The Stonemason's Masterpiece: Inside Eau Claire's Historic Levi Merrill House

 

The Stonemason's Masterpiece: Inside Eau Claire's Historic Levi Merrill House

If you ever find yourself strolling down Ferry Street in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, you might catch a glimpse of a striking piece of 19th-century history. Standing proudly at 120 Ferry St., the Levi Merrill House is a beautifully preserved architectural gem that offers a direct window into the city's early pioneering days.

Added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) on June 20, 1985 (and the State Register in 1989), this historic residence is much more than just an old building—it is a monument to the craftsman who built it.

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🏡 Historic House Profile

• Location: 120 Ferry St., Eau Claire, Wisconsin
• Built: 1873
• Architectural Style: Classical Revival & Gothic Revival
• Property Size: Less than one acre
• NRHP Reference Number: 85001358

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🔨 Built by the Master of the Quarry

The house gets its name and historical significance from its original owner, Levi Merrill. Merrill wasn't just any local citizen; he was a highly skilled stonemason who literally shaped the foundations of early Eau Claire.

Merrill owned and operated the prominent Mount Washington stone quarry, which was located just up the bluff directly behind where the house stands today. When it came time to build his own home in 1873, he blended two of the era's most popular design aesthetics:

• Classical Revival: Bringing timeless symmetry, clean lines, and stately proportions.
• Gothic Revival: Adding dramatic, pointed structural elements and artistic flair.

The result is a unique, enduring structure that showcases the peak of 1870s craftsmanship and local materials.

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🗺️ A Lasting Legacy in Eau Claire

Over 150 years later, the Levi Merrill House remains an essential stop for local history buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike. As part of the Eau Claire Multiple Resource Area (MRA), it stands as a permanent reminder of the industry, grit, and artistry that built the region.

Next time you pass by the bluffs of Mount Washington, take a moment to look for this 1873 treasure and appreciate the handiwork of the master stonemason who started it all.

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