Madison in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Steensland House
1897
— Gordon & Paunack —
Erected 1974 by the Madison Landmarks Commission. (Marker Number 25.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin, Madison Landmarks Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1855.
Location. 43° 4.617′ N, 89° 23.3′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. Marker can be reached from East Gorham Street, 0.1 miles west of Wisconsin Avenue, on the left when traveling west. The marker is on the ground by the sidewalk in front of the house. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 124 East Gorham Street, Madison WI 53703, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Breese J. Stevens House (within shouting distance of this marker); First Church of Christ, Scientist (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Madison Masonic Temple (about 300 feet away); James Mears House (about 400 feet away); Quisling Towers Apartments (about 500 feet away); Wootton - Mead House (about 500 feet away); Holy Redeemer Catholic Church (about 500 feet away); Van Slyke House (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.
Regarding Steensland House. According to the Madison Landmarks Commission, "The Halle and Sophia Steensland House was designed by the noted local architectural firm of Gordon and Paunack. It is an excellent representative of the Victorian love of multiple materials and complicated and elegant details, including terra cotta ornament and leaded glass windows.
"Halle Steensland was born in Norway in 1832 and came to Madison as a young man. Starting work as a store clerk, he eventually owned a grocery business, served as president of a major insurance company and founded the Savings Loan and Trust Co. (later the Bank of Madison). He was also prominent in Scandinavian circles and wrote for the Norwegian press, traveled all over the world, served as Vice Consul to Sweden and Norway and was well-known for his generous philanthropy."
In 2015, Bethel Lutheran Church, which owns the house, moved it around the corner, on the same block, to East Gorham Street from 315 North Carroll Street to make room for development.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Links to twin markers regarding Halle Steensland, and other markers for this architect.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 10, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 13, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,403 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 13, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 6. submitted on November 2, 2015, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin.