William H. Blair House

This historic Janesville house was constructed circa 1895 and originally home to William H Blair, a successful architect, carpenter, insurance salesman, and at one point local politician. Although his work was instrumental to the design and development of the city, many of Blair's architectural works in the area are uncredited. The home features the Queen Anne style of architecture which was popular at the turn of the century. Shortly after the home's construction, a side of the wrap around porch was converted into a small library.

WH Blair moved to Janesville from Indiana to help his uncle at his lumber yard, an experience that led to his career path and skills in architecture and carpentry. Although he helped to design many of the buildings in the city, only a small portion of his work is known. Examples of these works in Janesville include the local YWCA as well as buildings in the Milton College area. At one point, Blair unsuccessfully ran for alderman in the city. His son Francis was the 1st building inspector for in Janesville, but tragically took his own life in the home after a short illness. WH Blair appeared to follow this same path many years later as outlined in his attached obituary.

Wisconsin Historical Society. Accessed September 22nd 2021. https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Property/HI86793.

Find A Grave. Accessed September 22nd 2021. https://images.findagrave.com/photos/2017/67/130592946_1489090759.jpg.