Click above images to enlarge Byers, Isaac W., House 5 North Eighth Avenue, Iron River - Iron County Property Type frame house Historic Use DOMESTIC/single dwelling Current Use DOMESTIC/single dwelling Style Late Victorian Queen Anne Narrative Description The Byers House is a one-and-one-half-story, frame, rectangular structure, situated on a lot shaded by stately trees. In spite of its circa 1919 construction date, this building, with its steeply pitched cross-gable roof, reflects the Queen Anne style in form and massing. A bay window, Gable returns and very narrow clapboard siding also indicate Queen Anne influence. However, the two-bay, full length front porch, supported by simple wooden piers, typifies the Byers House as an early twentieth-century residence. Statement of Significance The Byers House is significant as the home, for sixteen years, of Isaac W. Byers, an attorney and the leading developer in the Iron River area. Mr. Byers, together with four associates, financed development of parts of Stambaugh, Iron River, and Caspian. The "Big Five" as the group was locally known, organized the Iron Savings and Loan Association in 1905, founded the Iron River Realty Company which platted the Village of Caspian in 1907, formed the Citizen's Land Investment Company, and, in 1909, initiated the Iron Range Light and Power Company. Byers was also active in public service in Iron River, utilizing his legal skills by serving as circuit court commissioner, prosecuting attorney, judge of the probate court, and county school examiner. He also served as president of the Upper Peninsula Grange Association. Period of Significance 1901-1930 Significant Date(s) 1919 Registry Type(s) 12/22/1983 National Register listed Site ID# P23524