In the charming city of Appleton, Wisconsin, there stands a remarkable testament to the ingenuity and elegance of the late 19th century – the Hearthstone Historic House Museum. This historic home, once the residence of Henry James Rogers, a visionary paper company executive, has been lovingly preserved and transformed into a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into a bygone era of innovation and opulence.
The Hearthstone Historic House Museum is not just any historic home; it holds a significant place in American history. On September 30, 1882, it became the first residence in the United States to be powered by a centrally located hydroelectric station using the Edison system. This pioneering achievement marked the beginning of a new era in residential electricity, and the house's original Thomas Edison light fixtures still illuminate its rooms today, a testament to its groundbreaking past.
Henry James Rogers, the original owner of the house, was a man of vision and innovation. As the manager of the Appleton Pulp and Paper Mill, he saw the potential of hydroelectric power and harnessed it to light his home. Designed by Wisconsin architect William Waters, the house was built as a showplace for Rogers' wife, Cremora. Waters, known for his work on the Grand Opera House and Public Library in Oshkosh, created a masterpiece of architectural beauty and functionality.
The Appleton Crescent, the local newspaper, captured the excitement of the time, proclaiming that the electricity in the home was bright as day. The Rogers family lived in the house until 1893, when they moved to Chicago, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and elegance.
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Over the years, the house changed hands several times, each owner adding their own chapter to its rich history. In 1900, A. W. Priest acquired the house, but after his death in 1930, it was rented out and transformed into the Hearthstone Tea Room, a charming restaurant that operated until 1938. The house was later sold to Frederick H. Hoffman in 1940 and eventually came into the possession of the Mares family in the 1960s.
In 1986, the Friends of Hearthstone Inc. purchased the house, and two years later, it opened its doors as the Hearthstone Historic House Museum. Today, the Friends of Hearthstone continue to preserve and share this remarkable piece of history with the public.
Visitors to the Hearthstone Historic House Museum are in for a treat as they step back in time to an era of elegance and innovation. The house features nine fireplaces, some adorned with imported Minton tiles, intricate hand-carved woodwork made from Wisconsin-native woods, period furnishings, secret passages, and stunning stained glass windows.
One of the highlights of the museum is the Hydro Adventure Center, a hands-on exhibit that showcases an operating model of the earliest central hydroelectric station. This interactive display allows visitors to experience the marvel of early hydroelectric power and gain a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity of Henry James Rogers and his contemporaries.
The Hearthstone Historic House Museum still uses its original Thomas Edison light fixtures and period electroliers, offering a rare glimpse into the early days of residential electricity. The house's electrical system, with its bare copper wires, wooden fuse blocks, and carbonized bamboo filament bulbs, is a fascinating relic of a time when electricity was a novel and groundbreaking technology.
Rogers himself was delighted with his home's electric lighting, writing to the Western Edison Light Company in 1882, I am pleased with them beyond expression and do not see how they can be improved upon. No heat, no smoke, no vitiated air, and the light steady and pleasant in every way and more economical than gas and quite as reliable.
The Hearthstone Historic House Museum is a year-round attraction, but it takes on a special charm during the holiday season. From November through January, the house is adorned with festive decorations, creating a magical atmosphere that transports visitors to a Victorian Christmas wonderland. The holiday display is a beloved tradition, drawing visitors from near and far to experience the warmth and beauty of the season.
The Hearthstone Historic House Museum is more than just a historic home; it is a living testament to the ingenuity, elegance, and vision of a bygone era. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply looking for a unique and enriching experience, a visit to the Hearthstone Historic House Museum is sure to leave a lasting impression.
As you explore the beautifully preserved rooms, marvel at the original electric fixtures, and learn about the pioneering spirit of Henry James Rogers, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the remarkable history and enduring legacy of this magnificent house. The Hearthstone Historic House Museum is a true gem in the heart of Appleton, Wisconsin, and a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to connect with the past and be inspired by the innovations that shaped our world.
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