Share what you know,
and discover more.
Share what you know,
and discover more.
Mar 11, 2026
Builders first house Ellen D Carlson
This was the first home built by Ellen D Carlson on her own after her husband Gust died. New to the US from Sweden, a single parent at 19 before she married farmer, then home builder Gust Carlson. She became a widow at 46 and took on raising her 3 granddaughters after their mother had left. Big house; 5 br, 3 up, 2 down, formal dr. Her brother-in-laws also built houses and she learned from them. She hired contractors and also did the work herself. Stained all interior woodwork herself, painted and installed windows and doors herself. My mother and her sisters were raised by their grandmother, and moved into this house mid school year. They took the streetcar to school to finish the year. She always tried to build near a streetcar line.
Builders first house Ellen D Carlson
This was the first home built by Ellen D Carlson on her own after her husband Gust died. New to the US from Sweden, a single parent at 19 before she married farmer, then home builder Gust Carlson. She became a widow at 46 and took on raising her 3 granddaughters after their mother had left. Big house; 5 br, 3 up, 2 down, formal dr. Her brother-in-laws also built houses and she learned from them. She hired contractors and also did the work herself. Stained all interior woodwork herself, painted and installed windows and doors herself. My mother and her sisters were raised by their grandmother, and moved into this house mid school year. They took the streetcar to school to finish the year. She always tried to build near a streetcar line.
Mar 11, 2026
Mar 11, 2026
Mar 11, 2026
Posted Date
Mar 11, 2026
Historical Record Date
Mar 11, 2026
Source Name
Pam DiDonato
May 01, 1946
My Great grandmother built this house
My mothers grandmother built this house. She immigrated here from Sweden, had married a man that built houses, and once he passed away, she took over the business. They were very sturdy homes.
