522 2nd Avenue Northeast
Waseca, MN, USA

National Register of Historic Places - William R. Wolf House

Statement of Significance:

As in the other larger towns in south central Minnesota, the presence of significant commercial and industrial activity in Waseca produced several larger residences around the turn of the century. In Waseca, these residences are scattered throughout the northeast quarter of the town; bounded on the south by the Winona and St. Peter Railroad tracks (now Chicago & Northwestern) and on the west by the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railway tracks (now Chicago & Northwestern). This location allowed the residents of this part of town to reach the commercial sector without crossing railroad tracks, an important factor in a busy railroad town without a viaduct.

Of the homes in this sector, the W.R. Wolf House is the best preserved and the foremost example of the type of residence erected by a mercantile family. It is also the best example of Queen Anne architecture in the city.

W.R. Wolf had served as president of the Minnesota Retail Grocers Association, city alderman, member of the Park Board and director of Farmer's National Bank. He entered partnership with his brother-in-law, Henry Habeln, in 1892, opening their first store in Waseca. Starting with groceries, they eventually added shoes, dry goods and "ready-to-wear" items. Their innovative and ambitious marketing techniques were successful and soon compelled Wolf & Habein to open other family operated stores in Fairmont, Blue Earth, and Bricelyn. Wolf was a 60-year veteran of Main Street and all his children participated in the family-owned business.

In 1982, the house is occupied by Allen Wolf, W.R.'s son, who conscientiously maintains the integrity of the interior and exterior of the structure.