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4 CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRTATENESS STAFF REPORT APPLICATION -; 1996-1203 is PROPERTY 66251 Cedar Road Wakarusa, IN (Madison Township, St. Joseph County) OWNER -- Arlene Stump et al (Lloyd Geyer heirs) DESIGNATION -- Local Landmark RATING -- S/11 Note: the survey cards prepared in 1979 on the card type then used for such do not indicate the survey rating. The table found in the Summary Report lists the Bickel log house at this site separately but groups the other house and farm buildings together with a collective rating. STATEMENT OF SIGNTFTCANCE/HTSTORTC CONTEXT (See attached history) This site was apparently first occupied by George Bickle (Bickel ?) who constructed the .log house in 1853. According to a newspaper account of unknown origin found in our files, Mrs. Ida Geyer stated that she recalled being afraid of the log house which later became her home .in her youth and that it had 'at some time been moved. We may infer however that this relocation was within the bounds of the farm property, and.probably not -of a great distance. According to accounts, the early Bickle and later Geyer families resided in the log house until 1895 when the present farmhouse was constructed. The "summer house" presently under consideration is dated on the survey card as being constructed in 1895. However we have found no evidence confirming this date which corresponds to the known construction date of the farmhouse which was and is quite ornate though modest in scale. There is little physical similarity between the main residence and the "summer house" which are nery close to one another. By inferrenc it is very unlikely that they were built by the same peopl, at the same time. Several of the Geyer children were apparently born in the log house and there is no indication of any other structure having been transitional between these residences. However the 2/2 window style wide facia under the gable eaves and other features would suggest a date earlier than 1895 for the Summer. House building. It may be'possible that this building was constructed as an office for the sawmill operation which proceeded and enabled the farm operation or that this building was relocated to its present site. The interior features of this building give no indication of plaster or other interior finish at any time. It would appear from the organization of data on the survey cards and summary report that the log house is given special emphasis and that tlir, barn is considered an outstanding rpsourcc. The ,ignif_icancP of the house which has been extensively altered and it the summer house" which has been somewhat: altered and is more humble in character appears to be of an ensemble nature as contributing to an unusually complete farmyard set -piece. PROPOSED CHANGE The owners propose to demolish the sinnmer house