Tour of homes offers unique look into Britt's past
By ANGIE JOHANNSEN, News-Tribune Editor
If you've ever wondered what the inside of Britt City Council member Pat Byer's Folk-Victorian home looks like, this weekend may be your only chance for a peek.
Byers has joined several other Britt residents in throwing open her doors for a good cause. The Hancock County Historical Society is sponsoring a tour of homes in Britt from 2- 5 pm Sunday, Sept. 23. The tour is a fund-raising effort to further the restoration of the Armstrong-Larson home and other projects.
The homes on the tour are the Armstrong-Larson home at 266 2nd St. S.E., the Brenda and Dan Smith home at 215 2nd St. S.E., the Pat Byers home at 320 2nd St. S.E., the John and Shirley Tegtmeyer home at 278 1st Ave S.W., and the Pat Riehm home at 340 1st St. N.E.
Three of the five homes are located within a block of one another on what was called “silk stocking row” 100 years ago because those living on that street were known to have the financial ability to purchase luxuries like silk stockings.
Historical Society historian Pat Riehm said she's excited about the chance to show her family home to the community.
“It's a neat, fun house I enjoy so much,” Riehm said. “Everyone always says, ‘Oh, you're house is so big' but I grew up there and it's just home to me.”
The Riehm home was built in 1913 by Riehm's great-grandparents. The 2,850 square foot home has 10 rooms and is defined by original oak woodwork. The rooms also feature many hand-painted art displays.
“I love the house, but it's been a lot of work to get it ready for the weekend,” Riehm said.
Riehm and her three siblings grew up in the gabled home. The fund-raiser will be a chance for a reunion with her family. Her sisters and brother are coming back to Britt to help with the tours.
“I hope we get a lot of people for the tour; this is a big fund-raiser for the society,” Riehm said.
After touring the homes on the route, visitors will be welcomed back to the main exhibit of the day - the Armstrong-Larson House. After touring the home, which has now become the Hancock County Museum, refreshments will be served.
The Victorian style Armstrong-Larson home was built in 1896 by contractor John Victoria for Lewis Larson, an immigrant from Norway. He was a successful businessman in Forest City, and the new president of the newly-organized First National Bank in Britt.
The home is 3,900 square feet on the first two stories.
The home also features a large open front porch, eleven stained glass windows including an oval window in a hall closet, a grand stair case that extends to the third story attic, wood work in three different woods, and some original carpet.
The Brenda and Dan Smith home, 215 2nd St. S.E., is a charming Victorian Cottage style home built in 1897. The 2100 square foot home is the smallest on the tour that has been lovingly restored to maintain its original character while offering modern conveniences.
The Pat Byers home, 320 2nd St. S.E., is a “Folk-Victorian” style home. Like the Armstrong-Larson House, the home was built by carpenter John Victoria. The 2,300 square foot home was built in 1898. The Byers home is furnished with antiques.
The John and Shirley Tegtmeyer home, 278 1st Ave. S.W., is a Prairie School home built in 1919. The 3,500 square foot brick home features a large stone fire place in the living room and is furnished with antiques and collectibles throughout the house.
Shirley Tegtmeyer says her home is similar to the Frank Lloyd Wright style.
“The house has neat architecture and the woodwork is in perfect shape; we hope people come out to see the house and all the homes for the fund-raiser,” Tegtmeyer said.
Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at any home on the tour. The tour is sponsored in part by the following Britt businesses, First State Bank, Farmers Trust and Savings Bank, Harvey Insurance Agency, Kelly Real Estate, Diemer Realty, and Swenson Hardware.
Story created Sep 18, 2007 - 12:34:26 CDT.
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