Clarence Peck Residence facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Clarence Peck Residence
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Clarence Peck Residence, street view.
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 Location in Wisconsin
Location in the United States
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| Location | 430 and 434 N. Lake Rd., Oconomowoc, Wisconsin |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1846 |
| Architect | George B. Ferry |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival, Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 87002569 |
| Added to NRHP | January 28, 1988 |
The Clarence Peck Residence is a very old and beautiful house in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. It is also known by other names, like the Dr. Hosea Townsend House or the Old White House. This special home was built in the Greek Revival style, which means it looks a bit like ancient Greek temples with its grand design. Located right by Lac La Belle, the main part of the house was started way back in 1846. Later, around 1859, another section was added. For a while, these two parts were separate houses, but now they are one big home again.
Contents
Discovering the House's Past
This historic house has a long and interesting story. It was first built by Martin Townsend for his son, Dr. Hosea B. Townsend. Dr. Townsend was very important because he was the first doctor in the area!
Who Lived in the House?
After Dr. Townsend, the house had several different owners for short periods. It was even used as a school for boys at one point. Imagine going to school in such an old and grand house!
The Peck Family's Influence
In 1872, a lady named Mrs. Phillip F. W. Peck, also known as "Madame" Peck, bought the property. She was from Chicago and made the house a popular place for social gatherings and yachting events. The Peck family helped make Oconomowoc a famous summer spot for wealthy families from Chicago.
Clarence Peck's Changes
In 1878, Clarence Peck, Mrs. Peck's son, took over the property. He made some big changes to the house starting in 1893. He added ten large columns to the north side of the house. These columns were very special because they came from the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, a huge fair held in Chicago.
