Dayton House to celebrate 20 years since renovation – The Globe

WORTHINGTON — In its 134 years of existence, The Dayton House has become a community staple, and as such, Mike Woll knows the house holds some grand stories in its fabric.

Woll, a former Dayton House board member, was one of many who volunteered their time and efforts to make the two-year project, from 2002-2004, happen.

“It’s the stories (of the house) that are the best part,” said Woll. “Most of them are tied to the Daytons but some are about the project itself.”

A neighborhood association was formed some time around late summer 2001, originally to help beautify the Worthington area and have a “voice of the city,” as Woll calls it.

Red Winchell, a local accountant, became aware of the recent publication of a book about George Dayton, who built and lived in the house located at 1311 Fourth Ave.

The book was written by Dayton’s grandson, Bruce, so Winchell made contact with him to see if he would be interested in a house renovation.

“Bruce has expressed interest in seeing the project happen and really, a board was created out of our neighborhood association,” said Woll.

That board, which was later dubbed Historic Worthington Inc., would go on to buy the house for $150,000 and put around $2 million into renovating it. Woll said the cost of the project was entirely covered by fundraising and donations by Dayton family descendants.

Some of the board’s first members included Pat Demuth, Jerry Fiola, Judy Hoevet, Gordon Moore, Darlene Macklin, Paula Traphagen-Bossert, Woll, Ellen Copperud and David Copperud, among many others who dedicated their talents to the project.

“All of the board members brought so many talents (to the project),” said Woll. “We all served different roles. If it weren’t for the unique blend of people, we might not have gotten it done.”

During the two-year project, the central staircase to the home was restored, as well as the windows. The home’s wrap around porch and roof were also redone. As many aspects as possible were researched and matched to the original design of the home, and even today, a patch of what is thought to be the original wallpaper in the parlor is on display. Both the electrical and plumbing systems were also updated during the renovation.

“That was a recurring theme from Bruce, ‘Do it right,’” said Woll. “If you haven’t taken a tour and heard the stories of the house, do yourself a favor and do it,” said Woll.

In honor of The Dayton House renovation project turning 20 this year, a celebration will be held at the house during the week of Oct. 7. The event schedule is as follows:

Oct. 7-8: “The Mike Woll Tour” offered at noon and 12:30 p.m. Monday, and 6 and 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Oct. 9: A social will be held at the house from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. with live music featuring the Joe Von Holtum Band.

Oct. 10: Opening and reception of “The Wallace Dow Prairie Architect” exhibit from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Nobles County Historical Society. (Wallace Dow was the architect of the home).

Oct. 12: Beer and Brats from noon to 3 p.m., apple pie and live music from noon to 2 p.m., on the lawn of The Dayton House.

A special presentation will begin at 2 p.m. Oct. 12 at The Dayton House featuring Worthington Mayor Rick von Holdt to declare Oct. 12 as George Dayton Day. Remarks about the restoration will also be given by Woll, and Richard Dayton, a descendant of George Draper Dayton, will also speak.

“The 20th anniversary celebration will be a wonderful event and time to reflect on the fact that a small group of neighborhood families had the desire to bring back to life historic buildings in Worthington, and that dream became a reality,” House Coordinator Rebby Lee said.

Hope Moural is the community editor for the Globe as of May 2024. A born and raised Nebraskan, Hope has a dual bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Communications from Concordia University, Nebraska, and has previously worked as a general assignment reporter.