Daniel S. Piper House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Daniel S. Piper House
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The Daniel S. Piper House from the northwest
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | County Highway 45, Medford, Minnesota |
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| Area | Less than one acre |
| Built | 1877 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival/Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 75001028 |
| Added to NRHP | February 24, 1975 |
The Daniel S. Piper House is a very old and special farm in Medford, Minnesota. It's not just one building, but a group of buildings that are all connected. This includes the main house, a summer kitchen, a shed, and a barn.
This farm was built in 1877. It's important because it's the only known farm in Minnesota built in a special way that settlers from New England used to build their homes. Because it's so unique and shows how early pioneers lived, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
Contents
What is the Daniel S. Piper House?
The Daniel S. Piper House is a historic farmstead. A farmstead is a group of buildings on a farm, like the house, barn, and other sheds. What makes this one special is how its buildings are linked together. This design was common in New England, where many early settlers of Minnesota came from.
A Unique Farmstead Design
Imagine a house where you can walk from your living room right into the kitchen, and then into a storage shed, and even into the barn, all without going outside! That's how the Daniel S. Piper House was built. This connected design was very practical, especially during cold Minnesota winters. It made it easier to do chores and move between buildings without facing the snow and cold.
Who Were the New England Settlers?
Many people who moved to Minnesota in the 1800s came from states in New England, like Massachusetts or Connecticut. These "pioneers" were looking for new land and opportunities. They brought their traditions, building styles, and ways of life with them. The Daniel S. Piper House is a great example of how they built their farms in their new home.
Why is it Important?
The Daniel S. Piper House is important for a few reasons. It helps us understand how people lived and farmed a long time ago. It also shows us the special building styles that were popular back then.
A Look at Old Farming Life
This farm helps us learn about agriculture, which is farming. In the late 1800s, farming was very different from today. Farmers like Daniel S. Piper grew crops and raised animals to feed their families and sell at markets. The connected buildings of the Piper House made farm work more efficient, showing how smart farmers were about their daily tasks.
Special Building Styles
The house itself shows two cool building styles: Greek Revival and Italianate.
- Greek Revival style was popular in the early 1800s. It often features tall columns and a grand, temple-like look, inspired by ancient Greek buildings.
- Italianate style became popular a bit later. It often has low-pitched roofs, wide eaves (the part of the roof that hangs over the walls), and tall, narrow windows.
The Daniel S. Piper House mixes parts of both these styles, making it a unique example of old architecture.
Settling New Lands
The farm also tells a story about exploration and settlement. This means how people moved into new areas and built communities. When pioneers like Daniel S. Piper moved to Minnesota, they were settling land that was new to them. They had to clear land, build homes, and start farms from scratch. The Piper House stands as a symbol of these brave pioneers and their efforts to build a new life in Minnesota.
