Nelson-Crapo House 515 N. 6th (1860)

Phillip Crapo 1844 – 1903, a special agent for the Connecticut Mutual life
insurance company. In addition to his extensive business interest, Mr. Crapo was actively
concerned in local affairs, at one time being the local editor of the Hawk Eye. He was
instrumental in obtaining funds to build the 1st bridge across the Mississippi River and
became the president of the Burlington & Illinois Bridge Company which secured a
charter from Congress authorizing the construction of the bridge.)

Mr. Crapo is perhaps known best for its two major contributions to the city of Burlington: the public library and Crapo Park.
The 2 story, brick house was built in the 1860’s on a raised limestone foundation is an
early Italianate structure. The house features detailed stone lintels on the east side with
plain stone lintels on the rest of the house and the transom over the off center double
door entry. Most of the numerous, ornate corbelled chimneys have been rebuilt in a
plain style. The body of the house is rectangular with set back projections containing
entryways on both the north and south sides. The side entryway has been changed to a
window. According to photos, the second set back on the south side was added to the
house in the same style sometime after 1888. The design of the porches was Italianate,
with a balustrade over the square columns and heavy, turned spindles below. The porch
on the north side has had the balustrade and columns removed, but the original rail and
spindles remain. Original stone steps come from the main entry through the limestone
retaining wall, flanked by decorative stone pillars.