Thornton Wilder
Novelist and Playwright, April 17, 1897-December 7, 1975
Thornton Nevin Wilder was born in Madison, Wisconsin on April 17, 1897. His father, Amos P. Wilder, brought his family to Madison when he became the owner and editor of the Wisconsin State Journal in 1894. The Wilders were members of the First Congregational Church.
The family lived most of the year in a cottage they called "Wilderness" on the shores of Lake Mendota in what is now Maple Bluff. During the winters they rented apartments in downtown Madison.
Until the summer of 1895, the family lived with artist James Reeves Stuart and his wife Theodora
Lived with accountant Charles W. and Samantha Askew at 321 S. Henry Street, where Amos was born
Lived with Professor Fletcher A. Parker at 14 W. Gilman Street
In 1897, they lived at Professor Alexander Kerr's home, 140 Langdon Street; Thornton was born
Lived at a cottage of Mrs. Phillis Frawler, 25 Mendota Court
From 1899 until May, 1905, 211 W. Gilman Street
The family stayed in Madison until 1906 when Amos Wilder was appointed American consul general to Hong Kong.
Thornton Wilder became a Pulitzer Prize winning novelist (The Bridge of San Luis Rey) and playwright (Our Town and The Skin of Our Teeth). He wrote several other novels and plays including The Matchmaker which is the basis for the musical Hello Dolly!
Thornton N. Wilder, 1949 ca. (WHS Image ID 2655)
See also:
Historic Madison: Journal of the Four Lake Region, Vol. XIV: 1997, p. 50-57