PRESERVATION NEWSLETTER RACINE, INC. Spring, 2009

Tributes to Lincoln in Racine

For the Chinese this is the Year of the Ox, for Americans it is the year of Lincoln. February 12, 2009, marks the bicentennial birthday anniversary of our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. His memory is being celebrated nationally throughout the year. Preservation Racine has recognized him in the January 12* Journal Times "Commimity Newsletter" and at the February 2°'' membership meeting when we enjoyed "Lincoln in Wisconsin" presented by Lincoln historian, Steven Rogstad.

Bom into a poor, pioneering rural family, Abra­ ham Lincoln began his self-education at an early age. With scarcely a full year of actual schooling, he became one of the greatest masters of the English language. First elected to the presidency at a critical time, preceding the Civil War, his leadership skills resulted, at the end of that conflict, in a reunited nation.

Across our country his name appears on street signs, buildings, parks, schools and colleges, monuments, and banks. And, so it has been in Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln Racine. The former Cross Street was renamed East Park, 1000 block South Main Street, Racine Lincoln Street in 1874; Lincoln Field is now Lincoln Park; Lincolnwood Court (1962) and Lincolnwood Drive (1985) are the latest streets to bear his name. Mount Pleasant boasts Lincoln School was built in 1890. Through the Lincolnshire Drive and Lincoln Village Drive. combined fimd raising efforts of the Ninth Ward Contiguous to Lincoln Park, on the bluff near Booster Club and Racine school children, on Prospect Street, is an area called Lincoln Heights. February 12, 1924, the bronze statue of Lincoln was dedicated. A. L. Van den Bergen executed

Continued on page two the 7'4" statue, entitled "All Men Created Equal," which stands at the intersection of State, Summit, and Hamilton streets. In East Park on Main Street is a statue of both Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln. It is one of two known statues in the United States depicting the Presi­ dent and his wife. Dedicated on July 4, 1943, (during WW II) it is inscribed "To children and all people, may this Monument inspire devotion and patriotism." Frederick Hibbard of Chicago was the sculptor. Mrs. Lena Rosewell left her entire estate for the erection of this monvunent. The Lincoln statue at Kane and State streets in Burlington was dedicated on October 13, 1913, a gift of Dr. Francis Meinhardt, a Burlington dentist.

Abraham Lincoln 906 State Street, Racine ' > Titled "President in Thought," the statue stands 8' tall and was sculpted by George Etienne Ganiere who agreed it would never be duplicated. Of note is the fact that the three statues were erected during the twentieth century, underscoring the lasting influence of and devotion to Lincoln.

H. Russell Zinmiermaim described the Lincoln Block (c. 1900) at 906 State Street as "One of Racine's most exceptional applications of archi­ tectural sheet metal work. The Lincoln Block has two octagonal bartizans, four bay windows, and an ornamental "pediment" which contains the building's name. While the great majority of conmiercial sheet metal work was in zinc or galvanized iron, here the chosen material was copper, the most costly of the common sheets. It Abraham Lincoln is handled, in this application, with a great variety Comer of Kane and State streets, of complex and omamental shapes." Burlington There was once a Lincoln Bixilding and Loan dered, whistles sounded. Two local men, W. H. Association in Racine. "Honest Abe's" name was Pugh and John H. Lewis, ascended into the bell no doubt used to inspire confidence in the finan­ tower of the Presbyterian Church and the tolling cial institution. Lincoln Contractors Supply Inc., of the bell echoed throughout the city. The city on the frontage road, was founded in 1954 on was filled with elation. Lincoln Avenue in West AlHs, WI. On the morning of April 15^, Racine was starting The Lincoln Lutheran system has grown since its its seventh day of celebration. Its 12,000 inhabi­ inception in 1954 when the vacant Lincoln Isola­ tants were still rejoicing over the newly estab­ tion Hospital was purchased by Lutheran Men of lished peace. C. F. Clement, U.S. telegrapher, America in Racine to provide care for the aged arrived at his telegraph office early that morning. and infirm. More and more victory news had been pouring in over the lines during the past few days and Clem­ Admired by people in all walks of life, Lincohi ent kept arriving at his post earlier and earlier as identified with the common man and common to not miss the slightest detail. However, on that looking people. He said "The Lord prefers particular morning victory news was not to be common looking people. That is the reason he had. Instead, the words translated "President Lin­ makes so many of them." coln has been killed!"

