Nomination for Rentschler House

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

OMB NO. 1024-0018 EXP. 10/31/84 1. Name and/or common street & number 643 Dayton Stfeet _ not for publication city, town - vicinity of county - code 017 3. Classification _ district - public . unoccupied _ agriculture _ museum * building(s) x private - park . structure . both - work in progress * private residence Site - in process X yes: restricted _ other: 4. Owner of Property street & number 643 Dayton Street 5. Location of Legal Description courthouse, registry of deeds, etc. 6.

Representation in Existing Surveys - yes X no _federal - depository for survey records 45011 Category transportation Accessible entertainment government Hamilton educational code Ownership commercial Butler date military Status historic religious industrial Public Acquisition title being considered object Butler County Administration Building Inventory-Nomination Form none Type all entries-complete applicable sections scientific Ohio 2. Location National Register of Historic Places The Rentschler House For NPS use only date entered (7-81) See instructions in How to Complete National Register Forms High Street Present Use National Park Service Sherry Lee Corbett has this property been determined eligible?

United States Department of the Interior state Ohio NPS Form 10-900 received MAR 2 / 1983 - local X excellent -moved date _ fair dence, which is immediately west of the Rentschler House and also built in 1882.) It was doors with beveled oval glass windows and a leaded transom. 1900-1901 Condition elevations. (continued) unexposed The west elevation is characterized by another three story projecting bay that is sur- the northeast corner of the house at the stairwell.Broken stone belt courses also the slate roof.Tall corbeled chimneys contribute to the vertical emphasis and massing The main house is three stories high with an asymmetrical floor plan and fenestration.

The chemically cleaned brick masonry is common bond, the entire structure resting on a With only a few exceptions the windows are one-over-one double hung with smooth sand- characterize the porch floor while the off-center main entrance features paired wooden Check one 7. Description County and one of southwestern Ohio's leading industrial and commercial centers.His- Doric pilasters.This Palladian motif is employed throughout the main house and stable. northeast turret exhibits a bold Palladian window with leaded glass panes and robust components of this community's historical development. fines the northem and eastern boundaries of the property.

stone lintels and lugsills.A large six-by-eight foot stained glass window enhances torically, its strategic location on the banks of the Great Miami River and along major built by the industrialist George Adam Rentschler in 1882.In 1900, probably in response A series of gabled dormers with shell-like medallions and metal pilasters project from mounted by an open five sided colonnaded porch.The three story projecting ell at the rounded corner pavilions and a three story projecting bay.The second story of the enlarged and remodeled" his Italianate style townhouse into a neo-classical mansion. hip roof whereas the rear wing is marked by its gabled rooflines. with Sohn that Rentschler had jointly operated the Ohio Iron Works in 1876. southwest corner of the house has a gabled roof and is part of the l9o0 modification.

The Rentschler House, located at the intersection of Dayton and Seventh Streets, was smooth sandstone plinth and rock faced ashlar foundation.A vintage cast iron fence de- -xaltered _ unaltered & original site With a population in 1980 of 63,000 people, Hamilton, Ohio is the largest city in Butler the architecture associated with Hamilton's great industrial base is one of the major to his growing family and the recent popularity of the Columbian Exposition, Rentschler ruins deteriorated Significant architectural features on the east or Seventh Street elevation include two mark the east elevation while a deep three part entablature is employed on all four (The building's original plan and fenestration were a mirror image of the H.c.

Sohn Resi- the nation's most important manufacturing centers by 19oo.The diversity and wealth of canal and railroad routes enabled what was a modest county seat to develop into one of The north or front elevation is distinguished bya classical revival porch composed of Describe the present and original (if known) physical appearance

Description of the property

FHR-8-300 (11-78) Main House: Interior house consists of three floors; the first floor features a double parlor, reception hall, library, dining room, breakfast room, kitchen, and ancillary service rooms. The work of that particular room. The double parlor, appearing much like a Grecian drawing room, is divided by three mahogany woodwork, including elaborate coffered panels, built-in glass fronted book- There are rooms of birdseye maple, cherry, and butternut with chestnut doors and oak Tax duplicate records indicate that like the main house, the stable was modified and enlarged in 1900.

