Empson Report

Designating Historic Homes and Historic Districts.

Report to the Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission

by Donald Empson, Consultant

July 2006

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Empson Report

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION FUND SUPPORT

AND NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

This project has been financed in part with Federal funds from the National Park Service, Department of Interior, through the Minnesota Historical Society under provisions of the National Historic Preservation Act as amended. However the contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of the Interior, nor does the mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Department of the Interior. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the U.S. Department of Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, or handicap in its federally assisted program. If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity, or facility as described above, or if you desire further information, please write to: Office of Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C., 20240.

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Services to be provided under this contract:

1.) Prepare a plan that be used to designate significant historic structures within Stillwater. [web based list] 2.) Describe a plan that would best preserve the historic structures, landscape and neighborhoods of Stillwater. [Conservation district] 3.) Recommend and document neighborhoods that might be eligible for national or local designation as historic districts. In order to accomplish these services, it is expected that the consultant will: A.) Review Stillwater’s Historic Context Document and other historic research conducted in Stillwater or this area. B.) Evaluate the properties inventoried in previous surveys. C.) Work with SHPO.

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Empson Report

Designating Stillwater’s Historic Houses and Districts.

The purpose of identifying Stillwater’s historic homes and districts is:

A.) To acknowledge and reward those owners who have preserved or restored the integrity of their old houses. B.) To serve as an educational tool that will inspire and encourage other owners to preserve or restore the integrity of their old houses. C.) To preserve the historic neighborhoods—the defining characteristic of Stillwater—to ensure that Stillwater maintains its identity and appeal as a historic river city and tourist destination.

The three sections of this report deal with:

1.) Heirloom Houses. 2.) Landmark Houses and Sites. 3. ) Historic Districts.

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Empson Report

Heirloom Houses Because there is little staff or money available, administrative costs of

any historic houses designations process have to be kept at a minimum, and any process must require a minimum of time. Instead of the traditional method of identifying homes, using plaques and nominations—which require considerable and ongoing administrative support and H.P.C. oversight—I would like to suggest the following method:

1.) Creating a list of homes: a.) As the historical consultant, I have selected a list (attached) of homes in Stillwater that have a fair amount of their original design elements remaining. The list represents a variety of house styles, large and small, that are representative of nineteenth century Stillwater. The owners of these homes will have to be identified and sent a letter requesting their permission to use a photograph of their house along with the address of the house. Information about the history of the house can be added to the photograph. b.) Attached is a sample letter to the homeowners explaining the purpose in using their house, and further informing them that this is simply a way of promoting the preservation of the older houses in Stillwater: that there are no financial rewards, no grants or tax reductions, nothing other than the prestige of owning and maintaining an historic home in Stillwater. c.) Once we have the permission of the owner, the H.P.C. can work with Diane Ward to expand the city’s Heritage Preservation Web Page to include the photographs, addresses, and histories under the name “Heirloom Houses of Stillwater.” Because some of the owners of the selected houses may not respond, potential homeowners should continue to be contacted until we have an excellent selection on the web site. 2.) Preservation Program: a.) The same web page should contain selected excerpts from the various educational pamphlets on preserving an historic house, and have them posted as a link on the web site. Homeowners could then access information of preserving/restoring their old house. b.) Digital copies and an index to photographs of most of the old houses in Stillwater that were taken in 1976 as a River Town Restoration project are available. Those could also be put on the web site so owners could see what their house looked like 30 years ago.

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c.) Other links to restoration sites, including resources at the local library, the magazine Old House Journal, for example, could be included. Resources for restoration could be linked in. The neighborhood histories I have written could be linked in. d.) If there were staff or volunteers to do it, once a year someone could drive around with a laptop computer and check to see if any of the houses had been altered in such a way they should be removed from the web page. e.) Homeowners would be invited to submit an alternate photo for their house if they wished, or if a house has been restored, the homeowner could submit a photograph for a first time inclusion. If a homeowner wished to have his house included on the site, there would be a brief application form on the web site, and the H.P.C. could make a determination to include it or not. f.) The design guidelines for infill in the Conservation District could be included as a link on the web page, and they in turn linked to the educational material on the web site. g.) The H.P.C. could arrange a publicity bash announcing the web site; its address could be included in the city newsletter; realtors would be urged to use the information when selling one of these houses; tourists could be encouraged to use the web site before a visit, etc. etc.

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Empson Report

Sample Letter to Homeowners for Heirloom Homes

Dear Mr. and Mrs. (name from the tax record): The Heritage Preservation Commission of Stillwater is in the process of selecting homes within the old part of Stillwater that best represent the various architectural styles of the nineteenth century when Stillwater was a booming lumber industry city. Our main criteria are that the house retain many of its original characteristics: siding, windows, doors, porches, etc. so that it accurately represents the houses of that period a century ago. We are interested in all the types of old houses in Stillwater, not just the large houses or lumber baron mansions, but also the many workingman’s houses and those houses built by the middle class of that period. By selecting and identifying these “Heirloom Houses,” we hope to inform other homeowners on what constitutes an “historic” house and encourage others to preserve or restore the integrity of their home. This, we believe, will contribute to the enhancement and preservation of the old neighborhoods for which Stillwater is justly admired. With this criteria in mind, we have selected your house at ______(address)______________ as a typical example of a nineteenth century Stillwater house that still has much of its original integrity. With your permission, we would like to take a digital photograph of the exterior of your house and put it, along with the address and a short history of your house (when we have it), on our web page maintained by the city of Stillwater. Your house, along with the others, would be designated a “Stillwater Heirloom House.” Unfortunately at this time, there are no financial advantages for you as the owner of an Heirloom House on our web page. There are no tax breaks, no grant money available, nothing more than the prestige and personal satisfaction that owning an authentic Stillwater historic house might bring. If you have questions, please feel free to call or e-mail (?? )__________________ during the hours of __________________________. If you do agree to have your house used on our web site, please sign below and return this letter in the enclosed self-addressed, stamped envelope. I hereby give permission to the Heritage Preservation Commission of Stillwater to post a photograph of my house on their city web page including the address and a history of the house. I understand I can revoke this permission at any time, and the picture and information will be removed promptly. _____________________________________________________________________ (signed)

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Empson Report

Sample Application Letter for “Heirloom House” Designation

(to be on the web site) I would like to have the Heritage Preservation Commission of Stillwater consider my house for designation on its web site as a Heirloom House of Stillwater. I understand there is no financial compensation for this designation. Name_____________________________________________ Address____________________________________________________ Do you know the history of your home?_______________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Why do you think your house should be included on the web site as a Heirloom House? _____________________________________________________ Please submit this form to the Heritage Preservation Commission, (address,) etc. Thank you for your interest in our program. If you would like to be present at the discussion of your application, please check here ____ and we will notify you. If you have questions, please contact: (?) at telephone/e-mail.

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Empson Report

Timeline for establishing the “Heirloom Home” program.

