The story of the Ames-Florida-Stork House begins in 1855 when George Ames and his brother-in-law Joel Florida traveled up the Mississippi River from Illinois to settle in what would become Rockford, MN. During their steamboat ride up the river the two met Vermont native Guilford George, a master builder and millwright. The trio formed a townsite company and, upon founding Rockford, began a variety of milling interests that operated through the turn of the century. Products from one such business, the Rockford Woolen Mills, were known across the state. In 1860, George Ames began construction on his retirement home located along the east bank of the Crow River. Built in the Greek Revivial style, Ames wanted his new home to be reminiscent of the gentlemen farmers' houses from his New England childhood.
George Ames retired from his family's milling operations in 1878. That same year, he sold his home and business interests to his nephew George Florida, Joel Florida's son. The younger Florida lived in the house with his two sisters Jessie and Carrie, his mother Catherine and his aunt Mrs. George Ames. A third sister, Nellie, and her husband, William Hatch, lived in Illinois but spent summers, holidays and other times at the house. The Floridas lived in the home for close to 60 years. The family was very active in local events, and were well known for their entertaining, their promotion of the arts and their great sense of civic pride.
In 1937, Clinton and Meda Stork purchased the house from George Florida's last living relative, his sister Jessie. Avid historians and antique collectors, the Storks recognized the home's significance and they made it their personal goal to restore and maintain the residence in its original condition. They also chose to share the house with local school children, the Rockford community and all people interested in state and local history. Used as a summer and weekend residence and eventually becoming their retirement home, the Storks owned the house until 1986. That year, Meda Stork's dream of having her home become a museum was realized when an anonymous donor purchased and donated the house to the City of Rockford. The Rockford Area Historical Society was formed at the same time to work in partnership with the city to help preserve and manage this beautiful house.
The Ames-Florida-Stork House today stands as an excellent example of 150 years of rural life in Minnesota. Working in partnership with the City of Rockford, the organization houses an extensive collection of 19th and 20th century furnishings, textiles and documentary artifacts, many of which are original to the home. Visitors can enjoy tours of the home, interesting exhibits, educational programs for both children and adults and special events. Be sure to visit the Rockford Area Historical Society and the Ames-Florida-Stork House!
Tuesdays, 10am - 2pm
Wednesdays, 10am - 2pm
Thursdays, 10am - 2pm
Available by appointment, programs & special events
year round
Our Fees
$3.00 / Non-members
FREE for members & children
6 and under
Prices vary for programs &
special events
Our Board & Staff
President Bonnie Maue
Vice President Wendy Biorn
Secretary Jean Godfrey
Treasurer Open
Ex Officio Bev Tesch
Trustee Richard Dubay
Trustee Larry Matson
Trustee Nancy Walker
Trustee Rene Brownlee
_______________________
Director Rebecca Mavencamp
Our Contact Information
Rockford Area Historical Society
8131 Bridge Street
PO Box 186
Rockford, MN 55373
(763) 477-5383
storkhouse@cityofrockford.org
www.rockfordmnhistory.org
Visiting Us
The Ames-Florida-Stork House
is located on Bridge Street in Rockford, one block north of
Hwy 55. We are 15 miles west
of Plymouth/494 and 10 miles
east of Buffalo.
Click on the link below for a map
and in depth directions.
Collections Exhibits Volunteering
Services Memberships Donations
8131 Bridge Street, PO Box 186, Rockford, MN 55373
(763) 477-5383, storkhouse@cityofrockford.org
Preserving Rockford's Past For Its Future