Continuation sheet received Page The Rentschler House, Hamilton, Butler County, Ohio Inventory-Nomination Form Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service The north elevation of the carriage house is distinguished by multi-paned windows and design featuring three distinctive types of inlaid wood chosen to complement the wood- and two walk-out balconies. molding and each side of theparlor features an ornate mirrored fireplace mantel with the remaining rooms still have their original carved architraves and Victorian woodwork.

a heavy stone belt course that separates the first and second floors.The second presents a unique statement in terms of its woodwork and architectural style.The room displaying a specific type of wood.Although the second floor landing is marked While the exterior design of the Rentschler House is somewhat restrained, the interior story exhibits gable ends with Palladian windows. the decorative molding above the mantel. The dining room features heavy ornate ceiling Rooms on the second floor continue the wood themes, all of the appointments in each Carriage House fered wainscoting.encircles the room and decorates a ten foot high arched inset de- wall tanks,a vitrous china sink on legs, a marble sink with brass legs and faucets.

The third floor is distinguished by its massive walnut woodwork, nine-foot tall doors, National Register of Historic Places date entered by its neo-classical detailing columns and egg and dart plaster molding), courses.A large beam extends from the wooden bay door on the second floor of the Item number Both the west and south elevations are characterized by wall pediments and stone belt United States Department of the Interior For HCRS use only five primary rooms have parquet flooring with the patterned oak and maple woodwork em- cases and an ornate mahogany fireplace with an arched stained glass window set into onyx stone inserts and decorative Palladian molding above the mantel.The library has space is lavishly appointed with architectural details and ornamentation: Each room south facade.The carriage house presently serves asa residence and garage.

signed to set off a buffet.

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

Significance - prehistoric - archeology-historic _ science - 1500-1599 . agriculture . economics . literature _ sculpture X architecture . military - social/ - art . engineering . music - communications X industry - politics/government - transportation - invention - other (specify) Specific dates 1882; 1900-1901 The Rentschler House, built in 1882 and enlarged in 1900, is significant as an example of and Indianapolis, Rentschler, in 1873, came to Hamilton where he managed a small foundry. a manufacturing industry so large in proportion to population, or so widely recognized Rentschler Company, Hamilton's largest manufacturers of Corliss engines and sugar mill George Rentschler died in 1923 at the mansion he had built on Dayton Street. The influence of the family continued, however, as four of Rentschler's sons followed their The Republican News, "Greater Hamilton Edition" (1909).

1400-1499 1600-1699 1700-1799 education Period humanitarian The Builder/Architect Unknown conservation 1900- remains the tallest office building in Hamilton. to their turn-of-the-century splendor. serving as vice-president of the Hamilton Foundry and director of the Miami Conservancy as director of the Hamilton Dime Savings Bank and treasurer of the Citizens Savings Bank president of the Citizens Savings Bank and Trust Co. and Secretary-Treasurer of Hamilton Areas ofSignificance-Check and justify below the Hamilton Ice Delivery Co.and the Royal Pottery Works.As a financier Rentschler served late nineteenth century eclectic architecture and for its long association with one of District, Gordon Rentschler moved to New York City where he was subsequently elected house at 643 Dayton Street served as the residence for three generations of Rentschlers.

law and Trust Company.In 1904 he erected the eight story Rentschler Building, which today equipment.By 1892 Rentschler had incorporated the Hamilton Foundry& Machine Co.and the president and chairman of the board of the National City Bank.National City Statement of Significance

Statement of significance

(in one paragraph) Rentschler perhaps the most.successful financier in the family.After - archeology-prehistoric - community planning X commerce -exploration/settlement. - philosophy By 1876 Rentschler had become a partner in the firm of Sohn and Rentschler, manufacturers "It is doubtful," proclaimed one Hamilton newspaper, prominence. In 1880 George Rentschler was elected president of the Hooven, Owen, and father as "captains of industry." The eldest son, Henry A. Rentschler (1866-1941), became Rentschler's grandson, Peter E. (1897- ), was the last member of the family to live in George Adam Rentschler (1846-1923), born in Wurttemburg, Germany, was Hamilton's most in quality." 1 The Rentschlers were instrumental in forging Hamilton's rise to industrial are still active in business, commerce, and the arts throughout the nation. The present owner of the house, Dr.

Sherry Corbett, has sensitively restored the mansion and stable successful immigrant industrialist.Following employment with iron founders in Cincinnati 643 Dayton during his early years, was treasurer of the Hamilton based Republic Motor the house before it was sold in 1945. The succeeding generations of the Rentschler family ufacturing giant of national importance. Phoenix Caster Company.Rentschler's business ventures also included the formation of X1800-1899 "whether there was another town in the United States that had developed and maintained of cast iron and speciality castings.During Rentschler's remarkable fifty year career, 9.

The rest of the file

Bibliography, boundary description, and the people who prepared and reviewed the nomination.

Major Bibliographical References HAMILTON JOURNAL NEWS, May-June, 1923 Butler County Auditor's Duplicate Records, 1880-1901 Williams' Hamilton City Directories, 1875, 1910, 1927-1928 10. Geographical Data -25 acre Acreage of nominated property - Hamilton, Ohio L413/613/81010/ - state 11. Form Prepared By date May, 1982 12.

