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Property Location
Property Features
This two and one half story Romanesque Revival styeld house features an irregular shaped plan configuration, a granite stone foundation, and an asphalt shingled gable roof with a tower and a dormer. Appearing beneath the open gable ends are heavy brackets. The gables themselves each contain a semi-circular opening into which three windows are set. Windows, representing round arched and flat arched styles, have granite stone lintels and sills on the second and third stories. The front porch has a hipped roof supported by tuscan columns which rest on granite stone railings. Exterior materials include Milwaukee brick, wood shingles and vinyl siding, while trim materials include wood, Superior red sandstone and brick. The residence is in good condition and is related to a rear attached garage.
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 brick-and-red-sandstone-trimmed Romanesque Revival style house displaying particularly interesting massing and an unusual fenestral treatment. This surprising and rather original, if somewhat austere, house is an unexpected find in a small town like Berlin and illustrates the affluence and sophistication of the residents. It appears to be the work of an accomplished architect.
Historical Background;
Charles Wright, son of Stillman Wright, was born in Berlin in 1857. In 1876, Charles started working at his father's flower mill. The mill expanded with the addition of a rye mill, coop and the handling of other products, such as feed hay, coal and rope hay. Later on, the Wrights also set up a factory to manufacture boots and shoes and another to operate a pickle factory. Stillman died in 1917 and Charles and his brother Fred continued the company. [1].
In 1893, Charles decided to build a new house, so he moved his old house a block and a half to the East of Park Avenue and built the current structure on the same lot. The Wright family lived her until 1960, when it was sold to Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Petersen. The Petersens completely remodeled and renovated the interior, as well as adding a two stall garage and a utility room. [1].
Mr. Petersen not only operated several farms around Berlin, but he also was an investment broker. In 1973, the Petersens sold the house to the Ernest Pope Family. [1].
National And State Register Of Historic Places Listings
Architecture & History Inventory
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