Rock County Historical Society honored for preserving Wilson King Stone House

The Janesville Historic Commission presented its 2025 Historic Preservation Award to the Rock County Historical Society on Tuesday for its restoration and stewardship of the Wilson King Stone House, now on the society's campus.

The award was announced during the commission's May 20 meeting. A commission member summarized the house's history during the presentation, noting the stone house was originally located at 104 Park Place (now Saint Lawrence Avenue) and was moved to the Rock County Historical Society campus in 1964. The commission described interior preservation work that retains original features including exposed beams and original window locking mechanisms.

Daniel Mazara was thanked by staff for nominating the property for the award. A representative of the Rock County Historical Society accepted the award and thanked the commission. The representative said the society was "honored to be co-takers of these properties with the city" and expressed appreciation for the commission's stewardship and for help opening the house to the public.

Commission members posed for a group photo after the presentation. The award citation shown at the meeting listed the property as the Wilson King Stone House at 460 North Jackson Street and the presentation date as May 2025.

The commission noted Preservation Month, established in 1973 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, as the context for the award.

No formal motion or vote accompanied the presentation beyond the public recognition and photo opportunity; the award was presented as part of the commission's regular agenda.