This file part of www.watertownhistory.org
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Maerzke Family
and
Oscar Maerzke Home
809 N Fourth
Frederick Maerzke,
wagon-maker, Sixth Ward, Dodge Co.; born in Prussia March 21, 1827; came to
America in 1852; lived in Milwaukee one year and a half; came to Watertown in
1854; commenced wagon-maker’s trade when only 14 years of age; he was five
terms Alderman of the Sixth Ward; he was a member of the I.O.O.F. On
Buried in Oak
Hill Cemetery.
Derived in part from “The History of Jefferson County, Wisconsin”,
published: Chicago: Western Historical
Company, 1879.
Oscar Maerzke Home
A Brief
History of the Oscar Maerzke House
This Eclectic Craftsman was built
for Watertown native Oscar Maerzke in 1912. A unique example of the Arts & Crafts
style, it has many elements that make it a beautiful home.
The open floor-plan on the main
level consists of the Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, Bath, and large
foyer. Original stained oak woodwork and
hardwood flooring are in the Living Room and Dining Room. The east wall of the Dining Room has an
original built-in 16ft oak china hutch with mirror and glass doors. The Living Room, Dining Room, and entry have
ornate, custom painted cast-iron radiators.
The Dining Room has leaded glass oriel windows. The Living Room and foyer have a
"tulip" design leaded glass windows.
The foyer features an oak stairway with 3 original stained glass windows
at the landing. There are 9˝ ft ceilings
throughout.
Upstairs includes a large landing
with linen closet, three bedrooms with walk-in closets, and bathroom. Front bedroom features large bay window with
leaded glass transom and 2 double hung units.
Hardwood floors in bedrooms and landing.
This home was built in 1912 for
Oscar Maerzke, a widely known Watertown resident. He at one time operated the Maerzke Pigeon Hatchery and later was partnered in the
business with former Watertown mayor Charles Lutovsky. The business eventually became the Watertown Squab Company [1107 N
Fourth]. Oscar was a native of Watertown
and was born on September 1, 1874.
Oscar lived in this neighborhood at
various locations. City directory
entries show him in 1902 at 605 East Division Street, 1907-1912 at 811 North
Fourth, and taking occupancy in 1913 at 809 North Fourth. Oscar had this home built while he lived next
door at 811 N. Fourth. He lived here
with his wife and two daughters. Oscar
lived here from 1912 until his death in 1944, at the age of 69.
This unique home was from all
indications a custom or customized home made for the Maerzke's. Many of the framing members and trim pieces
have the last name written on them, a common practice when a home was built
specifically for someone. From
conversations with an architect from the State of Wisconsin, Division of
Historical Preservation, we learned that this is the only home of its kind of
which they are aware. The term that was
used was "Eclectic Craftsman-style house".
The home is in the proposed North
Fourth Street Historic District. When an
Intensive Architectural Survey was done by the city of Watertown in 1986, this
home was in a state of severe disrepair.
The home was purchased in 1989, and restored back to the original level
of craftsmanship.
Located next to Blumenfeld Home
