The Sutherland House (James B. Crosby House) - Janesville, WI

James B. Crosby built this 5,200 square foot single family home in 1851. It is an Italianate style ornamental villa designed by famed Victorian Architect, Samuel Sloan.

Through the American Civil War Era, the home was part of the Underground Railroad, hiding and protecting slaves on their journey to Canada and to freedom. It remained a private residence and safe haven until the early 1880's when it continued to make history.

Janesville's first hospital opened in 1883 in a rented 22-room home at 1005 N. Sutherland. Known as Oak Lawn Hospital, it was established through the efforts of Doctors HENRY S. PALMER, S. S. JUDD and F. H. JUDD. The hospital was modern with marble washbowls, a fireplace in each large sleeping room, surgery wing, and yes even a morgue. It had a limited number of patients and was never profitable - not an uncommon condition for hospitals of that era since many people didn't use them. It was established with donations, mostly from local women, including the mother of Mrs. W. H. Tallman. In 1888 the hospital closed and was moved closer to downtown.

Shortly thereafter, it was used as a Psychiatric Treatment Center and a Tuberculosis Sanatorium for about a decade, only to close its doors and remain vacant for several years.

In 1907, the solemn dwelling was then acquired by Father Lawrence J. Vaughan who then transformed the quiet house into a lively drama school. A famous actor of both stage and screen, by the name of Alan Dinehart, was a proud graduate of the school.

Throughout the years it has housed a number of private residences, a home for boys, and a foster home. This structure has also seen many years of lonely vacancy, which is how the current owner found it in 1990, with windows broken, paint peeling, loose siding, an overgrown grounds, and the octagonal surgery wing completely rotted off it's structure. This neglected and abandon treasure was desperately in need of care. The tired giant was awakened by Mr. Alan Callies: an architect, owner of Architectural Designs Inc., amateur carpenter, and lover of Victorian charm. Over the years he has repaired and restored many parts of the house. Though, the entire house is not fully restored to its originality, the octagonal surgery wing is scheduled to be rebuilt adding to her former grandeur.

The home was posted to the National Register of Historic Places on December 14, 1995 making it an official historical landmark.

The house got its new nickname "The Sutherland House" by friends of Mr. Callies in the early 1990's as it was the largest and oldest home on Sutherland Ave. It is well known for the diverse summer gatherings and hosting small weddings. It is also a very proud supporter of the LGBT Community.

*Special thanks to Lisa "Lou" St Clair, the Janesville Gazette, Christopher Rabuck and previous owner of the house Shirley Warner for helping me with a more completed history.*