Pleasant Street, West - Number 115 - Residence of Dr. Frederick T. Gorton (Front view)

This photographic print, taken by a Portage photographer around the turn of the twentieth century, is mounted on matboard and features the residence of then-owner, Dr. F.T. Gorton. The residence, once located on West Pleasant Street, was built around the turn of the century. The Queen Anne details include the complicated, asymmetrical floor plan; multiple rooflines; steep-pitched roof; projecting pavilions; multiple porches and side entryway; and fish scale shingling. The biographical information regarding Dr. F.T. Gorton is limited. Though, it was noted in an article of Tales of Old Portage (1970) that Gorton was a member of a 1928 committee for the Paquette Park. In 1952, this dwelling was used as the office of Wisconsin Power and Light. The home that stood next door to the former firehouse was razed to accommodate plans for the new city hall in the 1970s. Sources: History of Columbia County 1880, 1914; Tales of Old Portage, Portage Daily Register; McKay, Intensive Architectural Su