Hearthstone Historic House was the first private residence anywhere in the world to be illuminated using hydroelectricity from a central Edison system. It is the birthplace of green energy and where the phrase “turn on the lights” originated in daily use. It is the only building in North America still standing from the dawn of electricity. The residence contains the original Edison electroliers, original light switches, and some of the world's only examples of original Edison wiring in situ. And yet, it is much more. In addition to being on the National Register of Historic Places for its technological and historic significance, Hearthstone is listed for its architectural and artistic significance.
A William Waters design that epitomizes Queen Anne style and exudes architectural exuberance.
The residence, exhibiting an elite level of artistry in both its exterior and interior, is an exceptional representation of the Queen Anne style. The house was designed by William Waters, a nationally known 19th century architect who created over 700 buildings across Wisconsin and, notably, the state’s pavilion for the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. Remarkably, Hearthstone’s architecture remains unchanged since it was finished in 1882.
The residence exhibits almost all the character-defining features that are associated with Queen Anne style. From its generally asymmetrical design and two-and-a-half story height with irregular roof lines and steeply pitched gables to its almost organic style that was created from the inside out (its plan determining its outer shape), Hearthstone epitomizes the style in Wisconsin. Dominant features include its steep pitched transverse-gabled roof and its encircling veranda that covers all or part of the front facade including the front entry. Other salient features are its cross gabling, a variety of dormer sizes and styles, vertical design, a variety of arches and finishes, elaborate decorative millwork, and truly emblematic fenestration with its large single pane windows. All are hallmarks of Queen Anne style.
The exterior details are emphasized by a variety of surface textures created through use of shingling, vertical and horizontal areas which divide the facade, brick with limestone banding, half-timbering on the servants’ quarters, and wall and roof projections. Light and shadow, as they move over projections and roof variations during the day, create another level of surface texture.
Cutting edge design and artwork generating an opulent interior
Every aspect of the Aesthetic Movement interior reflects an unsurpassed level of design and richness of materials, finishes, and elements. However, the interior is also a harbinger of the Arts and Crafts movement with its local materials, worked by hand, to bring out their innate beauty.
The woodwork throughout the residence is stunning. Hearthstone has been handsomely appointed with elaborately carved wooden doors, door and window surrounds, twelve-foot coffered ceilings, mantles and overmantels – all done in bird’s eye maple, white oak, and cherry. Paneled wainscoting lines the walls of the grand hall, library, dining room, and formal stairway. Parquet floors, comprising all three woods, are found throughout the first floor. Importantly, all of the woodwork was craved by hand by one man - local artisan William Van Stratum who labored three years on the residence.
Both stained and etched glass decorate the upper portions of the three main entry doors. The south façade entry doors feature stained-glass panels recreated by the Chicago Glass Company using cutting edge technologies created by John La Farge, the “Father of American Stained-Glass.”
Literature themed ceramic tiles produced by the Minton Hollins & Company in Stoke-on-Trent, England, surround several nine coal-burning fireplaces.
The fireplace surround in the formal parlor is composed of ceramic tiles depicting a scene from Evangeline, a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. They were painted by renowned Green Bay, Wisconsin, artist Fredrika Crane.
A mural of an organic nature, attributed to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, artist John Franklin Waldo, adorns the upper walls and ceiling in the formal parlor. Waldo’s stencil work also decorates the dining room ceiling.
In all, both inside and out, Hearthstone is a testament to the high style, taste, and wealth of the Gilded Age.
Note on sources: The above is drawn from the residence’s 2014 application to the National Register of Historic Places and the 2010 Historic Structure Report.
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