More “Before and After” Rehabilitations in Historic Cooksville, by Larry Reed

A previous article here told the story of the restoration of historic buildings in the Village of Cooksville through “before and after” photos. These preservation projects re-capture the original historic architectural character of the village’s nineteenth-century buildings—homes, churches, barns, schoolhouse, even out-houses— and have been going on for many decades and continue to this day, helping to retain the significant character of this 175-year-old village.

Such projects are evidence of wise investments, smart re-uses and re-cycling, and the pride owners have in improving their village. And the owners can take very real pleasure and satisfaction in saving a part of Wisconsin’s and America’s heritage.

Here are more “before and after” pictures that help tell the story of preservation and its role in the appreciation and aesthetic enjoyment, as well as the economic benefits, of living in a historic community like Cooksville.

John Seaver House (c.1849) - BEFORE
John Seaver House - AFTER

Some of the village’s houses required major exterior rehabilitation to reveal the hidden original materials and historic architecture from the mid-nineteenth century, This sometimes meant the removal of modern metal or vinyl siding to once more expose original wooden clapboards and old exterior trim underneath, which allowed the symmetrical design elements of the early, simple Greek Revival and Gothic Revival styles to be appreciated. 

Smith House (c.1845-46) - BEFORE
Smith House - AFTER

On occasion, the restorations required only some repairs and minor replacements of missing details or trim work.  Sometimes more extensive work was required to restore original porches or major exterior stylistic features that had been covered over or removed in the past. Usually, early photographs or the discovery of physical evidence provided the needed documentation of original appearances.

Gunn House (c.1852) -  BEFORE
Gunn House, "Breckhurst"- AFTER

Many of the small historic houses required large modern additions, sensitively and carefully designed to provide bathrooms, closets, larger kitchens, etc., which would ensure continued modern use of the original structures. Whether the early houses were small one- or two-room residences or were somewhat larger Cooksville brick structures, they could all be made to easily accommodate modern needs.

Longbourne House (c.1854) - BEFORE
Longbourne House - AFTER

Sometimes the original use of buildings had to be changed to accommodate new uses. This different use served to give new life to the structure, preserving the historic building. Two examples are the village’s one-room schoolhouse that became a community center and an old dairy barn that is now a new, spacious home.

Erickson Barn (1914) - BEFORE
Erickson Barn - AFTER

Cooksville Schoolhouse (1886) - BEFORE
Cooksville Schoolhouse - AFTER

Even a few old village outhouses have been lovingly repaired and re-painted—and even re-used now and then, or converted a new use as a garden shed. Some young and not-so-young visitors have never seen (or used) an original “two-holer” in a backyard!

The Cook Outhouse (c.1900) - BEFORE
The Cook Outhouse - AFTER

As time goes by, these restored buildings will only become more valued as important historic Wisconsin structures—especially as some historic buildings are needlessly and foolishly demolished.

This year, Cooksville celebrates the 175^th anniversary of its founding in 1842, and plans have been made to welcome friends and visitors to attend programs and events and tour the historic village.

For more information about the 175^th Celebrations, see the schedule of events posted earlier in this Cooksville New Blog Spot.