State Historic Preservation Officer Certification As the designated State Historic Preservation Officer for the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (Public Law 89 I hereby certify that this property is included in the National Register code Easting Northing date county (continued) name/title Attest: national Zone Verbal boundary description and justification UMT References organization c/o Miami Purchase Association State Historic Preservation Officer signature Chief of Registration city or town The evaluated significance of this property within the state is: List all states and counties for properties overlapping state or county boundaries western boundary, thence proceed 59.74'along Dayton St.

to the point of beginning Ward Book 4,Page 2,Parcels 19 and 20.Beginning at the southwest corner of Seventh 665),I hereby nominate this property for inclusion in the National Register and certify that it has been evaluated Quadrangle scale 1:24,000 For Nps use only Quadrangle name - L7/1,0/61410 name/title Sherry Corbett and Steve Gordon telephone 513/896-7659 Keeper of the National Register according to the criteria and procedures set forth by the National Park Service. Xlocal The Rentschler House, Hamilton, Butler County, Ohio Bibliographical References, continued: Butler County Atlas and Pictorial Review, 1914. XLIX, December 20, 1928. "Tribute to Henry Adam Rentschler,"Father Leo I. Herlihy, August 1, 1941. 21 (August 1910) . New York: Lewis Publishing Co., 1964.

Continuation sheet received Inventory-Nomination Form Page Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service date entered National Register of Historic Places "Beautiful Residences of Hamilton,"Illustrated Supplement to the Hamilton Daily News Item number Gordon S.Rentschler Memorial Issue.42 (May 20,1948) Issued by City Bank Club, New York. United States Department of the Interior For HCRS use only Smith, William and Ophia. History of Southwestern Ohio, The Miami Valleys. 3 vols. History of Butler County.Cincinnati:Western Biographical Publishing Co.,1882. FHR-8-300 (11-78) TIMES - STAR AUGUST 8, 1941 HENRY A. RENTSCHLER DAILY DEMOCRAT HAMILTON, Aug. 5. - Henry Adam Rentschler, banker, industrialist and member of a family prominent in Ameri- can business for many years, died yesterday at Mercy Hos- ness trips to the city. He and a pital after a two days' illness.

Peru, Ind., had risen through the 1920. Their father had started the terprises from a job as machinist was 'the largest in the country. of here. Machine Co., Hooven-Owens-Rentschler Co. plant paratory school, Kingston, N. Y, in the Decatur Casting Co., Decatur Then he returned to Ham- Machine Co. as office manager. Bank and Hamilton home of a son, Peter E. Rentschler Seventh and Dayton Streets, where Walden, of Clarkston, Mich. secretary DECATUR Continuation sheet Noted Industrialist, received LEY NEWS Banker Dies Indiana.

Page THE CINCINNATI POST- Inventory-Nomination Form National Register of Historic Places date entered Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service ternal grandmother until he came foundry aud machine business at Foundry and Machine com- Dies In Hamilton United States Department of the Interior Hooven-Owens-Rentschler Co.He HAMILTON-Private funeral THE DAYTON HERALD friends may call tomorrow evening. 1890 and 1891. the active and successful business Brass Works on Fourth near Heaton Castings Company and was known Special to The Post. the Line School on Line Road, east He had participated Friday in brother.Gordon.founded the De in 1886, serving four and half years ilton company and the Decatur catur Castings Company plant in bought a half interest in the Miami urer of General Machinery. at the machinist's trade in order to years old and he lived with his ma- services for Henry A.

Rent- For HCRS use only get money to go to Golden Hill pre- the secretary-treasurer of the Ham- Seventh and Dayton strccts. FHR-8-300 (11-78) Private services will be held there The death of Henry Rentschler, men ot the middle west. He was March 28,1893,when he went Hamilton which grew to be one of M A WARGO. RONERT A WERNER 74, Hamilton, Ohio, removes one of here because of his frequeut busi- Mr. Rentschler served as sec- secretary and treasurer of the foundry firm from.1898 until his plant of the Sohn & Rentschler Co the old Miami Brass Works, and They had two children, Peter Rentschler On his nati: Washington Lodge, F. and A. be int Greenwood Cemetery. The Queen Hartford Sidney Washington home started on his business career.