1.) H.P.C. and staff, working with a consultant, agree on the terms of the proposal. Consultant submits a list of houses that would qualify; [Done] 2.) H.P.C. presents the proposal to the city council and receives their permission to approach the homeowners; 3.) Consultant works with city staff to outline, prepare web page; 4.) H.P.C. submits a news release in the local newspapers explaining the program; 5.) With the help of the consultant, the first letters to homeowners are prepared and mailed out—along with a copy of the newspaper story. When permissions are received, consultant will prepare photo, history, and submit to city staff for inclusion on the web page. Photos may have to be taken by a professional photographer. 6.) After a month or two of sending out the first batch of letters, consultant will prepare another listing of potential houses—depending on how many responded to the first letter—and letters will be sent to those homeowners; 7.) Consultant will gather additional materials and links for the web page; 8.) Within a year, hopefully, the web page would be up and running, fairly complete.

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Empson Report

List of Heirloom Homes

These approximately 370 homes have been selected because I felt they had a strong sense of their original integrity—at least when viewed from one selected angle. Some of them have been restored; others have suffered from neglect. I felt it important that as many houses as possible be identified so their owners were rewarded for even the minimum restoration efforts they had made, as well as trying to include the owners in the overall preservation community. Anyone could question any one of these selections, and indeed, I could probably question myself over any one of these selections. But I believe most people would agree with most of my selections.

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Empson Report

Anderson St. W. 0705 Anderson St. W. 0711 Anderson St. W. 0712 Anderson St. W. 0723 Anderson St. W. 0804 Anderson St. W. 0823 Broadway N. 1012 Broadway N. 1110 Broadway N. 1116 Broadway N. 1204 Broadway N. 1812 Broadway N. 2007 Broadway N. 2016 Broadway S. 0430 Broadway S. 0437 Broadway S. 0438 Broadway S. 0441 Broadway S. 0445 Broadway S. 0515 Broadway S. 0516 Broadway S. 0521 Broadway S. 0607 Broadway S. 0615 Broadway S. 0620 Broadway S. 0654 Broadway S. 0660 Burlington St. E. 0103 Burlington St. E. 0201 Burlington St. E. 0207 Burlington St. E. 0311 Burlington St. E. 0319 Burlington St. E. 0608 Cherry St. E. 0110 Cherry St. E. 0113 Cherry St. W. 0111 Cherry St. W. 0118 Cherry St. W. 0204 Cherry St. W. 0212 Cherry St. W. 0221

Cherry St. W. 0451 Chestnut St. E. 0120 Chestnut St. E. 0205 Chestnut St. E. 0208 Chestnut St. E. 0220 Chestnut St. E. 0225 Churchill St. W. 0319 Churchill St. W. 0404 Churchill St. W. 0416 Churchill St. W. 0424 Churchill St. W. 0505 Churchill St. W. 0514 Churchill St. W. 0521 Churchill St. W. 0611 Churchill St. W. 0615 Churchill St. W. 0702 Churchill St. W. 0706 Churchill St. W. 0709 Churchill St. W. 0719 Churchill St. W. 0805 Churchill St. W. 0912 Elm Street W. 0213 Elm Street W. 0214 Elm Street W. 0313 Elm Street W. 0321 Elm Street W. 0412 Elm Street W. 0422 Elm Street W. 0502 Elm Street W. 0522 Elm Street W. 0621 Everett St. N. 0110 Everett St. N. 0116 Everett St. N. 0126 Everett St. N. 0202 Everett St. N. 0208 Everett St. N. 0210 Everett St. N. 0219 Everett St. N. 0222 Everett St. N. 0228 Everett St. N. 0231

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Empson Report

Everett St. N. 0502 Everett St. N. 0515 Everett St. N. 0920 Everett St. N. 0924 Fifth Avenue S. 0918 Fifth Avenue S. 1023 Fifth Avenue S. 1319 Fifth Street N. 0301 Fifth Street N. 0512 Fifth Street N. 0602 Fifth Street N. 0610 Fifth Street N. 0611 Fifth Street N. 0626 Fifth Street N. 0816 Fifth Street N. 1003 Fifth Street N. 1015 Fifth Street N. 1016 Fifth Street S. 0206 Fifth Street S. 0225 Fifth Street S. 0309 Fifth Street S. 0516 Fifth Street S. 0712 Fifth Street S. 0718 Fifth Street S. 0804 Fifth Street S. 0824 Fifth Street S. 0908 Fifth Street S. 0921 Fifth Street S. 1003 Fifth Street S. 1016 Fifth Street S. 1104 Fifth Street S. 1124 Fifth Street S. 1209 Fifth Street S. 1316 Fifth Street S. 1426 First Street N. 1011 First Street N. 1015 First Street N. 1016 First Street N. 1024 First Street N. 1104 First Street N. 1109

First Street N. 1120 First Street N. 1214 First Street N. 1304 First Street N. 1406 First Street N. 1908 First Street N. 1924 First Street S. 0703 First Street S. 0704 First Street S. 0709 First Street S. 0711 First Street S. 0717 First Street S. 0720 First Street S. 0915 First Street S. 0917 First Street S. 0919 First Street S. 0923 First Street S. 1002 First Street S. 1007 First Street S. 1013 First Street S. 1103 First Street S. 1104 First Street S. 1108 First Street S. 1112 First Street S. 1204 First Street S. 1205 First Street S. 1212 First Street S. 1214 First Street S. 1217 First Street S. 1226 First Street S. 1303 First Street S. 1312 First Street S. 1318 First Street S. 1321 First Street S. 1322 First Street S. 1325 First Street S. 1334 First Street S. 1336 First Street S. 1340 First Street S. 1346 Fourth Avenue S. 1006 Fourth Avenue S. 1030

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Empson Report

Fourth Avenue S. 1213 Fourth Avenue S. 1222 Fourth Avenue S. 1312 Fourth Avenue S. 1316 Fourth Street N. 0303 Fourth Street N. 0306 Fourth Street N. 0314 Fourth Street N. 0320 Fourth Street N. 0402 Fourth Street N. 0410 Fourth Street N. 0414 Fourth Street N. 0420 Fourth Street N. 0424 Fourth Street N. 0503 Fourth Street N. 0604 Fourth Street N. 0614 Fourth Street N. 0701 Fourth Street N. 0703 Fourth Street N. 0713 Fourth Street N. 0718 Fourth Street N. 0806 Fourth Street N. 0820 Fourth Street N. 0821 Fourth Street N. 0903 Fourth Street N. 0906 Fourth Street N. 0921 Fourth Street N. 1112 Fourth Street N. 1117 Fourth Street N. 1410 Fourth Street S. 0117 Fourth Street S. 0119 Fourth Street S. 0316 Fourth Street S. 0424 Fourth Street S. 0518 Fourth Street S. 0601 Fourth Street S. 0604 Fourth Street S. 0607 Fourth Street S. 0713 Fourth Street S. 0715 Fourth Street S. 0719 Fourth Street S. 0807 Fourth Street S. 0816

