House Confidential
County Supervisor Candidate Charlie Fox’s Historic Home
If Fox is to become the model for future supervisors of a "gentleman politician," he has the perfectly pedigreed home to go with such a title.
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If Fox is to become the model for future supervisors of a "gentleman politician," he has the perfectly pedigreed home to go with such a title. Back to the full article.
Photos - Page 2
WOW – What a pleasant surprise !
When I did my daily check-in of Urban Milwaukee, there was my house ! Thank you, Mr. Horne for your article . We’ve done extensive research on Henry and “Minnie” Hase, and their family, met some of their descendants – and even had some of them for a holiday dinner here – when the house shows off best. But you filled in some blanks about the house itself – which we have not yet had time to research.
Wanted to let you know 2 things:
1 . I Bought the house in 1981[ at age 32 ] for $42,500 from Mr. Bollmeir . I clearly overpaid. 🙂 . I have lived here for over 33 years . During those years, I have spent over $250,000 restoring the old place from savings, thru home equity loans, a City “foregiveable loan” { a am a major supporter of Ald. Bauman’s new program } and even my small inheritance from my Dad. Given the assessed value, I – and my heirs – will certainly never show a “profit” on the house. .
2. That god-awful fence with the concertina wire { SECOND house in ] with the catfish heads hanging on it, is NOT my fence. Mine is the THIRD house in – with the beautiful carriage barn with Carriage Master’s quarters which I am restoring – with guidance from Paul Jacobovich of the MHPC – and the brick Victorian garden wall attached. That was built in 2001 by a British-apprenticed “Historic Restoration Mason” who was just starting his business stateside. The MHPC was helpful with that project as we selected the brick and designed the fence and gate{not yet built].
I truly appreciate your pointing out that these restorations are rarely ever “done”. I’m doing the second paint job since buying, a rebuild of the front porch steps, and a re-creation of one of the porch’s supporting arches { currently mostly hidden by the bunting }. Upper porch ballisters have been recreated by a craftsman to MHPC specifications, are being painted , and the railing will be assembled and built next Spring . All that work has been on hold for 6 months – and will resume after the election.
Again – thank you for publishing this article which demonstrates what so many of us here on the West side are doing – – assuming stewardship of these wonderful old properties, and doing our best to restore, given time and resources.
Henry would LOVE your article !!
Charlie Fox
Dear Mr. Horne, I add my thanks for this article. I am one of three granddaughters of one of Henry’s granddaughters, Helen Hase Barnes, one of Henry Jr.’s three daughters. Charlie and Joyce, and their geneologist extraordinaire, Jan Gifford, have opened an incredible barn door to the history of my family, and we will forever be grateful. I moved to Milwaukee fifteen years ago to finally live near my grandmother, aunt, and cousins, and found so much more completely by chance.
Thank you for the additional information you provided, and of course I heartily support Charlie in his bid for office, but alas, I am not a resident of his district. Keep bringing the wonderful stories of our beloved City to light.
Emily
Bayside