In 1856, Nathaniel Dean constructed a modest, cream-colored, flat-roofed brick farm house in the rural community of Blooming Grove, Wisconsin. On the second Sunday of any month or during special occasions, visitors can take a guided tour of this Victorian-era gem.
Located in modern day Monona, Wisconsin, stands the former Dean family country house. The home’s history is serpentine: in the 1870's, it was used by tenant farmers; in the 1920's it served as the Monona Golf Course club house. After rescuing the site from demolition, the Historic Blooming Grove Historical Society (HBGHS) began refurbishment in 1972. The society’s mission: make the Dean House a beacon for cultural activities and local history scholarship, as well as a persevering testament to the pioneer tenacity.
Nathaniel Dean
Businessman Nathaniel Dean came to Madison, Wisconsin in 1842 from Michigan, founding a dry goods store. By 1857, Dean’s real estate totaled more than 500 acres just in Blooming Grove. By 1880 his homestead was one of the three big dairy farms in the township, turning out wheat, corn and barley and sustaining 93 milk cows, 11 cattle and 12 pigs.
In 1847 Dean married Harriet Morrison; they conceived two children, both of whom died in infancy. The Deans built the splendid country house on Monona Drive and lived in it for approximately five years before moving back to Madison. Dean served as a Regent of the University of Wisconsin, its treasurer, and as a State Assemblyman representing Dane County. After Nathaniel’s death in 1880, Harriet moved to San Francisco, and the house was sold.
Dean House, Monona, WI
The Dean House is an architectural and cultural remembrance of Wisconsin’s Victorian era (1850-1900). Dean House stewards have restored the home and adorned it with fixtures appropriate to the time period. Fittings include a winding staircase and classy walnut banister, the tastefully furnished parlor, pump organ, fainting sofa, and a braided rug on the floor. Throughout the Italianate-style dwelling, attractive chandeliers are powered by antique oil lamps, and each room has its own wood stove. Modern amenities are utilized by the Society for miscellaneous pot lucks, socials, and events.
It is hard to imagine that such a splendid structure was being used by the Village of Monona as its golf course hang out. Troubled by its deteriorating condition, the town council even scheduled it to be razed. However, a group of local residents intervened. Deciding that the import of the village’s first settlers needed to be shared, the group convinced the City of Madison to rent it to them for just $1 a year - in exchange for their pledge of restoration and upkeep.
Dean House Directions
The Dean House is located on Monona Drive 0.1 miles south of Dean Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Address: 4718 Monona Drive, Madison WI, 53716.
Brian D'Ambrosio - Brian D'Ambrosio is the author of more than 500 published articles and seven books, including From Haikus to Hatmaking: A Year in the Life ...