Fourth Street S. 0817 Fourth Street S. 0820 Fourth Street S. 0916 Fourth Street S. 1010 Fourth Street S. 1022 Fourth Street S. 1112 Fourth Street S. 1206 Fourth Street S. 1222 Fourth Street S. 1303 Fourth Street S. 1309 Fourth Street S. 1312 Greeley St. N. 0118 Greeley St. N. 0126 Greeley St. N. 0213 Greeley St. N. 0214 Greeley St. N. 0225 Greeley St. N. 0304 Greeley St. N. 0308 Greeley St. N. 0312 Greeley St. N. 0401 Greeley St. N. 0408 Greeley St. N. 0416 Greeley St. N. 0420 Greeley St. N. 0424 Greeley St. N. 0504 Greeley St. S. 0212 Greeley St. S. 0401 Greeley St. S. 0407 Greeley St. S. 0413 Greeley St. S. 0701 Greeley St. S. 0914 Greeley St. S. 1006 Hancock St. W. 0421 Harriet St. N. 0115 Harriet St. N. 0122 Harriet St. N. 0212 Harriet St. N. 0216 Harriet St. N. 0224 Harriet St. S. 0102

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Empson Report

Harriet St. S. 0105 Harriet St. S. 0112 Harriet St. S. 0414 Harriet St. S. 0418 Harriet St. S. 0513 Hazel St. W. 0101 Hickory St. W. 0302 Hickory St. W. 0308 Hickory St. W. 0312 Hickory St. W. 0314 Hickory St. W. 0318 Hickory St. W. 0319 Hickory St. W. 0323 Hickory St. W. 0404 Hickory St. W. 0406 Hickory St. W. 0410 Hickory St. W. 0504 Hickory St. W. 0512 Hickory St. W. 0520 Hickory St. W. 0522 Hickory St. W. 0622 Hickory St. W. 0703 Hickory St. W. 0709 Hickory St. W. 0712 Hickory St. W. 0718 Hickory St. W. 0823 Hickory St. W. 0917 Holcombe St. S. 0122 Holcombe St. S. 0136 Holcombe St. S. 0316 Holcombe St. S. 0320 Holcombe St. S. 0418 Holcombe St. S. 0510 Holcombe St. S. 0705 Holcombe St. S. 1016 Laurel St. E. 0107 Laurel St. W. 0215 Laurel St. W. 0222 Laurel St. W. 0309

Laurel St. W. 0313 Laurel St. W. 0317 Laurel St. W. 0318 Laurel St. W. 0320 Laurel St. W. 0321 Laurel St. W. 0323 Laurel St. W. 0401 Laurel St. W. 0404 Laurel St. W. 0406 Laurel St. W. 0407 Laurel St. W. 0408 Laurel St. W. 0417 Laurel St. W. 0423 Laurel St. W. 0424 Laurel St. W. 0501 Laurel St. W. 0502 Laurel St. W. 0506 Laurel St. W. 0509 Laurel St. W. 0515 Laurel St. W. 0516 Laurel St. W. 0519 Laurel St. W. 0522 Laurel St. W. 0527 Laurel St. W. 0601 Laurel St. W. 0702 Laurel St. W. 0706 Laurel St. W. 0712 Laurel St. W. 0716 Laurel St. W. 0912 Linden St. E. 0114 Linden St. E. 0115 Linden St. W. 0117 Linden St. W. 0122 Linden St. W. 0217 Linden St. W. 0407 Linden St. W. 0410 Linden St. W. 0411 Linden St. W. 0424 Linden St. W. 0614 Linden St. W. 0703 Linden St. W. 0717

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Empson Report

Maple St. W. 0212 Maple St. W. 0218 Maple St. W. 0316 Maple St. W. 0317 Maple St. W. 0319 Maple St. W. 0323 Maple St. W. 0324 Maple St. W. 0408 Maple St. W. 0409 Maple St. W. 0410 Maple St. W. 0415 Maple St. W. 0418 Maple St. W. 0502 Maple St. W. 0506 Maple St. W. 0522 Maple St. W. 0603 Maple St. W. 0604 Maple St. W. 0607 Maple St. W. 0614 Maple St. W. 0615 Maple St. W. 0616 Maple St. W. 0619 Maple St. W. 0620 Maple St. W. 0621 Maple St. W. 0701 Maple St. W. 0703 Maple St. W. 0707 Maple St. W. 0714 Maple St. W. 0715 Maple St. W. 0719 Maple St. W. 0814 Maple St. W. 0815 Maple St. W. 0819 Maple St. W. 0901 Maple St. W. 0902 Maple St. W. 0916 Marsh Street E. 0205 Martha St. N. 0121 Martha St. N. 0125 Martha St. N. 0126 Martha St. N. 0201 Martha St. N. 0202

Martha St. N. 0207 Martha St. N. 0209 Martha St. N. 0210 Martha St. N. 0215 Martha St. N. 0218 Martha St. N. 0219 Martha St. N. 0224 Martha St. N. 0228 Martha St. N. 0232 Martha St. N. 0238 Martha St. N. 0702 Martha St. N. 0712 Martha St. N. 0714 Martha St. N. 0720 Martha St. N. 0724 Martha St. N. 1322 Martha St. N. 1422 Martha St. S. 0114 Martha St. S. 0414 Martha St. S. 0505 Martha St. S. 0511 Mulberry St. W. 0406 Mulberry St. W. 0414 Mulberry St. W. 0415 Mulberry St. W. 0422 Mulberry St. W. 0424 Mulberry St. W. 0504 Mulberry St. W. 0704 Mulberry St. W. 0718 Mulberry St. W. 0817 Mulberry St. W. 1109 Myrtle St. E. 0109 Myrtle St. W. 0115 Myrtle St. W. 0117 Myrtle St. W. 0221 Myrtle St. W. 0301 Myrtle St. W. 0315 Myrtle St. W. 0320 Myrtle St. W. 0321 Myrtle St. W. 0424

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Empson Report

Myrtle St. W. 0513 Myrtle St. W. 0617 Myrtle St. W. 0618 Myrtle St. W. 0717 Myrtle St. W. 0719 Myrtle St. W. 0804 Myrtle St. W. 0808 Myrtle St. W. 0917 Myrtle St. W. 1018 Oak St. W. 0507 Oak St. W. 0517 Oak St. W. 0518 Oak St. W. 0522 Oak St. W. 0606 Oak St. W. 0703 Oak St. W. 0704 Oak St. W. 0717 Oak St. W. 0721 Oak St. W. 0724 Oak St. W. 0824 Oak St. W. 1008 Oak St. W. 1015 Oak St. W. 1118 Olive St. W. 0117 Olive St. W. 0220 Olive St. W. 0303 Olive St. W. 0306 Olive St. W. 0315 Olive St. W. 0318 Olive St. W. 0332 Olive St. W. 0406 Olive St. W. 0504 Olive St. W. 0510 Olive St. W. 0518 Olive St. W. 0519 Olive St. W. 0601 Olive St. W. 0602 Olive St. W. 0609 Olive St. W. 0613 Olive St. W. 0617 Olive St. W. 0622 Olive St. W. 0623

