Soldiers Home Foundation

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Home Governor's Residence

Our Buildings - Governor's Residence

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The Governor’s Residence (Bldg. 39) is the oldest building on the site. Completed in 1868, it has housed the Soldiers Home’s directors for generations including the current VA director.

This 12-room residence has many Queen Ann characteristics and a second story constructed in the 1890s. The home contains its original window panes and stained and leaded glass windows, fish scale shingles, ornate chimneys, solid walnut handrails, and 3 marble fireplaces. It is believed to be the design of Edward Townsend Mix.

Though there is no mention of the architect by the Board of Managers, Mix was working on Old Main at the same time and this residence greatly resembles Mix’s own home, Waverly Place, built in Milwaukee in 1866.

 

1889 Chapel Update

Current donations and our goal:

fundraiser ideas

The Milwaukee Soldiers Home Foundation, Inc. has, to date, raised over $200,000 toward restoring the National Soldiers Home Historic District's 1889 Chapel. We've used donations to complete lead, asbestos and animal abatement at the Chapel as well as architectural plans and the required Historic Structures Report. In addition, we've obtained $1.37 million in National Park Service tax credits toward the $6 million project. We need your help to meet the immediate need of raising $500,000 to begin Phase I of the Chapel Restoration project, restoring the damaged Chapel's roof, the first Phase of the Chapel Restoration Project. To donate cash, goods, or time and talent to the project, visit the Chapel Restoration section of this Web site.