504 North High Street
Rushford, MN, USA

National Register of Historic Places - Walker and Valentine House (William Hall Residence)

Statement of Significance:

The Walker & Valentine House is significant for its association with two of Rushford's founders who also were early Industrial entrepreneurs. In addition, it is notable for its use of local stone, a common building material in Rushford. Hiram Walker and Roswell H. Valentine were important in the early history of the community, both having signed the 1854 resolution naming the village. Walker built the first grist and sawmills in Rushford about 1854-55, and in 1856 became one of the town proprietors. In 1857 he constructed a larger flour mill and was soon joined in ownership by Valentine. Shortly thereafter the two built the present stone house across Rush Creek from their mill building. Much later in its history, the house was used as a parsonage by the Rushford Lutheran" Church and continues to be known locally as the Lutheran Parsonage. It is again in private ownership and the present owner is committed to its preservation.