Olive St. W. 0713 Olive St. W. 0717 Olive St. W. 0721 Olive St. W. 0804 Olive St. W. 0809 Olive St. W. 0813 Olive St. W. 0814 Olive St. W. 1001 Olive St. W. 1007 Olive St. W. 1018 Olive St. W. 1203 Olive St. W. 1211 Olive St. W. 1212 Owens St. N. 0104 Owens St. N. 0112 Owens St. N. 0115 Owens St. N. 0118 Owens St. N. 0125 Owens St. N. 0126 Owens St. N. 0204 Owens St. N. 0214 Owens St. N. 0230 Owens St. N. 0301 Owens St. N. 0302 Owens St. N. 0312 Owens St. N. 0315 Owens St. N. 0404 Owens St. N. 0409 Owens St. N. 0416 Owens St. N. 0420 Owens St. N. 0423 Owens St. N. 0424 Owens St. N. 0505 Owens St. N. 0513 Owens St. N. 0618 Owens St. N. 0704 Owens St. N. 0716 Owens St. N. 0813 Owens St. N. 0820 Owens St. N. 0823 Owens St. N. 1114 Owens St. S. 0108

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Empson Report

Owens St. S. 0109 Owens St. S. 0118 Owens St. S. 0121 Owens St. S. 0415 Pine St. E. 0109 Pine St. E. 0119 Pine St. E. 0123 Pine St. W. 0407 Pine St. W. 0411 Pine St. W. 0415 Pine St. W. 0421 Pine St. W. 0422 Pine St. W. 0429 Pine St. W. 0504 Pine St. W. 0506 Pine St. W. 0519 Pine St. W. 0520 Pine St. W. 0604 Pine St. W. 0620 Pine St. W. 0703 Pine St. W. 0704 Pine St. W. 0717 Pine St. W. 0718 Pine St. W. 0728 Pine St. W. 0801 Pine St. W. 0811 Pine St. W. 0821 Pine St. W. 0901 Pine St. W. 0904 Pine St. W. 0917 Rice Street W. 0426 Rice Street W. 0612 Rice Street W. 0618 Rice Street W. 0619 Rice Street W. 0620 School St. E. 0116 School St. W. 0102 School St. W. 0108 School St. W. 0114

School St. W. 0118 Schulenburg Alley 2011 Schulenburg Alley 2017 Schulenburg Alley 2023 Schulenburg Alley 2103 Second St. N. 0302 Second St. N. 0320 Second St. N. 0516 Second St. N. 1003 Second St. N. 1007 Second St. N. 1008 Second St. N. 1101 Second St. N. 1106 Second St. N. 1111 Second St. N. 1116 Second St. N. 1124 Second St. N. 1901 Second St. S. 0437 Second St. S. 0509 Second St. S. 0516 Second St. S. 0517 Second St. S. 0520 Second St. S. 0655 Second St. S. 0663 Second St. S. 0704 Second St. S. 0708 Second St. S. 0712 Second St. S. 0717 Second St. S. 0806 Second St. S. 0808 Second St. S. 0814 Second St. S. 0815 Second St. S. 0819 Second St. S. 0822 Second St. S. 0903 Second St. S. 0904 Second St. S. 0905 Second St. S. 0910 Second St. S. 0914 Second St. S. 0915 Second St. S. 1004

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Empson Report

Second St. S. 1007 Second St. S. 1008 Second St. S. 1012 Second St. S. 1018 Second St. S. 1102 Second St. S. 1111 Second St. S. 1112 Second St. S. 1214 Second St. S. 1215 Second St. S. 1218 Second St. S. 1224 Second St. S. 1304 Second St. S. 1305 Second St. S. 1311 Second St. S. 1312 Second St. S. 1323 Second St. S. 1330 Second St. S. 1337 Second St. S. 1338 Second St. S. 1341 Seventh St. S. 0702 Seventh St. S. 0715 Seventh St. S. 0719 Seventh St. S. 0722 Seventh St. S. 0812 Seventh St. S. 0817 Seventh St. S. 0923 Seventh St. S. 1013 Seventh St. S. 1017 Sherburne St. N. 0104 Sherburne St. N. 0106 Sherburne St. N. 0110 Sherburne St. N. 0121 Sherburne St. N. 0126 Sherburne St. N. 0203 Sherburne St. N. 0212 Sherburne St. N. 0225 Sherburne St. N. 0233 Sherburne St. N. 0307 Sherburne St. N. 0317 Sherburne St. S. 0106

Sherburne St. S. 0114 Sherburne St. S. 0118 Sherburne St. S. 0415 Sixth Avenue S. 0812 Sixth Avenue S. 0816 Sixth Avenue S. 0822 Sixth Avenue S. 0907 Sixth Avenue S. 0911 Sixth Avenue S. 0915 Sixth Avenue S. 0919 Sixth Avenue S. 0924 Sixth Avenue S. 0931 Sixth Avenue S. 1002 Sixth Avenue S. 1342 Sixth Avenue S. 1346 Sixth Street S. 0102 Sixth Street S. 0108 Sixth Street S. 0116 Sixth Street S. 0121 Sixth Street S. 0122 Sixth Street S. 0201 Sixth Street S. 0207 Sixth Street S. 0211 Sixth Street S. 0212 Sixth Street S. 0302 Sixth Street S. 0310 Sixth Street S. 0318 Sixth Street S. 0326 Sixth Street S. 0330 Sixth Street S. 0402 Sixth Street S. 0411 Sixth Street S. 0418 Sixth Street S. 0428 Sixth Street S. 0432 Sixth Street S. 0504 Sixth Street S. 0512 Sixth Street S. 0522 Sixth Street S. 0715 Sixth Street S. 0719 Sixth Street S. 0810 Sixth Street S. 0813 Sixth Street S. 0902

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Empson Report

Sixth Street S. 0916 Sixth Street S. 1004 Sixth Street S. 1211 Sixth Street S. 1215 St. Croix St. E. 0203 St. Croix St. W. 0210 St. Croix St. W. 0215 St. Croix St. W. 0314 St. Croix St. W. 0518 Stillwater St. E. 0204 Stillwater St. E. 0214 Stillwater St. W. 0214 Stillwater St. W. 0220 Stillwater St. W. 0314 Sycamore St. W. 0302 Sycamore St. W. 0306 Sycamore St. W. 0402 Sycamore St. W. 0510 Third Street S. 0916 Third Street N. 0219 Third Street N. 0411 Third Street N. 0415 Third Street N. 0419 Third Street N. 0423 Third Street N. 0424 Third Street N. 0517 Third Street N. 0518 Third Street N. 0703 Third Street N. 0713 Third Street N. 0718 Third Street N. 0721 Third Street N. 0722 Third Street N. 0804 Third Street N. 0805 Third Street N. 0903 Third Street N. 0920 Third Street N. 1022

