kenosha, wisconsin was first settled in 1835, and by 1836, charles durkee had amassed a large land holding near lake michigan. durkee later parcelled out his holdings for residential development. by 1882, the entire area of the third avenue district was settled, although few buildings from this era remain. starting with the george a. yule house in 1899, third avenue became a desirable dwelling place for kenosha's most prominent families. the 1890s had brought great prosperity to kenosha with simmons manufacturing, the bain wagon works, n. r. allen & sons tannery, chicago brass company, and pettit malting company.