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History of the Crosse House

The Dr. Charles G. Crosse house is a fine, highly intact "T" plan side gable vernacular form residence whose design was influenced by the Gothic Revival style. This one-and-a-half story frame house is located on a lot that fronts onto Main Street, the principle historic thoroughfare of the city of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. Dr. Crosse moved to Sun Prairie in 1860, setting up a practice there and also establishing a drugstore. Crosse built this home circa 1866, following his return from service in the Civil War, and he and members of his family continued to live there until after his death in 1908. In 1940, following occupancy by others, the house was converted into apartments. By 1976, its clapboard siding had been covered over with metal siding, its original encircling veranda having been removed, and the building as a whole had deteriorated. Fortunately in that year, Sun Prairie Historical Restorations, Inc. was formed by interested city residents as a non-profit organization with the goal of restoring the building. in the ensuing years this organization has restored the original siding, much of the interior, and accurately reconstructed  the veranda using historic photos as a guide. As a result, the Crosse house, which is one of the oldest surviving residences in Sun Prairie, has now recovered its historic appearance and its rightful place as a city landmark.  

In the years following the Civil War, Dr. Crosse became one of the village's leading citizens. His drug business grew and he later moved it from his original store (on the south side of Main Street) to a new building he built in 1893 known as the Crosse Block, located on the corner of Main and Bristol Streets a half block east of his residence. In 1977, with his son Charles S. Crosse, he established Sun Prairie's first newspaper which survives today as THE STAR. He also served several terms as the president of the village board and a single term in the state legislature.

In addition to being one of Sun Prairie's original and oldest houses, the Crosse House is also a popular public and private event venue. Many local residents have utilized the house for craft shows, wedding showers, business meetings, luncheons, family gatherings, educational events and more. Restorations have been made but much work remains to be done, which is why fundraisers are so important to the survival of this unique place.
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This house has been honored by designation as a National Historic Landmark in 1993.

The Sun Prairie Historical Society Inc

​The Sun Prairie Historical Society was re-established in April 1996 and our purpose is to support the collection, preservation, and interpretation of the history of Sun Prairie and the surrounding areas.  Support is derived in the form of financial (through fund-raising efforts) and volunteer services (event staffing and speakers bureau).  The society is affiliated with the State Historical Society of Wisconsin and is tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code.

On January 20, 2023 the Sun Prairie Utilities signed over the land the Crosse House is situated on to the Sun Prairie Historical Society Inc (SPHSI), and then on February 2, 2023 Sun Prairie Historic Restorations Inc (SPHRI) signed over the Crosse House to the SPHSI.  SPHRI then merged with SPHSI to form a stonger non-profit with more resources, more members, and a place for al to call home.  The SPHSI will host historical events, school tours, city-wide events and more.

Please join us in our ongoing effort to preserve Sun Prairie’s historic Crosse House for future generations! Make a tax-deductible donation or become a member of Sun Prairie Historical Society Inc (SPHSI) and you can make a difference! 
 
You can also make a difference by volunteering to help with a Crosse House project, event or activity in whatever way interests you. We have a variety of opportunities and a wonderful community of volunteers that help make it a fun place to be.  All help is appreciated! 


We hope to see you soon at the Crosse House!