| Additional Information: | Description:
Built between 1892 and 1894 [A], the August Laisy/Jacob K. Schlafer house exhibits the shape of a Two Story Cube with Queen Anne Revival elements. The front porch has an open design with a truncated hip roof supported by turned posts. A wooden balustrade as well as spindles and brackets further distinguish this porch. The main hip roof is truncated as is a rectangular bay on the side elevation. There is a shed roofed addition at the rear of the residence.
Architectual/Engineering Significance:
Although a well preserved vernacular house with Queen Anne influenced architectural details, the architectural significance of this house cannot be determined because of insufficient data as to vernacular architectural merit and incidence in Menomonee Falls.
Historical Background:
August Laisy purchased the property upon which he erected a dwelling in February, 1894 from Nine Wildish. [2]. After the completion of the dwelling, Laisy transferred the property to Jacob Schlafer in November, 1894. [1, 2]. Laisy constructed his dwelling in the 1886 Nehs addition, a residential area occupied primarily by Menomonee Falls businessmen. [3]. In 1890 and 1891, August Laisy was listed as a saddle and harness maker. [4]. Laisy then disappeared from the business directories at the time of the sale of the property to Jacob Schlafer.
Originally from a farm in Germantown, Washington County, Jacob Schlafer invested in the Enterprise Roller Mills (WK 92/15; N 88 W 164417 Main) with his brother Simon P. Schlafer and John Huebner in 1891. [4, 5, 6]. Simon Schlafer had pruchased the Meonomonee Falls Roller Mills from Nehs in 1883 and sold his interest in 1890 to begin the competing mill. [8]. An important Menomonee Falls industry, the Enterprise Roller Mills supplied flour and feed to local and Milwaukee markets. [10]. In 1913, Simon purchased Jacob's interest. Jacob Schlafer died at the home of his daughter in Madison in 1928. [7, 9, 11, 12]. |
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| Bibliographic References: | Architectural References:
A. "Hartford (WI) Press," 8 June 1894.
B. Deed Record, Volume 82, p. 254; Volume 87, p. 354 (Waukesha, WI: Register of Deeds Office, Waukesha County Courthouse).
Historical References:
1. "Hartford Press," 1894 (6/8).
2. Waukesha County, Register of Deeds, Volume 82, p. 254 (2/10/94) Volume 87, p. 354 (11/14/54).
3. Johnson, 1985: 89-91.
4. R. L. Polk and Company, 1891: 542; U.S. Central Publishing Company, 1890: 287.
5. Excelsin Publishing Company, 1894: 373-74.
6. "Menomonee Falls News," 1941 (4/3).
7. "Menomonee Falls News, 1928 (5/11).
8. "Waukesha Freeman," 1891 (4/23, 10/29).
9. R. L. Polk and Company, 1912: 528.
10. "Menomonee Falls News," 1941 (9/11).
11. A. G. Wright, 1894: 188; 1899: 302.
12. Wright Directory Company, 1919: 276. |
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