Happy Birthday, Mr. President. Clement, dumbfounded by the message, immedi­ ately rushed the news to Charles W. Fitch, pub­ lisher of the Racine JoumaL Instantly a one-page Barbara S. Walter extra was prepared.

The news that the president had been murdered spread rapidly throughout the five wards. By 9:30 the entire city was aware of the news and people Racine Numbed at News from all areas of the city wandered down onto Main Street where they descended on the Journal of Lincoln's Death offices. Not less than 500 people stood in the street and on the boardwalk below the offices, by Steven Rogstad then located on the second floor of a building that was situated on the east side of Main Street, One hundred and forty-three years ago, citizens of between 4*** and 5* streets (where J. C. Penney Racine plunged into a state of shock and disbelief used to be). Other groups surrounded the tele­ when they received an early morning telegram graph office and city bulletin boards. which stated that their dearly beloved president had been brutally murdered. The demand for the "extras" outnumbered the supply. The 8 x 12 inch "extras" were finally On April 14,1865, Abraham Lincoln, the presi­ dropped from the second story window to the dent who successfully struggled to save a country anxious crowd below, who hoarded over them that had been ripped in two by a civil war, was like hungry vultures. shot while he attended a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington D.C. He was carried across the Within the next two hours, Racine was trans­ street, lingered nine hours, and died. formed from a city of elation into one of dismal mourning. Businesses, churches, offices, and Lincoln was the first chief executive to ever fall at private homes wore crepe which was to remain the hand of an assassin and it caught Racine by hung for several weeks. Sadness over Lincoln's surprise. Since April 9*, the city had been cele­ passing caused the city to become enveloped by a brating the near-end of the war which claimed so deafening silence. many lives and which lasted four tedious years. When the news was received that Lee had surren­ Continued on page four Newly elected mayor, J. W. Hart, issued a proc­ heads" (Northem democrats who opposed the lamation requestmg the day of April 19* "to be Union's war policy and favored a negotiated consecrated as a day of Fasting and Prayer'* and peace) angered those who participated in the added that "oijr people meet at their respective ceremonies. A bartender at the Washington places of worship." In requesting their coopera­ House, who stated that he was glad Lincoln was tion. Mayor Hart stated that **the nation shot, was seizied, taken on a wagon to Market mourns—the people are in deep affliction and Square (Monument Square), and was moments sorrow for the death of our beloved President." from being himg when Thomas Falvey, recently defeated candidate for mayor, with the aid of The Circuit Court of Racine County resolved to Sheriff Frank Schneider and two other men, adjourn for one week due to the "consequences rescued the man from the angry mob and locked of the violent and shocking death of President him in the jail at the old Racine Courthouse for Lincoln." his own protection.

The Racine Advocate described the reaction of Another man was chased into an alley between citizens to the news in terms of disbelief The 4* and 5^ streets where he jumped into a large public hoped that new War Department releases crockery crate, pulled straw over his head, and would somehow disprove the already released remained hidden until nightfall. These types of reports that Lincoln was dead, and that it was all instances were few, however, and most people a grave mistake. However, when the news was were prostrate with sadness. confirmed, "men looked at each other in blank amazement, lips were compressed, and strange The great "Angel of Death" had spread her faces instinctively scrutinized," The Advocate wings over the city. Perhaps Sen. Doolittle, reported. Wisconsin's fourth U.S. Senator and a close friend of Lincoln who resided in Racine, said it The day of the 19**" was a solemn one in every best when he stated that "Abraham Lincoln is respect. The weather itself seemed to indicate dead. My soul is overwhelmed and would sink that something was wrong. By late morning, utterly, but that I know God lives, and our be­ rain was falling in such torrents that it seemed as loved country is in His holy keeping." if heaven itself were wringing its tears for the nation's fallen chief. However, hoop-skirted women, men, and children trod through the downpour to the various church services held. The entire city was draped with crepe, which now was literally dripping with grief Services Attempts were made to locate an original or a were held at St. Luke's Church, and the Baptist, copy of the April 15, 1865, "Extra" published by Methodist, Congregational, and Presb3^erian the Racine Journal, but with no success. If any churches combined theirs. Later in the evening of our readers know of one, please contact the the same foiu* churches joined together again in a editors. Union Prayer Service in which "the church was crowded to its utmost capacity, not even a stand­ ing place being left vacant," The Advocate re­ ported. It added that the services "extended be­ Racine City Directories yond the usual hour." Preservation Racine has been fortunate to receive many Racine City Directories from generous At the hour in which it was believed the funeral donors over the years. However, we are looking procession was proceeding to the Capitol from for the more recent directories to add to our the White House, bells tolled throughout the city. research materials. If you have any dkectories from 1994 to the present and are willing to Not everyone, however, was saddened by donate them to PR, please call our office and Lincoln's death. A small group of "Copper­ leave a message. Three Alarm Thank You November 4, 1985, monthly meeting at the fire­ house and view his eclectic collections.

