16 West Main Street
Waconia, MN, USA

National Register of Historic Places - Charles Maiser House

Statement of Significance:

The Charles Maiser House is a significant architectural element on Waconia's main commercial street. In addition, it is significant due to its association with one of Waconia's most important industries — the milling industry.

This house is a well preserved two story, wood frame Italianate style building. It stands out as one of a few architecturally significant buildings in Waconia.

The Maiser family, of German origin, was among the first families to settle in Waconia in 1859. In 1884, Benedict Maiser, Charles' father, began operating a grist mill, which he had secured under a mortgage sale. He operated the mill during the next sixteen years, rebuilding it three times and enlarging its capacity to 75 barrels a day, and installing the roller process of manufacture, which he was among the first to introduce in Minnesota. When the railroad was constructed through Waconia, he converted the mill into a merchant mill. In 1900 Benedict sold the mill to his son, Charles. Charles and later his three sons operated the mill until 1967.