86 East Main Street
Cottonwood, MN, USA

National Register of Historic Places - Martin Norseth House ( Larsen House )

Statement of Significance:

The Martin Norseth House is significant as a well-preserved and locally distinctive residence, and for its association with initial commercial development in Cottonwood. Norseth began his business career in Cottonwood in 1888, buying the first commercial lot of the townsite even before the survey was completed. In September of that year, Norseth received several cars of lumber and established Cottonwood's second commercial enterprise. He later assumed management of the Cottonwood Lumber Company, established by Blackman and Curran of Minneapolis in 1889, remaining with the firm until his death in 1911. Norseth was instrumental in petitioning the Lyon County Commissioners for the Incorporation of Cottonwood in 1891, and, after the election, co-served as city council president in 1892 and as mayor in 1893, 1894 and 1905. In ca 1898 Norseth constructed the Georgian style house at a location near the Cottonwood Lumber Yard. Built during Norseth's most active years in the community, the house's locally distinctive wood features reflect his occupational and political position in the community.