July 24,2006, was a sad day for many when It was designated a Racine Landmark on July 21, Racine's Engine House No. 5, located at 300 1981. Fourth Street, was demolished to make way for the Journal Times exterior truck loading dock and employee parking spaces.

Recently, however, the purchase of Racine's Junction Engine House No. 1, located at 1412 Racine Street, by S.C. Johnson Inc. was welcome news, for the company has said that it has plans for its use. Spokeswoman Jennifer Taylor wrote to the Racine Post, "S.C. Johnson did purchase the firehouse in July and leased it back to the previous owner. When the lease expires, we plan to preserve the building as we believe it's a community treasure. At this time, we are imcertain of how the building will be used in the future but we do understand its importance and value to the community."

In his 1891 Annual Report to the City Council, Fire Marshall Daniel Abessor recommended that improvements be made to the Junction Engine House, located at 1506 Junction Avenue. Junction Engine House No. 1 The following year he suggested the construction 1412 Racine Street of a new firehouse, and the Board of Public Works found that the cost of remodeling the old President Lincoln's Cottage firehouse would be comparable to building a new one. On October 1,1894, a resolution was After a seven-year, $ 15 million restoration by approved for the construction of a new firehouse the National Trust for Historic Preservation, at a cost of $4,000. The location selected, at President Lincoln's Cottage is now open to the 1412 Racine Street, was about a block northeast public, giving Americans an intimate view of fi-om the old station. It served as the quarters for Lincoln's presidency and family life. Engine Co. 1 until 1968. The cottage, perched on the third highest spot in Engine House No. 1 is an excellent and unusual Washington D.C, three miles fi-omth e Capitol, example of Medieval Romanesque Revival was considered peacefiil and rural. It is located architecture. Its battlemented parapets, imposing on the grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement tower, Romanesque arched entry, and rusticated Home. Lincoln spent the summers of 1862-64 stonework give it a castle-like appearance. With living there, and it is the most significant historic its original doors and other details, it is the least site directly associated with Lincoln's presidency altered of Racine's early fire stations. aside from the White House.

