I recently spotted this homestead on social media and knew I had to see it.
It sits right on the edge of town in Medford MN on N. County Rd 45, you cant miss it.
The Piper house, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
I did a bit of reading on this treasure and here's what I've learned...
In 1887 A man from New Hampshire named Daniel Piper, along with his wife and
daughter migrated to Minnesota,
Daniel, a Lumberman by trade was looking for a change, so he thought he would give farming try.
He ended up purchasing this land near Medford and it's there that his
New England style farmstead was constructed
Note the connected buildings in the photo above.
Rick pulled over along side the road for me to take these photo's.
I wish so much I could have explored, but of course the property was littered with signs of
"No Trespassing", bah!
These interconnected Farm complexes were popular back east. Piper thought this style would be
beneficial and more efficient in the ever-changing seasons of Minnesota.
The complex includes a house, summer kitchen, wood shed, granary, and the barn at the back.
Piper wanted builders who were experianced in this sort of structure, so he hired
four master carpenters from New Hampshire to come to Medford and complete the farm complex. Piper oversaw the entire build, even choosing the lumber that was to be used.
It only took six months to complete, the family moved in during the month of November 1877.
I image this unique complex was once a beautiful home, I would have loved to see it then.
From the descriptions I've read the main floor had a front parlor, sitting room, guest bedroom, pantry and large (state of the art) kitchen. There was even a cistern in the kitchen floor that collected rainwater from downspouts, this water was used for daily washing.
I'm not sure whats in store for this historic farm home, but I found couple of newspaper articles on Facebook comment from March 2021pertaining to the talks from the zoning council in Medford.
This link has some interior photos of the Piper house
Oh if the walls could talk....
I especially love old buildings, farms, churches, and school houses.
They intrigue me and call out to me. How about you, so you share this interest?
I've passed this Medford house, oh, so many times. I photographed it on the go, but never stopped, like you, for additional pix. Given the condition of the buildings, I fear its demise.
ReplyDeleteAs always, so sad to see these historic homes falling apart.
DeleteLiving in Taylors Falls, where several Greek Revivals exist, there was a song the little kids would sing. Big House, Little House,Outhouse Barn. Thus music to the house and the addition connections.
ReplyDelete