Charles Samuel Richter House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Charles Samuel Richter House
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![]() Charles Samuel Richter House, Montello, Wisconsin, October 2008
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Location | 55, 103, and 105 Underwood Ave., Montello, Wisconsin |
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Built | 1909-1912 |
Architect | Parkinson & Dockendorff |
Architectural style | Colonial Revival |
NRHP reference No. | 96000908 |
Added to NRHP | August 16, 1996 |
The Charles Samuel Richter House is a historic home located in Montello, Wisconsin, United States. This special house was built by Charles Samuel Richter, who was the president of the Montello Granite Company. It stands on a hill, giving it a great view of both Montello Lake and Buffalo Lake. The house is so important that it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Building a Granite Masterpiece
The idea for the Charles Samuel Richter House started in 1908. It took three years to build, finally finishing in 1912. This house was truly unique for its time. People even said it was the only granite house in the world when it was first built!
Strong and Beautiful Materials
The house was designed to be very strong. Its walls are extra thick, with beautiful granite on the outside. Inside the walls, cinderblocks were used to add even more strength.
One of the most impressive parts of the house is its front entrance. There are two large, round pillars that stand proudly. These pillars are made from solid granite. It took six months of careful polishing by machines to make them perfectly smooth and shiny.
Designed by Experts
The plans for this amazing house were drawn by a well-known architecture firm called Parkinson & Dockendorff. They made sure every detail was just right for this grand home.
Inside the Richter House
The inside of the Charles Samuel Richter House is just as impressive as the outside. It features beautiful hardwood floors throughout.
Unique Glass Features
The house has 54 windows made with a special type of glass called leaded glass. This means small pieces of glass are held together by lead strips, creating interesting patterns. Above the bookcases on either side of the fireplace, you can find colorful stained glass. These artistic windows add a touch of elegance to the rooms.
A Grand Stairway
In the main entrance area, called the foyer, there is a curved open stairway. This grand staircase adds to the feeling of luxury and craftsmanship inside the house.