click zoom to display a high-res image
Property Location
Property Features
Frank Engels was a farmer residing in the city who's significant agricultural holdings were leased to various tenant farmers.(A) Along with John Clovis and Rueben Scott, Engels was one of a number of landlords who controlled the outlying agricultural industry serving Menasha's flour mills and groceries. In the case of Frank Engels, this control resulted in his being shot by a tenant objecting to Engels' meddling in the management of the farm.(B) Active in city affairs as a holder of elected office, Engels built his residence in 1879.(C) It is still maintained by members of his family.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The Frank Engels house is historically significant for its association with a man who helped establish Menasha control of the outlying farmlands by residing in the city with other agricultural landlords.
DESCRIPTION
Situated on the old main road to Appleton, the Frank Engels home is a gabeled ell built on a "L" plan with a multigabled roof. The roofing materials are asphalt, the walls are brick with a stretcher bond, and the foundations are stone. The windows are two-over-two, double-hung sash, and the porch is recessed into the main facade at the vertex of the ell.
ARCHITECTURAL/ENGINEERING SIGNIFICANCE
The Frank Engels house is architecturally significant as a fine example of the gabled ell building form. While modest and devoid of ornament, the building retains exceptional integrity of site and structure, reflecting the simple tastes of the farmer residing in town.
National And State Register Of Historic Places Listings
Architecture & History Inventory
The Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory (AHI) is a digital source of information on historic buildings, structures, and objects that have been surveyed by the State Historic Preservation Office in Wisconsin. Each property has a digital record providing basic information about the property and images.
Questions?
Wondering about if your property is eligible or notice some information on this property needs to be updated, reach out today!
Email UsAttribution
For a credit line: Wisconsin Historical Society, Creator, Title, Unique Identifier.
The Unique Identifier can be found at the top or bottom of the page for each item. The name of a downloaded file is NOT the unique identifier.
For bibliographic citations please consult the UW-Madison Libraries Citation Research Guide to ensure compliance with appropriate style guidelines.
Access Property Records
Some properties have more materials (correspondence, clippings, historical information, etc.) not in the digital record. If a 'Site File' exists, it's noted in the 'Additional Comments' field. Contact us for an appointment to view these materials.