Third Street N. 1120 Third Street N. 1124 Third Street N. 1203 Third Street N. 1207 Third Street S. 0302 Third Street S. 0315 Third Street S. 0324 Third Street S. 0400 Third Street S. 0402 Third Street S. 0505 Third Street S. 0509 Third Street S. 0519 Third Street S. 0618 Third Street S. 0622 Third Street S. 0628 Third Street S. 0712 Third Street S. 0718 Third Street S. 0804 Third Street S. 0805 Third Street S. 0807 Third Street S. 0808 Third Street S. 0811 Third Street S. 0814 Third Street S. 0822 Third Street S. 0906 Third Street S. 0907 Third Street S. 0913 Third Street S. 0918 Third Street S. 0919 Third Street S. 0920 Third Street S. 1002 Third Street S. 1006 Third Street S. 1013 Third Street S. 1014 Third Street S. 1019 Third Street S. 1022 Third Street S. 1103 Third Street S. 1104 Third Street S. 1110 Third Street S. 1115 Third Street S. 1120 Third Street S. 1206 Third Street S. 1209

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Empson Report

Third Street S. 1215 Willard St. W. 0215 Third Street S. 1224 Willard St. W. 0421 Third Street S. 1303 Willard St. W. 0511 Third Street S. 1309 Willard St. W. 0519 Third Street S. 1314 Willard St. W. 0521 Third Street S. 1320 Willard St. W. 0609 Third Street S. 1342 Willard St. W. 0719 Willard St. W. 0846 Third Avenue S. 1224 Willard St. W. 0903 Walnut St. E. 0206 William St. N. 0316 Walnut St. E. 0210 William St. N. 0404 William St. N. 0502 Wilkin St. E. 0106 William St. N. 0504 William St. N. 0715 Wilkin St. W. 0304 William St. N. 0723 Wilkin St. W. 0310 William St. N. 0724 Wilkin St. W. 0324 William St. N. 0812 Wilkin St. W. 0402 William St. N. 0913 Wilkin St. W. 0406 William St. N. 1219 Wilkin St. W. 0505 William St. N. 1411 Wilkin St. W. 0517 Wilkin St. W. 0523 William St. S. 0402 Wilkin St. W. 0610 William St. S. 0410 Wilkin St. W. 0614 William St. S. 0418 Willard St. E. 0203 Willow St. E. 0125

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Stillwater Landmark Sites Landmark Houses and Sites are the finest old houses and the most remarkable sites in Stillwater. They have architectural integrity and they have a strong connection to the history of Stillwater. These are sites I believe might be eligible (or are already on) the National Register of Historic Places under Criteria A, (significant happening), Criteria B (significant people), or Criteria C (significant architecture.) In Stillwater the choice has been made to maintain a Stillwater (local) version of the National Register, rather than seeking National Register designation of our local sites. These homes and sites designated as “Stillwater Landmark” sites, would be subject to review under Section 22-7, Subd 6 (1) of Stillwater’s Heritage Preservation Ordinance. Under the rules of the National Register, a site may not be designated without the permission of the owner. I would suggest that same rule be applied to these “Stillwater Landmark” sites. No doubt some owners may not wish their property designated a “Stillwater Landmark,” because of the restrictions (real or imagined) and review that would be placed on these sites. In those cases where the owner will not consent to the “Landmark” status, I would urge that these sites be added on the “Heirloom House” list. This list is by no means inclusive. The surveys of the South, West and North hill did not go into detail on individual houses, so further research should be done. For information on these sixty-one sites, I relied primarily on two sources: 1.) the previous Stillwater surveys I have done, 2.) a survey done under the auspices of River Town Restoration in 1976: Stillwater’s Lumber—Boom Architecture: An Annotated Photographic Essay by Paul Clifford Larson. Larson’s survey can be found in the Stillwater Public Library. This listing contains only a minimum of information on each “Stillwater Landmark;” additional information can be found in the two sources just listed. If the site is to be listed as a “Stillwater Landmark,” and the owner has agreed, additional research may have to be done on some of these sites. Most of Stillwater’s grand “lumber baron” mansions were demolished in the 1900-1930 period. The Hospes mansion on North First Street, the Sabin Mansion on North Third, the Marsh Mansion on South Broadway, the Staples Mansion on what is now Pioneer Park are only a few examples. I have tried to include a representative sampling of those large impressive

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houses remaining, but I have also tried to include a few “working man’s” houses, and the kind of homes ordinary people lived in. To begin this program of Landmark Sites, the H.P.C. must agree on a listing of potential sites. a.) I would recommend a pamphlet or brochure be prepared explaining the program. Owners of the sites should be contacted in person to discuss the program and given a copy of the brochure. Follow up calls should be made to answer any questions. b.) If the owner agrees in writing (there should be some kind of contract with the city, I believe), the exterior (and maybe interior) of the house should be photographed for future reference. c.) Like the Heirloom Houses, these Landmark Sites could be included on the H.P.C. web page. d.) The building department should be notified so that any permits for these sites are first routed to the H.P.C. Like the Heirloom Houses, information on the history of the Landmark Sites could be included on the web site along with links to the National Register and other pertinent sites. e.) These Landmark Sites could be the source of a brochure about historic Stillwater. 1.) 805 Abbott Street. Janda House. Generally known as the “Janda” house, this home was built in 1880 by Peter and Mary Jourdain; he was a wealthy lumberman. In 1923, the Jourdain family sold the house to Louis and Mary Janda, owners of a department store in downtown Stillwater. This commodious and fancy house in an Eastlake Stick style with its profusion of roof lines, and estate occupying six lots, remains nearly as original as it was over a century ago. More information can be found in Empson: Holcombe Additions Survey and Larson. 2.) 706 West Anderson Street. Hanley House. This wonderful stone house (the only one in Stillwater) was built about 1862 by Michael and Mary Hanley. He was a local stonemason who helped in the building of St. Michael’s Church. Like others in the neighborhood, it was