Roger Olshanski purchased the Engine House in On July 7,2000, President Clinton declared the 1980 and has made it his home imtil it was re­ Lincoln Cottage and 2.3 acres of surroimding cently purchased by S.C. Johnson. Roger invited land the President Lincohi and Soldiers' Home Preservation Racine members to hold their National Monument. denticulated cornices, classic cartouche and From the President omamentation, and elliptical fanlight, it illustrates the style which was popularized by Preservation Racine's number one mission is to McKim, Mead, and White in the east and the save endangered buildings of historic, architec­ World's Columbian Exposition of 1893 in tural, or cultural importance. We have achieved Chicago. At the entryway, it interweaves two this objective in a number of ways including cre­ columned porticoes, the lower one bowing out ating pubhc awareness, working with the city, from the middle of a pillared porch and the taller and even purchase and restoration. Our direct one forming a two-story columned canopy involvement saved the Blake House, the Walker topped with a classical pediment. Among the House, Edward Jordan Hall, and more. house's many striking features are the parquet floors and the fleur-de-lis. An original mosaic Another historically significant house is threat­ tile floor leads to a quarter-sawn oak stairway ened, but this time it is not by the city or a devel­ sweeping elegantly upward to the second floor oper, instead by the need for an owner with the hallway. interest and capacity to restore it to its traditional beauty. A tough economy and housing market have left the house in critical need of a purchaser who Known as the Miller House, it is located at 1110 values its many qualities and wants to restore South Main Street in Racine and was built in it—inside and out. The once beautiful portico is 1898 (sleeping porch in 1916). The house was in dire need of repair. Its second-story wood owned by Cosie and Henry C. Miller. Henry exterior has not weathered winter's rain and was a member of a prominent Racine family. snow. Much of the interior still shadows its His father, Joseph, immigrated to the United previous elegance—from the grand staircase to States from Germany as a boy and established a the outline of what was once the third-story ball­ large shoe manufacturing company in 1857, J. room. As you walk through the house, you can Miller and Company. Henry served as factory almost hear the tum-of-the-century parties, the superintendent and later as vice president. civic leaders discussuig news of the day, and the warmth of the family that built and lived in it for Henry began construction of the house hi 1898 so many years. in anticipation of his marriage to Cosie Clark of Waukesha. They were married in 1900 and both Simply put, we need a hero who will step in and lived in the house until their deaths in 1928 and restore this house. Perhaps you have always 1946, respectively. The house remained in the been interested in putting your love of Racine's Miller family until its sale in 2003. history and ownership of a historic house into action. Perhaps you know of someone else who Demonstratmg the closeness of the Miller might share that interest. family, Henry built the house next door to that of his parents, and that can also be seen in the This is what Preservation Racine is all about. repeated use of the letter "M" on the outside of Our tours, our newsletters, our monthly meet­ the front door and on each step of the main stair­ ings. Century Building Awards, and more reach way. their greatest height when a historic house is saved. The Miller House is architecturally significant. It is one of the finest examples of Classical If you or someone you know might be interested, Revival style ui Racine. The house was please contact me or a board member as soon as designed by the Milwaukee architectural firm possible and we will give you contact informa­ of Crane and Barkhausen; Racme's Edmund tion. While we cannot advise you on the costs or Funston designed the sleeping porch. feasibility of restoration, we can say that this is a wonderfiil house of significant value that With its symmetrical facade, monumental Ionic deserves attention. portico, hipped roof, swan's neck dormers. As I always close these letters, to volunteer or let us know about endangered buildings, please Century Building Celebration contact me at [email protected] or feel free May is National Preservation Month, and the to contact any board member listed in this theme this year is This Place Matters. publication. Preservation Racine will celebrate National Pres­ Eric Marcus ervation Month by continuing its twenty-one year tradition of featuring Racine County build­ ings that are at least one hundred years old and honoring the owners who maintain, preserve, renovate, or restore them. Century Building Certificates will be presented to the owners of a dozen historic buildings.

The ceremony will be held on Monday, May 4, 2009, in the Great Hall at the The DeKoven Center. It will start at 6:30 p.m. with a reception honoring the building owners, followed by the program at 7:00 p.m.

Members are asked to please bring an appetizer or dessert for our reception table. Beverages will be provided. Cosie and Henry C. Miller House 1110 South Main Street Coming Up * Walk Wright In National Preservation Montli Theme: This Place Matters .' The 35* annual Wright Plus housewalk features May 2009 '•-^ rare interior tours of eight private homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and his contemporaries, Marcli Membership Meeting '''^• plus three landmark Wright buildings. Monday, March 2; 7 p.m. \- < :•:. First Class Seats, 566 State Street ' ... Enjoy an interpretation of each home's history and Picturing Racine's Past architecture, including a discussion of the lifestyle of the original occupants. Experience the mix of famed architectural styles lining the sfreets of Oak April Membership Meeting Park, and share in a fim-filled day with visitors Monday, April 6; 7 p.m. from around the world. Century Building Certificate Awards Monday, May 4; 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $80 for Frank Lloyd Wright Preserva­ Great Hall at the The DeKoven Center tion Trust members and $95 for nonmembers. Proceeds support the restoration, preservation, and Wright Plus education programs of the Frank Lloyd Wright Oak Park, Illinois Preservation Trust. Saturday, May 16 For additional information and a list of special Preservation Racine Tour of Historic Places events of the housewalk weekend, go to: Sunday, September 27; Noon to 5:30 p.m. www.GoWright.org and click on WRIGHT PLUS. of Hi Correction: After an article about PR's 2008 Tour of Historic Places appeared in Racine's Journal Times, Lee Roberts, who wrote the article, received a call firom Don Johnson, who said that a correction should be made regarding the Carlson House at 300 North Vincennes Circle (c. 1960), that Hans Geyer (1920-1978) was not the archi­ tect for the house. Lee Roberts contacted PR for an explanation and we have the following information to report:

Don Johnson was the carpenter/contractor of the house and he stated that John Halama, architect for S.C. Johnson, had designed it for Raymond Carlson, who was a vice president at SCJ. Don and Wolf Komdoerfer Sr. bid on the construction of the house and the bid was awarded to Don Johnson.

