Peter Wentz House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Peter Mastin Wentz House
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Peter Wentz House, September 2011
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 Location in Utah
Location in the United States
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| Location | 575 North University Avenue Provo, Utah United States |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1866 |
| Architectural style | Federal, Vernacular Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 78002703 |
| Added to NRHP | April 26, 1978 |
The Peter Wentz House is a special old building. You can find it in northern downtown Provo, Utah, United States. This house is so important that it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a building worth protecting because of its history.
About the Peter Wentz House
The Peter Wentz House was built a long time ago, between 1866 and 1870. It looks a bit like the "Federal row-house" style. This style was very popular in the Eastern United States back then.
On April 26, 1996, the Peter Wentz House became a "Provo City Historic Landmark." This means the city also recognized its importance. Even though it's near the old Brigham Young Academy (now the Provo City Library), it's surrounded by newer apartment buildings today.
How the House Looks
The Peter Wentz House has two stories. It's built in a style called "salt-box." This means the roof is longer on one side, like an old salt box. The house sits on a strong foundation made of cobblestone, which are rounded stones.
The outside of the house is quite simple. But it does have nice "crown molding" around the roof's edge. Inside, there are still two old fireplaces. The house also has a cool stone cellar underground. The front of the house looks the same on both sides, which is called "symmetrical." All the window and door openings have wooden sills and lintels. Even after all these years, the house is still strong and useful.
The Story of Peter Wentz
Peter Mastin Wentz was born on July 3, 1831. He grew up in Wayne County, Pennsylvania. His family followed the Methodist religion. Peter was one of eight children. His father, also named Peter, was a Methodist minister.
When Peter was young, his family faced tough times. His mother passed away, and they had money problems. Peter had to leave school early. He became an apprentice, learning how to make boots and shoes.
When he was 20, Peter Wentz joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He wanted to be with other church members. So, he traveled a long way. He went to Nauvoo, Illinois, then to St. Louis, Missouri. After that, he walked the long Mormon Trail all the way to Salt Lake City, Utah. Years later, in 1871, Peter even served as a missionary for his church in New York.
In 1857, Peter Wentz decided to live in Provo. He continued his boot and shoe business there. For several years, he also traded goods and looked for gold in Montana. In 1864, Peter married Minerva Boren. They had nine children together.
Peter Wentz was a very important person in the Provo community. He served on the Provo City Council for ten years. He was also a Justice of the Peace. For sixteen years, he helped lead the Provo Bench Corral and Irrigation Company. This company helped bring water to farms. He also continued to serve in his church. He was the first bishop of the Timpanogas Ward for eighteen years.
The Peter Wentz House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
