Appleton's Oldest House

As we celebrate our 175th anniversary of Appleton’s Oldest House, we ask the question, what is this called?

A 175-year anniversary is most commonly referred to as a dodransbicentennial, which signifies a "quarter short of two centuries" (175 = 200 - 25). Another term used to describe this milestone is a demisemiseptcentennial, which translates to half of a half of seven hundred years.

I loved staying in Appleton’s oldest house. I was lucky to have stayed for a week while playing at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. This home is like being in a Musuem! The bed was comfortable, I loved soaking in the clawfoot tub and I’m obsessed with the wallpaper in the dining room. This house has been restored in such a tasteful way, it was a pleasure. It was extremely clean and has all amenities except dishwasher, which was fine for me! The neighborhood was very quiet and I felt safe as a solo female traveler walking around! I would absolutely stay here again if I find myself back in Appleton!
Lindsay
New York

Robert Morrow was the second owner of Appleton's Oldest House. He was also elected as County Treasurer in 1852. Coincidently, Lester Balliet (resident from 1966-1992), his father David Balliet was also elected County Treasurer in 1890. We've never found bundles of cash hidden in the floorboards.

Forty-nine years ago, the Outagamie County Historical Society confirmed that the house was built sometime between July 1850 and July 1851. No other existing home in Appleton was built before that time.

Tribute to some of our past residents. E. Louisa Ellis 1903-1935 and Lester Balliet 1965-1991. Prominently displayed in the Ellis Bedroom and the Balliet Bedroom.

This Marketplace acquisition will be a welcome addition to Appleton's Oldest House. Elisha Morrow built the home for L.B. and Harriet Leach. Six years later, he built his personal residence in Green Bay. Both homes feature Greek Revival architectural elements.

Appleton's Oldest House in the background. Located at 540 John Street before being moved in 1935.

Photo from 1971. Already 120 years old. Lester Balliet put up the 1851 sign in the corner to commemorate the year it was built. I wish I had that sign.

While doing some family research, I discovered that my grandpa's brother lived at 822 E. John Street in 1934. It's entirely possible that he would have witnessed Appleton's Oldest House being moved from John Street to Fifth Street.

https://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/money/2025/12/19/historic-downtown-green-bay-home-to-be-sold-at-sheriffs-auction/87740508007/?link_source=ta_first_comment&taid=6945768b4225010001b9cb65&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwY2xjawOypfNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFaTWRrYTA0ZHF5ZVJFNG1tc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgSNev4lgs5uMKLdnPa2MFwN5BSMfx461zi-VOeBbNs2blIvBOZBwUWaLwsN_aem__Dulhjm1HWZVJnAs8FQ4dw

Historic downtown Green Bay home scheduled for sheriff's auction You might know the Elisha and Josephine Morrow House as home of Captain's Walk Winery until it closed. It is now up for auction.

On display at the Appleton History Museum 231 W. Franklin Street in Appleton, from now until January 31st.

Appleton's Oldest House, painted by Heather Schaefer. On display at the Appleton History Museum, 231 W. Franklin Street until the end of the month.