Mortimer Webster House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Mortimer Webster House
|
|
The Mortimer Webster House from the south-southwest
|
|
 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 435 South Broadway Street, Stillwater, Minnesota |
|---|---|
| Area | Less than one acre |
| Built | 1865–66 |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| MPS | Washington County MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 82003083 |
| Added to NRHP | April 20, 1982 |
The Mortimer Webster House is a special old house in Stillwater, Minnesota. It was built a long time ago, between 1865 and 1866. This house is so important that it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized for its unique design and its connection to Mortimer Webster, who was an important businessman in Stillwater.
Contents
What the House Looks Like
The Mortimer Webster House is a two-story building made of wood. When it was first built, it looked like a big square box. It even had a small tower on its roof called a cupola. Imagine a little room on top of the house where you could look out!
The house used to have porches on both the front and back. Around the year 1900, a smaller, one-story part was added to the back of the house. This house is a great example of Italianate architecture, which was a popular style back then.
The Story of Mortimer Webster
Early Life and Business
Mortimer Webster was born in Owego, New York, in 1836. When he was young, he worked as a house painter. In his late teens, he decided to move west to find new opportunities.
He stopped in places like Hudson and New Richmond, Wisconsin before arriving in Stillwater in the summer of 1856. He and his brother, William, started a painting business there.
From Painting to Real Estate
By 1860, Mortimer changed his business. He started offering livery services, which meant he rented out horses and carriages. He also got into real estate, buying and selling land and buildings.
By 1866, he was doing very well and focused only on real estate. He was successful enough to have this beautiful house built for himself. It sits on a hill, looking over the town of Stillwater.
Growing Success
Mortimer Webster continued to be very successful. By the end of the 1860s, he had helped plan and develop two new parts of Stillwater. These new areas were called "additions" because they added to the size of the town.
By 1881, he owned many important pieces of land in Stillwater. He also had property in Fargo, which was part of the Dakota Territory back then. Mortimer Webster was a true entrepreneur, someone who starts and runs businesses, and his house is a reminder of his important role in Stillwater's history.
Gallery
-
View from the Mortimer Webster House's cupola
-
Staircase
-
Living room
-
Dining room (added in the early 20th century)