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the type of small home built by families around the time of the Civil War. For more information, see Empson: Holcombe Additions survey. 3.) 12588 Boutwell Road. Boutwell House. Rev. William T. Boutwell, and his wife, Hester Crooks (daughter of Ramsey Crooks) are figures of statewide significance. Born in New Hampshire, William came to the Northwest in 1831 as a Protestant missionary. He was with Schoolcraft at the discovery of the source of the Mississippi River and supplied the name Itasca. He later served as a missionary to the Ojibway moving to the Stillwater area in 1847. The present Boutwell house at this address appears to date from the 1870’s. 4.) Across from 12588 Boutwell Road. Boutwell Cemetery. The Boutwell Cemetery, containing members of the Boutwell Family, is owned by the Washington County Historical Society. 5.) 1122 North Broadway. Carli House. This house was built by Christopher H. Carli, Jr. (the son of Stillwater pioneers Lydia and Christopher Carli) in 1886. Christopher, along with his mother, operated the north hill quarry along the east side of North Broadway, a quarry which supplied much of the stone used in nineteenth century Stillwater. The house has only had two owners, and remains in very original condition; it is an excellent example of a middle class home of the period. More information can be found in Empson: South Half of the Carli & Schulenburg Addition survey. 6.) 651 South Broadway. Castle House. Luke B. Castle was one of the pioneers of Stillwater, who came to Stillwater in 1867 where he worked in a variety of occupations. His house was built in 1879 upon land purchased from Fayette and Emma Marsh. In the 1930’s, after the house went into foreclosure, a large two story addition was removed from the back of the house. Although not as elaborate as some of the neighboring homes, this house does have a sense of integrity. Many people know Brad Castle, Luke’s grandson. 7.) 435 South Broadway. Webster House. This early cube Italianate house, said to be built in 1862, is capped by the only cupola left in the city. The location offered the builder, Mortimer Webster, a stunning view of the riverscape. This house is on the National Register of Historic Places. More information can be found in Larson’s book. 8.) 117 East Burlington Street. Welshons House. Gordon Welshons was the owner of St. Croix Lumber Company in Bayport when this house was built in 1887 and remodeled in 1902.

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Mahogany wainscoting lines the dining room, seven rooms have parquet floors, and the walls were originally covered with hand-painted papers and gold leaf. There are still members of the Welshons family in Stillwater. More information can be found in Larson’s book. 9.) 618 East Burlington Street. Brown House. Built in 1874 by Edward Brown, partner in the Hersey, Bean & Brown Mill below the bluff, this stately house has both Greek Revival and Italianate characteristics. More information can be found in Empson: Hersey, Staples & Co. Addition survey. 10.) 106 East Chestnut Street. Cutler House. This elaborate Italianate house (which has a large modern addition as an ell) was built in 1868-1869. The Republican newspaper called it “a fine residence” and a “Minneapolis house.” At the time it was built, it was on the western edge of downtown. For more information, see Larson. 11.) 114 East Chestnut Street. Brunswick House. Some claim this is the oldest house in Stillwater, built by Carl Penny about 1849 when it served as the IOOF lodge. However, Larson places the building as having been built in 1856, which would place it among the earlier houses of the city, but not the first. For more information, see Larson. 12.) 208 West Chestnut Street. Nichols House. Built as a countrified Gothic Revival parsonage in 1857, this house with its steep gables, fanciful vergeboards, and picturesque profile is one of Stillwater’s gems. For more information, see Larson. 13.) 220 West Chestnut. James S. Anderson House. This Greek Revival house perched on the edge of the cliff is surely one of the earliest houses in the city, but it requires more research. It is mentioned in the South Hill survey. 14.) 622 West Churchill Street. Mulvey House. Built in 1878 by James and Miranda Mulvey, this impressive Italianate house serves as a B & B today. Mulvey was a lumberman, and the family lived in the house for three-quarters of a century. More information can be found in Empson: Holcombe’s Additions survey and Larson. 15.) 717 West Churchill Street. Warner House This charming residence, built before Minnesota became a state, is one of the gems of the city. With its broadside symmetrical front to the street, and its Greek Revival return eaves, it is representative of the small houses in which the majority of the population of Stillwater lived 145 years ago. 706

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West Churchill and 310 West Churchill are other examples of small pre-Civil War homes. More information can be found in Empson: Holcombe’s Additions survey. 16.) 404 West Elm Street. Berglund House. This house, built in 1887, was the home of Sven Berglund, a Swedish carpenter, who later formed the Stillwater Manufacturing Company. Both the house, a Queen Anne style, and its owner are significant history in Stillwater. More information can be found in Larson. 17.) 625 North Fifth Street. Sauntry Gym. Inspired by William Sauntry’s tour of the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, this “Moorish Palace” was the most fantastic of all Stillwater’s lumberman’s fantasies. The building, now a residence, once contained a conservatory, bowling alley, and swimming pool. 18.) 407 South Fifth Street. St. Mary’s parish house. This neat brick house, associated with the church next door, looks to have been built about 1870-1880. While little is known about his residence, further research would, I am sure, justify its inclusion as a Stillwater Landmark. 19.) 416 South Fifth Street. Seward House. Built about 1886, Larson writes: “In a city filled with architectural eccentricities, this is perhaps the most peculiar of all. Built when cupolas and square towers were well past their zenith in house fashions, it pushes each form in directions that would have horrified the designers of ‘correct’ Italianate dwellings.” Victor and Elizabeth Seward were publishers of a Stillwater newspaper. For more information, see Larson. 20.) 504 South Fifth Street. Jenks House. Austin and Harriet Jenks had this brick home built in 1880. Its tall windows and corner tower recall the Italianate villas of the 1860s. Captain Jenks was active in the lumber trade. On the National Register. For more information, see Larson, nomination forms. 21.) 1018 South First Street. Nelson School. Named for early pioneer and landowner, Socrates Nelson, this “modern” school was opened in 1897. Almost demolished in the 1970s, today the school is divided into condominiums. On the National Register. For more information, see Empson: Churchill, Nelson & Slaughter’s Addition survey, nomination forms. 22.) 223 North Fourth Street. Carnegie Library.

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A local landmark. 23.) 303 North Fourth Street. Hospes House. Built about 1892, this house united the two lumbering families of Hospes (Adolphus) and Staples (Aurora). Remarkably complete for its age, situated next to the library, the house today is a B. & B. For more information, see Larson. 24.) 626 North Fourth Street. Sauntry House. On the National Register of Historic Places, this 28-room house was built by William Sauntry at the end of the nineteenth century. It has lost some of its ornament and today functions as a B & B. More information can be found in Larson, and the nomination forms for the National Register. 25.) 1121 North Fourth Street. Minnesota Hospital. Seymour, Sabin & Co. built this elegant house with a central hallway and front bay in 1878. In the mid-1880s it served as the Minnesota Hospital, one of three hospitals in Stillwater at the time. The owners used an early form of health insurance to finance this private venture. For more information, see Empson: South Half of Carli & Schulenburg Addition survey. 26.) 220 South Fourth Street. Proctor House. This elegant smaller Greek Revival was most likely built in 1854 by John Proctor, attorney for Elizabeth Churchill of the firm Churchill & Nelson, as well as a Warden of the Prison. For more information, see Larson. 27.) 416 South Fourth Street. Hersey House. This spacious house built in 1880 by Roscoe Hersey, a wealthy Stillwater lumberman is on the National Register of Historic Places. George Orff is said to be the architect. For more information, see Larson, nomination form for the National Register. 28.) 711 South Greeley Street. Lampi House. This classic bungalow was built in 1911 as a $1,000 dwelling by G. W. Tolen for his chauffeur and handyman, Herman Lampi. The elaborate woodwork inside this modest house came from the Holcombe/Nelson house when it was demolished to build the Tolen house at 720 Greeley. The Minnesota Historical Society has a tape recording of Herman Lampi talking about his experiences. For more information see Empson: Holcombe’s Additions survey. 29.) 720 South Greeley Street. Tolen House.

