Tenney-Lapham in Madison in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Leitch House

1857-58

Photographed By William J. Toman, December 4, 2010

1. Leitch House Marker

Inscription. The buff-colored sandstone for this Gothic Revival house was quarried in Westport, barged across Lake Mendota, and cut on the building site. The exterior of the structure is characterized by high peaked gables, decorative barge boards, spiked finials, and a central cupola. William T. Leitch, a New York clothier, commissioned the house before coming to Madison in 1858. He served three terms as mayor beginning in 1862.

Erected 1972 by the Madison Landmarks Commission. (Marker Number 19.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin, Madison Landmarks Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1858.

Location. 43° 5.036′ N, 89° 22.75′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. It is in Tenney-Lapham. Marker is at the intersection of East Gorham Street and North Livingston Street, on the right when traveling west on East Gorham Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 752 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. Adolf H. Kayser House (within shouting distance of this marker); Lincoln School (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Collins House (about

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500 feet away); Anna and Cornelius Collins Residence (about 800 feet away); Irene and Robert Connor Residence (approx. 0.2 miles away); City Horse Barn (approx. 0.2 miles away); Badger State Shoe Factory (approx. 0.2 miles away); Bernard - Hoover Boat House (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.

Regarding Leitch House. According to the Madison Landmarks Commission, "The superb William and Jane Leitch house is one of Madison's most important nineteenth century buildings and our best example of the mid-19th century Gothic revival style. William Leitch was born in England, came to New York in 1829 and moved to Madison in 1858, having written ahead to get construction started on his family's new house. Madison sandstone was used for the walls, slates covered the roof and woodwork was carved in lacy medieval designs. The house cost almost $14,000 to build, in a day when a good frame house could be built for $500.

"Leitch, a merchant, was elected Mayor of Madison in 1862, 1863 and 1864. The next owners were Carolyn and M. Ransom Doyon, Doyon serving as Mayor in 1888 and 1889.

Photographed By William J. Toman, December 4, 2010

2. Leitch House Marker

A view of the house from East Gorham Street. The marker is to the left of the gate on the fence.

The Doyons were followed by Bella and Nils Haugen, a lawyer and prominent figure in the progressive movement."

The Leitch House was placed on the National Register for Historic Places on July 18, 1975.

Also see . . . Livingston Inn. The current occupant of the Leitch House. (Submitted on December 25, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin.)

Additional keywords. Architecture

Leitch House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, December 4, 2010

3. Leitch House

A view of the house from the east.

Photographed By William J. Toman, December 4, 2010

4. Leitch House

A view of the house from North Livingston Street.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 4, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,602 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 4, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.