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Property Location
Property Features
This one and one half story Gothic Revival styled house features a rectangular shaped plan configuration, a stone foundation, a clapboard exterior, a wood trim and an asphalt shingled multi-gabled roof with dormers. The bargeboards are carved in a vine design and triangular window hoods were built by an early settler and builder in Berlin. Later, the house was owned by the Steadmans, who were prominent in shipping and produce. The house is in poor condition.
Architectural/Engineering Significance:
This structure contributes to the significance of the Nathan Strong Park Historic District under Criterion C as a rare example of a Gothic Revival house that, in spite of unsympathetic alterations to the windows and front entrance, still displays important decorative features. This is a fine little house with its steep front gabled roof displaying handsome scrolled bargeboards, eaves, trim, as well as pointed window and door openings - characteristics of the Gothic cottage.
Historical Background:
John Ayers and his family moved to Strong's Landing (Berlin) from Milwaukee in 1848. They lived with another family in one of the few "civilized" houses of the time, until Mr. Ayers was done with the construction of his own house. He built several other dwellings in the city until his death in 1873. [1].
The house was owned by Reverend Miter from 1874 to 1885, when it was sold to Hollis Steadman. [2]. Mr. Steadman moved the house forward to make roof for a barn and a carriage house. The Steadman family lived in the house for the next 83 years. Hollis moved to Berlin with his parents in 1849. His father Harvey, started a warehouse business and later enlarged his enterprise to include a furniture factory, wagon shop,a lumber yeard and a produce business. Two of his sons, Hollis and Hiram, entered the shipping business in 1869 after building the steamer, "City of Berlin.' Hollis was also part owner of the steamer, "Rushford" and formed a partnership with Rober Boyce in 1875, which dealth with produce and then oil. the also has a lumber company which later became Hollis Steadman and Son. [1].
Burt and Mage Steadman, children of Hollis, stayed living in the house after the death of their parents. Burt managed the Pickert Insurance Agnecy from 1943 to 1954 and was president of the Berlin Glove Company. [1].
National And State Register Of Historic Places Listings
Architecture & History Inventory
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