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In 1911, Gordon Welshons Tolen demolished the original William Holcombe/Charles Nelson home on this site, and built the present home at a cost of $15,000. Both the site overlooking Lily Lake, and the present house have significant historical associations for Stillwater. For more information, see Empson: Holcombe’s Additions survey. 30.) 812 South Harriet Street. Putz House. Perched on top of the ravine at a dead end street, this small house was built in the 1850s by Elizabeth and Robert Putz, the namesake of what was once Putz Street—now Martha. Before the Civil War, Peter Jourdain purchased the house where he and his family lived until moving into 805 West Abbott Street. (See Jourdain House.) For more information, see Empson: Holcombe’s Additions survey. 31.) 304 South Holcombe Street. Torinus House. Built in 1902 by Louis and Mary Torinus, this is one of the last of the “lumber baron” houses, a mixture of several architectural styles. The Torinus family remains in Stillwater to this day. For more information, see Larson. 32.) 604 West Myrtle Street. Elisha Brown House. Built about 1856 in what was then a very unsettled portion of the city, this house retains much of its original integrity. Elisha Brown was a carpenter who lived in the house for over 20 years. For more information see Empson: Greeley Residential Area survey. 33.) 118 West Oak Street. Potts House This gingerbread house was built (or remodeled) about 1880 shortly after Philomena Potts purchased the property from Elizabeth Sawyer. With its dramatic position, it is a landmark in the city. It is particularly evident in the 1879 Birds Eye View map of Stillwater. For more information, see Larson. 34.) 306 West Olive Street. O’Brien House. The John O’Brien house is said to have been the first full-fledged Queen Anne house in Stillwater. O’Brien was active in both city and state affairs. Today it is the Rivertown Inn, a B & B. For more information, see Larson. 35.) 406 West Olive. Ernest Hospes House. The fortunes of the Hospes family are tied to the Schulenburg & Boeckler mill in Dutchtown. This is a good example of a modest lumber baron’s home. For more information, see Larson. 36.) 713 West Olive. Ole Olsen House.

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Built in the 1890s, this Queen Anne house in brick is quite unusual for Stillwater, a lumberman’s town. Olsen was a building contractor. For more information, see Larson. 37.) 518 North Owens Street. Streetcar Station. This industrial building was the beginning of the streetcar ride from Stillwater to St. Paul through Wildwood Park in Mahtomedi. More information is available. 38.) 101 East Pine. Historic Courthouse. Already on the National Register, it should be on Stillwater’s Landmark House register as well. 39.) 223 West Pine Street. Whiteside House This is one of the few Gothic houses in Stillwater, and the only one in brick. Despite unfortunate alterations, it still commands attention. It was built about 1876 by John Whiteside, a plasterer. For more information, see Larson. 40.) 319 West Pine Street. Hersey-Bean House. Built in 1879 by Edward Hersey, one of the lumbermen of Stillwater. Probably designed by George Orff, this eclectic styled house is distinctive in Stillwater. For more information, see Larson. 41.) 320 West Pine Street. Hersey-Atwood House. Built in 1883 by Edward Hersey after he sold his house across the street to Jacob Bean. Designed by the nationally famous architect, William H. Wilcox, it is said to be the first house in the state in the avant garde Shingle Style. Recently restored, this is a gem of a house. For more information, see Larson. 42.) 2007 Schulenburg Alley. Dutchtown House. This small house with its hatch in the loft is the only remaining example of what I have called “The Dutchtown House” in my Dutchtown survey (p. 25). Unfortunately the house sits on a double lot, and will probably be gone by the time it might be designated. Or the owner will not allow its designation. For more information, see Empson: Dutchtown Residential Area survey. (This house was recently purchased for destruction.) 43.) 504 North Second Street. McKusick House. This is the most complete example of French Second Empire Style in Stillwater. On the National Register (with the wrong date), the front part of the house was added to a small house in the rear in 1872 according to a

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newspaper article: Stillwater Messenger, July 12, 1872. For more information, see Larson. 44.) 1905 North Second Street. Mill Workers House. This is the second old house—with its barn—remaining in Dutchtown. Wonderfully intact, the house has been neglected and will could be demolished in the near future. For more information, see Empson: Dutchtown Residential Area survey. 45.) 437 South Second. Edward Durant House. This was the site of Edward Durant’s Italianate house that appears in the Andreas Atlas. The house was apparently extensively remodeled around 1910. It has a commanding site. It is mentioned in the South Hill survey. 46.) 310 South Sixth Street. John Booren House According to Larson, this house is typical of the carpenter-designed homes of the period. Because Booren was a member of the Stillwater Hardware Company, there is some unique hardware in the house. For more information, see Larson. 47.) 522 South Sixth Street. John Proctor House. This is the second John Proctor house in Stillwater. According to a newspaper listing of new construction, it was built in 1870, making it one of the first Italianate houses in the city. It is on a commanding lot as well. There is a mention of it in the South Hill survey. 48.) 204 North Third Street. Water Department Building. Nicely maintained with much of its original integrity, this building should be on any local register. 49.) 401 North Third Street. Register House. Larson calls this the most complete example of the Greek Revival in Stillwater. Built in the 1850s, this home is well maintained and preserved. For more information, see Larson. 50.) 510 North Third Street. Roney House. Apparently built is different pieces beginning in 1867, this striking Italianate house on its large lot is a commanding piece of Stillwater history. For more information, see Larson. 51.) 611 South Third Street. St. Michael’s Church. There are several fine churches in Stillwater; this is highly visible and one of the best. Well documented in a recent history.

