Montauk (Clermont, Iowa) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Montauk
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 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1 mile northeast of Clermont on U.S. Route 18 |
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| Built | 1874 |
| Architect | E. Townsend Mix |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000725 |
| Added to NRHP | February 21, 1973 |
Montauk, also known as Montauk State Preserve, is a beautiful historic house located near Clermont, Iowa. This special building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, meaning it's an important part of American history. It offers a peek into the life of a famous Iowa family from the past.
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Montauk: A Historic Iowa Home
Montauk is a grand, two-story house with 14 rooms. It was designed in the Italianate style, which was popular in the 1800s and often features tall windows, wide eaves, and decorative brackets. The bricks used to build the house were made right in Clermont, and the stone came from a local quarry. The porches and a special "widow's walk" on the roof are made of wood, adding to its charm.
The house was named after the Montauk Point Light lighthouse. This was a way to honor the seafaring family of Anna Matilda Appelman, who was William Larrabee's wife.
Meet William Larrabee: A Governor's Story
The house was built in 1874 for William Larrabee. He was born in Connecticut and became very successful in business. He made his money as a banker, a manufacturer, and by owning a lot of land.
William Larrabee was also an important politician. As a member of the Republican Party, he served in the Iowa Senate for 18 years. After that, he became the Governor of Iowa for two terms. Even though he was one of the richest landowners in Iowa, he worked hard to make the government better for everyone.
During his time in politics, he fought against unfair prices charged by railroads. His efforts helped create the Interstate Commerce Commission, which was a new government group designed to regulate railroads and ensure fair practices. After his second term as governor, he retired to Montauk. He was also a friend of President Theodore Roosevelt and helped start the Progressive Party.
Building Montauk: A Family's Dream Home
Before Montauk was built, the Larrabee family lived closer to the Turkey River. However, William's wife, Anna Matilda Appelman, was worried about illnesses like malaria that were common near rivers back then. She wanted a house built on a hill, away from the river's dampness.
So, the family hired Milwaukee architect E. Townsend Mix to design their new home. The house was built to be a comfortable and grand residence for the Larrabee family.
Life at Montauk: Farm, Art, and History
Montauk was not just a house; it was also a busy working farm. It had many buildings, including a caretaker's house, a water tower, a well house, a laundry, a creamery, a workshop, a barn, and sheds for corn and other things. The family also had a vegetable garden and an orchard. They raised different animals like peacocks, turkeys, chickens, and cattle.
The house itself was filled with beautiful art. It had paintings by famous artists such as Louise Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun, William Bradford, and Pieter de Molijn. An Iowa artist named David John Cue painted portraits of the Larrabee family.
Outside in the yard, there are four bronze statues. These statues honor important military leaders: Generals Ulysses S. Grant, William Tecumseh Sherman, and Grenville M. Dodge, and Admiral David Farragut. William Larrabee asked sculptors George Edwin Bissell and J. Massey Rhind to create these impressive statues.
Montauk Today: Preserving the Past
After William Larrabee passed away in 1912, the house stayed in the family. His daughter, Anna, was the last family member to live there. She took care of Montauk until she died in 1965.
In 1967, the Larrabee family opened the house to the public so others could visit and learn about its history. In 1976, they officially gave the house, everything inside it, and 40 acres of land to the state of Iowa. Today, the State Historical Society of Iowa takes care of Montauk. It was officially named a state preserve in 1984, ensuring it will be protected and enjoyed for many years to come.
