Hooper–Bowler–Hillstrom House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Hooper–Bowler–Hillstrom House
|
|
The Hooper–Bowler–Hillstrom House from the southeast
|
|
 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Court and Cedar Streets, Belle Plaine, Minnesota |
|---|---|
| Built | 1871 |
| Architectural style | Frame |
| MPS | Scott County MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 80002160 |
| Added to NRHP | April 17, 1980 |
The Hooper–Bowler–Hillstrom House is a historic home in Belle Plaine, Minnesota. It was built in 1871. This house is special because it shows how people lived long ago. Today, it is a museum that you can visit. It helps us learn about the past.
Contents
History of the Hooper–Bowler–Hillstrom House
This house has a long and interesting story. It has been home to several important families. Each family added something new to the house.
Early Owners and Changes
The house was built in 1871 by Sandford A. Hooper. He was a businessman who helped develop Belle Plaine. In 1886, Samuel Bowler bought the house. He was a founder of the State Bank of Belle Plaine. Mr. Bowler made some big changes to the house. He added a new kitchen and a special room called a buttery. He also added a unique two-story outhouse. This outhouse was connected to the house by a skyway. He even put in a fancy copper bathtub!
Later Owners and Becoming a Museum
In 1901, the Bowler family moved away. Alfred Hillstrom and his family then bought the house. They lived there for many years. In 1975, the local Historical Society bought the house. They wanted to save it and share its history. Now, the city of Belle Plaine owns the house. It is open to the public as a museum.
Special Features of the Historic House
The Hooper–Bowler–Hillstrom House has many cool and unusual features. These features show us how homes were different in the past.
The Famous Two-Story Outhouse
One of the most talked-about parts of the house is its two-story outhouse. This is a toilet building separate from the main house. It is connected by a covered walkway. The waste from the upper level would flow down behind a false wall. This design was quite clever for its time.
Inside the Hooper–Bowler–Hillstrom House
Inside the house, you can see how families lived in different time periods. The furnishings show styles from the 1850s, 1860s, Victorian era, and early 1900s. The kitchen has an old well-pump and a wood stove. These were common ways to get water and cook long ago. You might even spot a "courting chair." This special chair allowed young couples to sit back-to-back.
Outside the House and Other Buildings
On the front lawn, there is a large carriage stone. This stone helped people get in and out of carriages. It was like a step for horse-drawn vehicles. There are also other old buildings on the property. These include a wood shed, used for storing coal and wood. There is also a brick smoke house.
Visiting the Hooper–Bowler–Hillstrom House
The Hooper–Bowler–Hillstrom House is a great place to visit. It is open to the public during the summer. It is also specially decorated for Christmas. You can explore the house and learn about its history. You can see the unique two-story outhouse, but visitors are not allowed to use it.
Images for kids
-
The unique two-story outhouse connected to the house.