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52.) 703 South Third Street. O’Shaughnessy House. Built in 1870 in what was then noted as a “suburb,” this house is a testament to the O’Shaughnessy family who lived in Stillwater for close to a century. The 13th child of this family was Ignatius O’Shaughnessy, a leading philanthropist of Minnesota. For more information, see Empson: Churchill, Nelson & Slaughter survey. 53.) 704 South Third Street. Tozer House. Although modified over the years, this house retains the character of its 1874 origins. David Tozer was a prominent Stillwater lumberman. For more information, see Empson: Churchill, Nelson & Slaughter survey. 54.) 719 South Third Street. Glaspie House. John Glaspie was a businessman and developer in 1888 when he had contractor Thomas Sutherland build this Queen Anne house with the most monumental house tower in Stillwater. For more information, see Empson: Churchill, Nelson & Slaughter survey, and Larson. 55.) 821 South Third Street. Chalmers House. William Chalmers, president of the St. Croix Lumber Company had local contractors Adolph Sprich and Eugene Schmidt built this substantial home designed by architect William Kingsley of St. Paul in 1895. For more information, see Empson: Churchill, Nelson & Slaughter survey, and Larson. 56.) 904 South Third Street. Joy House. Built by David Tozer in 1874, and quickly leased to Frank Joy, this pristine house with its old storm windows and other period details, situated on a prominent corner of the city deserves greater recognition. For more information, see Empson: Churchill, Nelson & Slaughter survey, and Larson. 57.) 1306 South Third Avenue. Lammers House. On the National Register, this most extravagant Queen Anne home was built by another lumber baron in 1893. It is said to have been constructed by Norwegian carpenters. For more information, see Larson. 58.) 1204 Third Avenue South. Dudley Hersey House. This relatively modest Italianate house has suffered some unfortunate alterations over the years, but I believe there are enough details—including some inside the house—to merit its inclusion on this list. It was one of the three lumberman’s houses to be built on this block in 1874, making these among the first (remaining) lumber barons houses in Stillwater, and giving identity to this part of Stillwater. For more information see Empson: Hersey, Staples & Co. Addition survey.

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59.) 205 East Walnut Street. Spencer House. Built about 1870, this is one of the few Gothic Revival houses in Stillwater and it happens to be set in a particularly romantic location. For more information, see Larson. 60.) 907 West Willard Street. Kern House. There are five of these cute 1890’s small Queen Anne houses in Stillwater; all of them nearly identical. Three of them have been “restored,” but this is the most recent restoration and best example. Each of them, however, is a treasure. 61.) Rutherford Cemetery. Manning Avenue north of Co. Rd. #12. This cemetery, established in the 1850s, served the “Rutherford Neighborhood” on both sides of Manning Avenue.

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Historic Districts With a view to determining the potential historic districts in Stillwater, I viewed every house in the old part of Stillwater (Conservation District) and indicated whether it was 1.) a house built since 1920; 2.) a pre-1920 house that no longer had a significant portion of its original integrity; 3.) a pre-1920 house that did have a significant portion of its original integrity; 4.) potentially a Landmark House. The accompanying map shows the results. With this map, the members of the H.P.C. have pretty much the same basis I do in determining an Historic District, so my recommendations are pretty much just my opinion. Besides the concentration of houses shown in my map, there are other administrative and political considerations that the H.P.C. and city staff must reckon as well. Based on the accompanying map, and my knowledge, I would recommend establishing the following three historic districts. 1.) Beginning at S. Fourth Street and W. Willard Street; south along S. Fourth Street to W. Orleans Street; east on Orleans Street to S. First Street; north along S. First Street to E. Willard Street; west on Willard Street to S. Fourth Street. 2.) Beginning at S. Broadway and E. Willard Street; northwest on Willard Street to E. Pine Street; southwest on Pine Street to S. Third Street; northwest on S. Third Street to E. Mulberry Street; west on Mulberry Street to N. Everett Street; south on N. Everett Street to W. Myrtle Street; east on Myrtle Street to N. Harriet Street; south on a line with N. Harriet Street to W. Oak Street; east on W. Oak Street to S. Holcombe Street; south on S. Holcombe Street to W. Willard Street; east on Willard Street to S. Broadway. 3.) Beginning at N. Fifth Street and W. Mulberry Street; northwest on N. Fifth Street to W. Laurel Street; northeast on W. Laurel Street to N. Second Street; southeast on N. Second Street to E. Mulberry Street; southwest on a line with Mulberry Street to N. Fifth Street. 4.) In 1881, the Stillwater City Council voted to give the Seymour Sabin & Co. Company $100,000 to be financed by city bonds. In return, the company agreed to build 100 houses within the city. A series of these houses, ranging

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in value between $400 and $650 were built in Block 2 of Sabin’s Addition, on Lots 1-7, and Lots 12-22. Today these houses have the addresses 501 to 717 on the south side of West Maple Street. Within three years, most of the homes had been sold to private owners, but it is conceivable that these two blocks of nearly identical houses could be considered as a “mill workers historic district.” There are serious issues of integrity, and the fact most of the houses remain fairly small bodes badly for their continued integrity. More research should be done, and the home owners contacted to see what their sentiment might be. In order to implement these historic districts it will be necessary, I believe, to spend a good deal of time in the neighborhoods talking to people, being available to answer questions, having neighborhood meetings. A brochure or pamphlet could be created to distribute within the limits of the potential district.

Recommendations:

All three of these programs (Heirloom Houses, Landmark Sites, Historic Districts) will take a good deal of “face time” with residents. To try and do it without ample discussion and agreement among the residents will be, I believe, to doom the projects for years to come.

Other recommendations I would make are: 1.) Survey the new additions to the city. There are at least two old cemeteries and two old houses in the annexed area of the city. 2.) Do more thorough research on the sites of the North, South, and West hills. These are the oldest parts of the city, and there are undoubtedly some very significant historic sites which have not yet been uncovered. 3.) Establish a program of private Façade Easements within the city. This would insulate historic sites from a change in government that could undo all the protections. 4.) Change the name of Olive Street, west of the original city plat (Fifth Street) back to St. Paul Road, commemorating one of the very few roads preceding Minnesota as a Territory. 5.) Go through all the previous surveys and consider the recommendations.

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6.) Create a vacated streets policy in the comprehensive plan. Ravines should also be included. 7.). Walking tours of downtown and neighborhoods should be researched, written, and available to the public. 8.) Consider a City Preservation Officer. For what is being spent on contracts, it might even be cost effective. It would also have the considerable advantage of having a history person on the city staff, working on a daily basis with the city staff. 9.) Of all the remnants of the 19th Century, there is none rarer than the outbuildings (barns, wagon sheds, chicken coops, etc.) that used to be present throughout the city. Perhaps a survey just of the remaining outbuildings should be done. There could also be a separate “Outbuildings Register” with photos on the web, etc. 10.) When major excavations are made in the city (e.g. the Library), there is no monitoring of any objects that might happen to be found in the digging. The city should appoint a staff member to be the historical liaison with the contractor, so that any objects brought to the surface are reported to that city staff member. There should also be a clause in any contract with a contractor that any found items should be turned over to the city. 11.) Several old houses have been sacrificed because of what is termed “demolition by neglect” in the preservation literature. There should be stricter enforcement of building codes on old houses that are being sorely neglected. In St. Paul, any building vacant for a year goes on a list. If the building inspector condemns the house, then orders are issued for work on the house which goes against the title. 12.) It would be relatively easy to set up a “heritage tree” program with the city forester. Just have people tell her of their old trees. She could check them out, and with a boring, ascertain the trees age. She could then keep a register of the type of tree, location, and age. 13.) Require demolitions to be researched by a real historian including the significance of the building as well as its history.

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