and concrete foundation, and an asphalt shingled multi-galbed roof with dormers. Exterior materials include clapboard, wood shingles and wood, with a wood trim. The residence is in good condition. It is related to a carriage house (GL 23/14). Architectural/Engineering Significance: This structure contributes to the significance of the Nathan Strong Park Historic District under Criterion C as a fine example of a picturesque Queen Anne Cottage with a conpatibly deisgned 1920's lattice-arched porch, as well as unusual, latticed bargeboards in the elaborately decorated front gable. This handsome house is an excellent example of a decorated cottaged unified by a repeated sunburst motif. At the rear of the lot is a well-preserved wooden Queen Anne carrige house. Historical Background: In 1893, Henry R. Laing came to Berlin from Scotland to visit some of his relatives who had settled here. He soon fell in love and married his cousin Jean Christie and with the help of his brother, designed and built a home which they moved into in 1894. [1]. Henry became a land abstractor and shared an office with Perry Niskern, who was a lawyer and county judge. Mr. Laing also was a resident manager of a group of cranberry marshes north of Berlin. [1]. In 1937, the Laing heirs sold the house to Barney Swan. Mr. Swan was the president of the Truesdell Fur Company from 1948 to 1971. [1]. |
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| Bibliographic References: | 1. Gillett, "Early Houses in Berlin, Wis.," 1976, 67-69. 2. Date of construction source: Sign. Victorian Walking Tours, Berlin, Wisconsin's Walking Tour of Beautiful Victorian Homes, undated. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |