THE PICTURESQUE J.F. NICOULIN HOUSE

Thorington Street in Algona is lined with homes that were featured in the 1900 publication, ”Picturesque Algona.”  One of the most charming is that built by J. F. Nicoulin, a prominent photographer in town.  Located at 408 North Thorington, it was built in 1888 in Carpenter Gothic style by Peter Purvis, Mrs. Nicoulin's brother-in-law.  The front door features etched glass and the house has hardwood flooring throughout. A small balcony is located off the master bedroom on the upper level and there is a bay window on the first floor.  The front porch railing is lined with decorative spindles catching the eye of a passerby.  Knowing that it was built by a photographer, I always thought it would make a quaint setting to pose subjects for a photo or two.

WHO WAS JOE NICOULIN?

The photographer in question was Joseph Francis Nicoulin, born in North Adams, Massachusetts in February of 1847.  When he was eight years of age, the family moved to Dodge County, Wisconsin.  His father drowned while building a bridge over the Rock River.  His mother remarried several years later and relocated to Appleton, Wisconsin, where J.F., at the age of 14, began working as a store clerk.  The migration west was in full swing following the close of the Civil War. We don’t know if Joe was seeking adventure or fortune when he left Wisconsin to travel to the unknown or if he had Algona in mind as his destination when he left, but we do know that he arrived here on May 1, 1870. 

Within a short time, Nicoulin opened his own photography gallery.  The popularity of having your picture taken at a studio was becoming more and more popular as technology began to improve. In later years Joe had a camera for life-size photographic and landscape work.  It would produce a picture 18 x 22 inches in size which was a marvel at the time.

Besides working with top of the line cameras, Joe spent a winter in Wisconsin studying with an artist to learn the art of retouching.  He soon built a very enviable business and had many customers.  His gallery was quite busy taking photos of wedding parties, infants and families.  If you happen to have family photos taken during Joe’s tenure in Algona, it is likely you will find the Nicoulin Photography logo somewhere on the border.

JOE TAKES A BRIDE

Isabella Galbraith also came to Algona in 1870 at the age of 18 with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Will Galbraith.  Her parents had emigrated from Scotland around 1845, settling in Janesville, Wisconsin, where Isabella was born.  The lure of cheap land brought them to Kossuth County. 

It is unclear if the couple knew each other from their days in Wisconsin, but since they did not marry until 1880, it seems that their arrival in Algona the same year was coincidental.  Mrs. Nicoulin was quite striking.  The couple loved to dance and Nellie Gray Bowyer recalled watching the dancers from the sidelines.  The Nicoulins stood out among the couples on the floor, not only for their dancing abilities, but also due to Belle’s long black hair which cascaded down her back in waves which was a popular style at the time. 

Irvington was a popular place for dances and many locals would travel by horse and carriage and wagon and oxen to attend.  They would start at four o’clock in the afternoon and last all night.  The dancers would take a break for supper and lunches. 

The courthouse was another dance venue that was popular.  The courtroom would be cleared and, because of the rough, uneven surface, a large canvas would be stretched across the floor, laced to fasteners on the baseboard, and sprinkled with powder to allow smooth movement by the dancers.

BUILDING CAREER AND FAMILY

In 1884, Joe decided to construct a new business building on State Street.  He rented much of the space to other merchants and businessmen but operated his gallery there as well.

Four years later the Nicoulins began building their new home, settling into their it in 1889.  Thorington Street was abuzz with new construction and landscaping at the time.  Sidewalks were being installed up and down each block and new trees were being planted. 

After ten years of marriage, the Nicoulins welcomed a son, Joseph Fernley Nicoulin, in 1890.  Fernley was the light of his parents’ lives.  In addition, Olive Salisbury, the niece of Belle, often stayed with the couple and they became so close that they considered her to be their daughter. She was actually married in their home to John Walker in November of 1899.

AHS Debate Team -
T.H.Chrischilles,
Fernley Nicoulin,
and Harry Nolte

Years passed as they always do.  Fernley grew to manhood, well liked by all around him.  He was a good student in high school and was a member of the debate team.  His best friend was T.C. Chrischilles who lived just across the street.  A talented singer and violinist, he traveled with the Glee Club while a student at Beloit College.  After two years at Beloit, he transferred to Minnesota state university.  Health issues plagued him throughout life and he was forced to drop out of college before obtaining his degree.  He returned home where he got a job at Algona State Bank where he remained for two or three years.  Fernley then resigned to operate a farm owned by his uncle, George Galbraith, in the hope that the outdoor air would be beneficial to his health.

By this time, Joe was nearing retirement.  The Nicoulins had spent several winters in California enjoying the break from the cold Iowa winters.  Joe decided to sell his photography gallery, they rented their home to John McEnroe, and the family then moved to Hollywood, California, in 1921.  It was there that Fernley once again took up the banking trade, taking a job at the Beverly Hills bank. 

Joe was now in his mid-seventies and his health was beginning to fail.  His high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries eventually brought about his demise in May of 1924. He was buried in Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

BELLE AND FERNLEY CARRY ON ALONE

Isabella (Galbraith) Nicoulin

As the years passed, Fernley continued to live with his mother in her Hollywood home.  His health still was precarious and depression and anxiety often caused him additional pain.  By February of 1931, it became too much for him to handle.  He took a leave of absence from the bank to deal with his condition.  He went to Palm Springs for a few days and when he returned he seemed to be in a better state of mind.

It proved not to be true, however, as he decided to take his own life.  An article printed in the Los Angeles Evening Herald recounted the story:

        "With nonchalance, J. F. Nicoulin, 44, officer of the First National Bank of Beverly Hills, conversed with a neighbor and friend early today while he shot himself to death with a pistol in the yard of his home at 1253 North Havenhurst drive, according to a police report.

        Hearing a shot, George Lee, living in a house at the rear of Nicoulin’s home, peered out of the window and saw Nicoulin pointing a gun at his breast, Lee told police.

        “What are you doing there, Nick?” shouted Lee.

        “I’m shooting myself,” Nicoulin replied.

        With that, Lee said, Nicoulin pulled the trigger again and a bullet plunged into his breast, just over the heart, knocking him to the ground.  Lee carried Nicoulin into the house where he died in the arms of his mother."

Fernley was in fact just a few days short of his 41^st birthday at the time of his demise—not 44 as stated in the news report.  He was remembered by his lifelong friend, T.H. Chrischilles, as being “Friendly and affable, with a kind word for all and malice toward none, he had that gracious faculty of attracting people toward him.”

Devastated by her loss, Belle was able to turn to her beloved niece, Olive Walker, who cared for her the rest of her life.  She passed to her eternal reward on September 19, 1936, and was buried next to her husband and son. 


The Nicoulin house still stands proudly on Thorington Street after 128 years.

Until next time,

Kossuth County History Buff

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