Ames–Florida House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Ames–Florida–Stork House
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The Ames-Florida-Stork House from the northeast
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | 8131 Bridge St., Rockford, Minnesota |
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| Area | 2.6 acres (1.1 ha) |
| Built | 1856 |
| Architect | George F. Ames |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 79003714 |
| Added to NRHP | October 16, 1979 |
The Ames–Florida–Stork House is a special old house in Rockford, Minnesota. It sits right by the Crow River. This house is now a historic house museum, which means you can visit it to learn about the past.
It was built way back in 1856 by two friends, George F. Ames and his brother-in-law Joel Florida. They came all the way from New England to Minnesota. On their journey, they met a skilled builder named Guilford George. Together, these three men started the town of Rockford. They built a sawmill and a gristmill there.
How the House Was Built
This house is unique because of how it was made. It uses a method called timber framing. This means large wooden beams form the main structure. This was an older way of building.
Back then, most houses were starting to use a newer, faster method called balloon framing. This house shows how buildings were made before new methods became common in Minnesota.
The builders did a lot of work by hand. They made the windows and doors right there at the house. They also used wood from the property to make the inside walls. Even some of the furniture was shaped by hand tools. You can still see this furniture when you visit the museum today.
Who Lived in the House
George F. Ames lived in the house until 1878. He then sold it because of his health. George Florida, one of the original builders, bought the house. He lived there with his mother and two of his sisters. They stayed in the house until George Florida passed away in 1936.
Later in 1936, Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Stork bought the house. They loved history and old things. They quickly saw how important this house was to the area's history. The Storks decided to protect the house. They wanted to share it with students and anyone interested in local history. In 1986, they gave the house to the city of Rockford.
A Historic Landmark
The Ames–Florida–Stork House is very important. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. When it was first listed, it was called the Ames–Florida House.
It was recognized for its special architecture. It also shows how Rockford was founded around the mills built by Ames and Florida. This house helps us understand the early days of the community.
See also
