website
watertownhistory.org
ebook
History of Watertown, Wisconsin
John and Luther Cole Farmstead
Historic elements
blend with contemporary features and amenities in Joel and Natalie Schloesser’s 1880s farmhouse
which was built as the original farmstead of early Watertown pioneers John and
Luther Cole. Located at N806 N. Water
St., the Schloesser’s home will be one of six houses
open for viewing during the 19th annual Holiday Parade of Homes on Sunday, Dec.
2.
Historical records
show the Schloesser’s home was sold in 1900 to the
Wahl family and in 1959 to the Darcey brothers with
the Schloesser family acquiring it in 2001. As part-owner of Colonial Builders, Joel, with
Natalie’s input, made extensive renovations to the home between
2009-10. The work completed
spanned three floors and included three additions which were focused on
preserving and showcasing the original elements of the home. The cream city brick chimney stands as a focal
point in the open floor plan, the original front door now serves as a unique
swinging kitchen pantry door and some of the original fieldstone foundation is
exposed on the exit to the mudroom.
The elegant
handcrafted staircase and large open kitchen are focal points of the home. All countertops throughout the kitchen and
bathrooms, as well as the bench in the mudroom, are custom concrete countertops
designed and built by Colonial Builders. Unique handcrafted furniture adorns the home
including the antique radio, the bunk bed with circular staircase, and the
antique ivory-keyed piano, which is a family heirloom dating back to the early 1900s.
History of Watertown, Wisconsin