If you're an East Side regular, you'll surely recognize these lion sculptures flanking the entrance of an ornate East Side mansion at 1241 N. Franklin Pl. And you'd be forgiven for assuming those lions have been there as long as the house.
Turns out, the wooden lion sculptures were indeed put in place when the home was built between 1855 and 1856, but after 90 years exposed to the elements, they were removed. For several decades after, the iconic lions were never replaced, yet neighbors still commonly referred to the home as the "lion house." It's hard to shake 90 years of history, after all.
It wasn't until 1984 when the lions were recreated -- and reinstalled -- at the property by then-owners Shoreline Real Estate. Now home to the Wisconsin Securities Partners' offices, the lions continue to keep watch.
Listen to this week's podcast for more about the history of the East Side "Lion House" and the two other homes connected on that historic block.
