Property Record
306 WISCONSIN ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Twentieth Century Club; Joel Mead |
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| Reference Number: | 70626 |
| Location (Address): | 306 WISCONSIN ST |
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| County: | Winnebago |
| City: | Oshkosh |
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| Year Built: | 1872 |
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| Additions: | 1910 |
| Survey Date: | 1978 |
| Historic Use: | house |
| Architectural Style: | Italianate |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
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| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| National Register Listing Date: | |
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| Additional Information: | Photo code: OS 10/31. The Mead House was apparently designed as a companion to the Ripley House, 545 Algoma Blvd. The Italianate detailing is equally as fine with stilted arches over windows and paired brackets along the eave line. Various additions refkect the change in use of the building; the 1910 ballroom addition being the most prominent. This is a one story addition with large round arched windows. Renaissance in flavor. Joel Mead was a partner in the early lumber milling firm of Ripley and Mead and his brother-in-law Sylvanus Ripley arrived in 1847 and established their mill two years later. The firm built this and the very similar Ripley directly north in 1872. Mead remained in the house until his death in 1895. He left the home to the Ladies Benevolent Society who, in turn, sold it to the Twentieth Century Club. The ballroom wing was added by the club. The ballroom was an umbrella organization for numerous women's groups. It was the most prestigious of these groups at the time. |
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| Bibliographic References: | (A) Karsteadt, 100 Years a City, p. 33. (B) Oshkosh Daily Northwestern, 6/26/53. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |