Arthur R. Hoard House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Arthur R. Hoard House
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Wisconsin
Location in the United States
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| Location | 323 Merchants Ave., Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin |
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| Area | 0.6 acres (0.24 ha) |
| Built | 1865 |
| Architectural style | Italianate, Queen Anne |
| Part of | Merchants Avenue Historic District (ID86001303) |
| NRHP reference No. | 82001845 |
| Added to NRHP | November 30, 1982 |
The Arthur R. Hoard House, also known as the George P. Marston House, is a historic home in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. This house was once owned by several important families. These families helped shape the town in its early days. Some owners were even mayors or served in the state government.
Contents
The Hoard House Story
Early Owners and Their Lives
The story of the house begins in 1853. That's when George P. Marston bought the land to build his home. Mr. Marston was an important businessman in Fort Atkinson. He owned a store that sold dry goods, like fabric and other household items. He also owned the Fort Atkinson Brewery. Plus, he was a major owner in the Southwell Lumber Company.
In 1871, Mr. Marston's health wasn't good. He moved to California to live with his son. He sold the house to Dr. Henry O. White. We don't know much about Dr. White.
Dr. Horace B. Willard's Time
In 1888, Dr. White sold the house to Dr. Horace B. Willard. Dr. Willard was also a very busy person. He was a director at the Northwestern Manufacturing Company. He was also the vice president of the Citizens State Bank. On top of that, he owned a store called Willard & Co. Dr. Willard even served in the Wisconsin State Assembly. This means he was a state representative, helping to make laws for Wisconsin. He only lived in the house for a few months. He moved after his wife passed away.
New Families and New Roles
In 1889, the house was sold to W. H. Rogers. He was a lawyer. Mr. Rogers held many important jobs in the town. He was the town clerk several times. He also served as a justice of the peace. A justice of the peace is like a local judge. He was the city attorney from 1870 until he died in 1907. He even served a term as mayor of Fort Atkinson.
Arthur R. Hoard Takes Over
Arthur R. Hoard bought the house in 1893. He was the son of Governor William D. Hoard. Arthur Hoard was also a very successful businessman. In 1885, he started a magazine called Hoard's Dairyman. This magazine was about dairy farming. A year later, he started Hoard Creameries.
Mr. Hoard built his creamery business into a chain of eight creameries. They were famous for making "GiltEdge" butter. Later, in 1912, he bought shares in a company called Better Sox Knitting Mills. He eventually became its president. Arthur Hoard also served a term as mayor of Fort Atkinson. He also owned Hoard's Hotel near Lake Koshkonong.
How the House Changed
When George P. Marston first built the house, it was in the Italianate style. This style often has wide eaves and tall, narrow windows.
In 1898, Arthur R. Hoard made some big changes. He added elements of the Queen Anne style. This style often includes towers, bay windows, and decorative porches. He added bay windows, a large porch called a veranda, and a Porte-cochère. A porte-cochère is a covered entrance where people could drive their carriages. He also added a rounded pavilion.
A Recognized Historic Place
The Arthur R. Hoard House is a very important historical building. It was officially recognized by the National Park Service. On November 30, 1982, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places important to American history.
Later, in 1986, the Merchants Avenue Historic District was also recognized. This is a special area with many historic buildings. The Hoard House was included as an important part of this historic district.
