Cook-Rutledge House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Cook-Rutledge House
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Location | 505 W. Grand Ave. Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin |
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Built | c. 1873 |
Architectural style | Italianate |
NRHP reference No. | 74000060 |
Added to NRHP | August 7, 1974 |
The Cook-Rutledge House is a beautiful old home in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. It's built in a special style called Italianate. This house is so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. That means it's officially recognized as a historic treasure! Today, it's a fun museum where you can learn about the past.
The Story of the House
Who Built It?
Imagine stepping back in time to 1873! That's when the Cook-Rutledge House was first built. A lawyer named James M. Bingham and his wife, Justine, had it built. James later became the Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin, which is like a second-in-command to the state's governor.
New Owners and Changes
After James Bingham passed away, his wife Justine sold the house in 1887. An Irish immigrant named Edward Rutledge bought it. Edward was important in the lumber business. He was the vice-president of the Chippewa Lumber and Boom Company. In 1888, Edward made some changes to the house. These changes gave the mansion the look it has today.
A Family Home and a Museum
In 1915, the house was sold again. This time, Dayton E. Cook bought it. He was a well-known lawyer and a county judge. His family lived in the house for many years. Finally, in 1973, the Cook family sold the house to the Chippewa County Historical Society.
Today, the Cook-Rutledge House is a museum. It's a great place to explore and learn about history. You can even rent the house for special events like parties or gatherings!