Robert Wagner House facts for kids
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Robert Wagner House
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | 904 23rd St. Rock Island, Illinois |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1904 |
| Architect | Frederick G. Clausen |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 90000721 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 15, 1990 |
The Robert Wagner House is an old and important building in Rock Island, Illinois, USA. It was recognized as a special Rock Island Landmark in 1984. Later, in 1990, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, which lists important places across the country. In 1998, it also became part of the Broadway Historic District on the National Register.
Who Was Robert Wagner?
Robert Wagner was the son of George Wagner, who owned the Atlantic Brewery in Rock Island. Robert went to the University of Iowa and then studied brewing in New York City. After finishing school, he worked at his father's brewery.
Soon, he joined his father in managing the business. In 1892, three breweries in Rock Island joined together to form the Rock Island Brewing Company. Robert Wagner became the president of this company and led it for 30 years. After a time called Prohibition (when making and selling alcohol was illegal), he started working in banking. He became the president of two banks: American Trust and Savings Bank and People's National Bank.
The House's Design
The Wagner house was built in 1904. It was designed in a style called Neoclassical by an architect named Frederick G. Clausen from Davenport, Iowa. This style often looks like ancient Greek or Roman buildings.
Outside the House
The front of the house has three main sections, with the main door in the middle. There's a balcony and a large, two-story porch called a portico. Above the porch, there's a triangular part called a pediment. This pediment is held up by pairs of tall, fluted columns in the Ionic style, which have scroll-like tops.
Below the roof, there are decorative parts called eaves that stick out. Larger decorative supports are found under the entrance balcony. On either side of the main entrance, there are smaller porch areas with decorative railings and urn-shaped decorations. The porch on the north side extends to form a porte cochere, which is a covered driveway where people could get in and out of carriages or cars without getting wet.
On the north side of the house, there's a special window on the staircase with beveled and leaded glass. On the south side, a two-story section has a unique "bottle glass" window.
Inside the House
Inside, the house has a grand staircase with a curved balcony. The house also had some cool old technology. This included a speaking tube (like an old-fashioned intercom), a doorbell system, and a special corner light system.