Don later went on to become an architect, and with Gordon Jensen and John Murphy formed the architectural firm of Architectural Associates.

Gordon Jensen worked with Hans Geyer for 25 years, beginning in 1952, and oversaw the construction of his projects. PR sought his opinion on the house at 300 North Vincennes Circle. He drove out to see it, walked around it, and said he could find nothing to suggest that Hans Geyer had anything to do with it. He also said that it was not unusual for John Halama to do work for some SCJ employees.

When PR was researching houses for its 2003 Tour of Historic Places, John Murphy provided a biography of Hans Geyer and a list of his "Signature Residential Projects" and a list of his "Signature Commercial/ Industrial/ Institutional Projects." 300 North Vincennes Circle is on the list of "Signature Residential Projects." For this reason, Preservation credited the house to Hans Geyer.

John Murphy was contacted but we have not yet heard from him.

Vivian Merlo Roberta Fiene 2008 Tour Co-Chairs

Energy Incentive Program

WE Energies offers energy incentive programs to assist eligible multi-family, non-profit/ charitable organiza­ tions, and small commercial customers. The programs are designed to assist customers in the implementation of projects that reduce electric demand and natural gas use. PR member Michael Rehberg, who also serves on the Blake House Committee, arranged for such an energy audit to take place at the Blake House on February 6, 2009. A crew of about ten workers worked from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The following were among the energy saving improvements made that day by the WE Energies crew: replace­ ment of about two dozen standard light bulbs with Energy Star qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs; replacement of shower heads and faucet aerators with low flow devices; sealing air leaks in the perimeter of the building and around all pipes and cables going in and out of the building by foaming or caulking where appropriate; replacing weather stripping on a number of doors; and foaming dryer vents and basement windows—all at no cost to Preservation Racine.

Michael said that he sees additional energy saving improvements that could be made, such as additional insulation in the attic, installing basement storm windows, and either removing or bagging window air conditioners for the heating season. Where Our Money Goes March Membership Meeting In October, on the heels of another successful "Picturing Racine's Past" historic tour. Preservation Racine's board voted to continue support of the Racine Heritage Do you think you know: Museum's archive by contributing $500. Archivist Dick Ammann reports that the money • Why people were "yelling and hooting" on has been used to purchase archival storage such as February 18,1904, in Racine? boxes and file folders. A video player was also purchased. • Where and what was the tallest building in Racine? Since PR members use the archive frequently and with such excellent results, it is our privilege to • Why was the original Hotel Racine contribute to preserving and maintaining its col­ demoHshedinl925? lection. Everyone will have the opportunity to participate in this interactive tour of Racine's past led by Eric Marcus, president of PR and instructor on Racine history at UW-Parkside. We will step into the -i. past through a series of photographs beginning

» 5i I \ when the first Native Americans came to Racine. We will meet Racine's pioneer and industrial in­ novators and arrive in the mid-1930s.

The meeting will be held on Monday, March 2nd, Survey Results 7 p.m., at First Class Seats, 566 State Street. Come prepared to have a good time as we test How should the City of Racine develop and invest your knowledge of Racine history. its resources over the next 25 years?

That is the question the Department of City Development is asking the public to help answer. Preservation Racine The City of Racine is updating its Comprehensive Plan. This long-range land use plan will guide Published quarterly by growth, development, and land use decisions in Preservation Racine, Inc. the city through the year 2035. An initial survey P. O. Box 383 has been completed to help guide the preparation Racine, WI 53401 of the city's comprehensive plan. Results of the survey can be found by clicking on the links at the President Eric Marcus end of the February 11, 2009, Plan Commission Vice President Rachel Westergren Agenda (http;//Iegistar.racme.org/meetings/ Secretary Pippin Michelli 2009/2/3542_A_City_Plan_Commission_ Treasurer Charles Rice 09-02-ll_Meeting^Agenda.pdf). NEWSLETTER More public input is very important. If you did not have the opportunity to take the survey, you Editors Roberta Fiene, Vivian Merlo, can still express your thoughts by writing or Barbara Walter, Mary Whitman emailing the Racine Department of City Develop­ ment. Please take this opportunity to review the Office: Blake House, 936 South Mam Street, material on the city website and send your com­ Racine, WI 53403 (262) 634-5748 ments to make sure your voice is heard. www.preservationracine. org

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