The Smith Octagon House is a landmark in the City of Neenah, dating back to the 1850s, less than a decade after the first settlers arrived in the area.
It was built with eight sides, which let in more sunshine, light and fresh air, eliminating the dark corners found in conventional houses.Originally topped with an octagonal cupola and set on a prime location, with its wide front veranda overlooking a lawn that led to the beautiful tree-lined shore of Little Lake Butte des Morts. Around 2001, Main Street was rebuilt and the overpass created, removing the scenic view from the house.
The first owner of our Octagon House was Edward Smith, a prosperous flour mill owner. Later it was owned by his brother Hiram who was a merchant, a paper mill owner, and a stove manufacturer. He was also a founder of the Manufacturers' National Bank, now known as Chase Bank. The Smith family occupied the house for nearly seventy years. Hiram's widow, Vesta Olmstead Smith, lived in it until her death in 1919. The house then passed through another owner to the Quinn Family in 1923, and remained in their hands until the Society bought it in 1993.
Many changes have occurred in the Octagon House over the years. The original thirty-foot octagon was enlarged three times. The cupola was removed in the 1930s, and the Quinns converted the house into three apartment units. In 1993, the Neenah Historical Society bought the home and began the restoration.
THE GEOCACHE is NOT on the same side of the fence as the railroad tracks.
This is on the street side of the fence.