H. A. Schmelzel House

The H.A. Schmelzel House in Boise, Idaho, is a 1+1⁄2-story bungalow designed by Tourtellotte & Co. and constructed in 1906. It features Colonial Revival details, including flared eaves and an offset porch. First floor walls are veneered with random course sandstone, and front and side gables are covered with square shingles. Square shingles also cover the outer porch walls. The house is considered the first example of a bungalow in the architectural thematic group of John E. Tourtellotte. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.[2]

H. A. Schmelzel House
The H.A. Schmelzel House in 2019
H. A. Schmelzel House is located in Idaho
H. A. Schmelzel House
H. A. Schmelzel House is located in the United States
H. A. Schmelzel House
Location615 W. Hays St., Boise, Idaho
Coordinates43°37′12″N 116°11′45″W
Arealess than one acre
Built1906 (1906)
ArchitectTourtellotte,John E. & Company
Architectural styleBungalow; Colonial Revival
MPSTourtellotte and Hummel Architecture TR
NRHP reference No.82000239[1]
Added to NRHPNovember 17, 1982

Henry and Elizabeth Schmelzel

Henry A. Schmelzel was an electrician employed by the Capital Electric Light Company from 1888 until 1908, and his last years with the company were spent as superintendent of the power plant at Horseshoe Bend.[3] While the Schmelzels continued to live outside of Boise, Elizabeth (McGee) Schmelzel purchased property for the H.A. Schmelzel House from William Myers in 1904, and she ordered design plans from Tourtellotte & Co. in 1906.[4][5][6][7] Although the H.A. Schmelzel House was constructed for the Schmelzels, it was rented to Mr. and Mrs. William Puckett until the Schmelzels moved from Horseshoe Bend in 1908.[8]

After retiring from Capital Electric Light, Henry Schmelzel became Boise's first building inspector in 1908.[9] While inspecting the Dime Theatre, Schmelzel became interested in movie theaters, and he opened the Boise Theatre in December, 1908, with partner C.C. Pyle.[10][11]

In 1921 the Schmelzels became caretakers of Boise Tourist Park, constructed in 1918.[12]

See also

References
  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. November 2, 2013.
  2. "National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: H. A. Schmelzel House". National Park Service. Retrieved March 15, 2019. With accompanying pictures
  3. "Henry Schmelzel Now Resident of Boise". Idaho Statesman. Boise, Idaho. February 2, 1908.
  4. "Married". Idaho Statesman. Boise, Idaho. April 16, 1891. p. 8.
  5. "Filed for Record". Idaho Statesman. Boise, Idaho. December 10, 1904. p. 9.
  6. "Modern New Home". Idaho Statesman. Boise, Idaho. February 18, 1906. p. 8.
  7. In a separate reference to the house and in an apparent error, the Idaho Statesman credited Henry Schmelzel's brother, William Schmelzel, as owner of the house. "What Boise Real Estate Men Say". Idaho Statesman. Boise, Idaho. October 28, 1906. p. 14. William Schmelzel had occupied a house nearby since 1903, between 12th and 13th on Franklin Street. "Million Dollar Mark Reached in Building". Idaho Statesman. Boise, Idaho. January 1, 1903. p. 1.
  8. "Forty Years Ago in the Statesman". Idaho Statesman. Boise, Idaho. December 21, 1947. p. 27.
  9. "Assessments Were Accepted". Idaho Statesman. Boise, Idaho. March 25, 1908. p. 2.
  10. "New License Ordered". Idaho Statesman. Boise, Idaho. October 31, 1908. p. 2.
  11. "Another Electric Theatre". Idaho Statesman. Boise, Idaho. December 30, 1908. p. 5.
  12. "New Caretaker Chosen". Idaho Statesman. Boise, Idaho. August 6, 1921. p. 3.

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