City and Cincinnati Clubs, Cincin- Afterworking nearly five years in the Hamilton Foundry & Ma- Mercy hospital here Monday He was a member of the Queen on the Milikin Road and attended pany,and president of the active in the management of the ilton Board of Education and presi- early in life went to a prepara dent of the Hamilton Foundry,and Club,Cincinnati; At the time of his death, Mr. natl, and a life member of the Elks. Phone G. A. RENTSCHLER H. O.R. HEAD. DIES INDUSTRIAL LEADER DEAD Page The Rentschler House, Hamilton, Butler County, OH. Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service Item number received Inventory-Nomination Form Continuation sheet United States Department of the Interior National Register of Historic Places date entered For HCRS use only FHR-8-300 (11-78) EVALUATION / RETURN SHEE Fed. Reg. Date: . RETURN Recom.

/ Criteria - Discipline ,see continuation sheet -substantive reasons discussed below Name 2. Location 3. Classification 4. Owner of Property 5. Location of Legal Description 7. Description dates REJECT clarity completeness alterations/integrity summary paragraph Butler County National Register Reviewer Rentschler House boundary selection resubmission owner objection Entered in tha 6. Representation in Existing Surveys nomination by person or local government Federal Agency: .Nomination returned for: Date Due: Action: ational Park Service - technical corrections cited below comments: appeal IATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES Substantive Review: justification of exception * Other - Photographs 272-3504 11. Form Prepared By context Signed clarity Date summary paragraph completeness checked applicable criteria relationship of integrity 10. Geographical Data 8.

Significance justification of areas 9. Major Bibliographical References 12. State Historic Preservation Officer Certification the resource Phone: 202 relating significance to -- loca: Maps Questions concerning this nomination may be directed to Comments for any item may be continued on an attached sheet April, 1982 643 Dayton Street, Hamilton, Ohio 45011 1o0king SE 7. Photograph #1 of 6 Ohio North and west elevations, photographer Sherry Corbett The Rentschler House 643 Dayton Street, Hamilton, Butler County, 643 Dayton Street, Hamilton, Butler County, April, 1982 643 Dayton Street, Hamilton, Ohio 45011 1o0king SW Ohio The Rentschler House Sherry Corbett North and east elevations, photographer Photograph #2 of 6 1. The Rentschler House 2. 643 Dayton Street, Hamilton, Butler County, 3. Sherry Corbett 4. April, 1982 6. East elevation, photographer facing W-SW 7. Photograph #3 of 6 Ohio 1.

The Rentschler House 2. 643 Dayton Street, Hamilton, Butler County, 4. February, 1978 5. 643 Dayton Street, Hamilton, Ohio 45011 6. Dining room and reception hall, photo- 7. Photograph #4 of 6 Ohio grapher facing north Sherry Corbett 1. The Rentschler House 2. 643 Dayton Street, Hamilton, Butler County, February, 1978 6. Front staircase, photographer facing east 7. Photograph #5 of 6 Ohio Sherry Corbett elevation of building 5. 643 Dayton Street, Hamilton, Ohio 45011 1. The Rentschler House 2. 643 Dayton Street, Hamilton, Butler 4. February, 1978 6. Alcove, second floor, photographer facing 7. Photograph #6 of 6 Sherry Corbett County, Ohio 5. 643 Dayton Street, Hamilton, Ohio 45011 1. The Rentschler House 2. 643 Dayton Street, Hamilton, Butler County, Ohio 4. Date: June 4, 1982 5. Location of Negatives: 643 Dayton Street, Hamilton, Ohio 7. Photo #7 6.

Carriage house and courtyard, looking 3. Photographer: Sherry Corbett southeast (Gazebo constructed in 198i). 16/710640/4363800 HAMILTON, OHIO TU.S. Route - State Route ROAD CLASSIFICATION Light-duty- UTM COORDINATES : Butler County, Ohio March 14, 1983 Ms. Carol Shull, Chief 440 G. Street, N.W. Farmers Branch of the State Bank of Ohio Clement, George S. Hruue St. Ann Roman Catholic Church Complex St. Mary Roman Catholic Church Stengel, John S., House Stormont, David, House Please let me know if you have any questions. W. Ray Luce Sincerely, Enclosures County Stark Fulton Cuyahoga Butler Erie Ottawa NATIONAL RECEIVED Lucas REGISTER Paulding Montgomery Brown Ohio Historic Preservation Office Muskingum Department of Registration Dear Carol: New Submissions Riverview Apartments Superintendent's Residence and Office notification procedures have been followed for the submissions.

Spitzer Building National Register of Historic Places State Historic Preservation Officer Paulding County Carnegie Library Mellett/Canton Daily News Building The Rentschler House Oakland Cemetery Chapel and Commodore Apartment Building Catawaba Island Wine Company MAR 2. Washington, D.C. 20240 Enclosed are fourteen new National Register nominations.All appropriate WRL/DS:vb