The Babcock Home

Constructed by wealthy lumberman Simeon Babcock in 1881, this home was described in the local newspapers of the time with a variety of adjectives such as "large," "elegant," being "furnished with all modern conveniences," "one of the finest," "a credit to the owner," "an ornament to the city," and "one of the handsomest residences in the city." Babcock was born in 1832 near Utica, New York but at an early date moved with his parents to Ohio and later to Wisconsin. On reaching maturity, Babcock moved to Milwaukee where he became a master carpenter and builder. In 1867 he designed and built the passenger facilities for the large steam ship "Manistee" owned by the Engelmann Transportation Co. forming in 1870 a three-way partnership with E.N. Salling. Babcock and family then moved to Chicago to operate their business interests and lumber yard until 1877 when Salling withdrew, and Babcock and family moved to Manistee in 1878 to live in a First Street "mansion". He purchased two lots on the corner of Oak and Third streets in August of 1880 and began the cut limestone foundation of his new home which the family moved into in 1882. The house continues as an excellent example of eclecticism in late Victorian architecture, featuring an opulent interior and working gas lighting.