History of the Ames-Florida-Stork House

In 1855, George Ames and his brother-in-law Joel Florida traveled up the Mississippi River from northern Illinois to settle in what would become Rockford, Minnesota. While on the steamship, the two men met and formed a partnership with Vermont native Guilford George, a master builder and millwright. The trio formed a townsite company and various milling operations that operated in Rockford for half a century. Products of the Rockford Woolen Mills were once known across the state.

Mr. Ames continued to build his business holdings in the community. In 1860, Ames initiated the construction of his "retirement home" on the east bank of the Crow River. He wanted his house to be reminiscent of the gentlemen farmers’ houses of his New England childhood.

In 1878, George Ames retired in ill health. At this time, he sold his house and business interests to his nephew George Florida (son of Joel- see above). George Florida lived in this house with two of his three sisters, his mother and his aunt (Mrs. George Ames) until his death. George Florida and his sisters were all very active in local activities. They were known for their entertaining, their promotion of the arts, and their great sense of civic pride.

In 1936, Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Stork bought the house from George Florida’s only remaining relative, his sister Jessie. Meda and Clinton Stork were avid history scholars and collectors of antiques. They realized the importance and historical significance of this house and made it their personal goal to restore and maintain this house in its original condition and to share it with school children, the community, and people interested in state and local history.

In 1986, Meda Stork’s dream of her house becoming a museum was realized when an anonymous donor donated the house to the City of Rockford. The Rockford Area Historical Society was formed at this time to work in partnership with the City of Rockford to help preserve and manage this beautiful house.

The Ames-Florida-Stork House stands as an example of over 100 years of life in rural Minnesota. Arranged in a series of "period rooms," the house chronicles the lives of three of Rockford’s most prominent families from 1862-1983.

The museum houses an extensive collection of 19^th and early 20^th century furnishings and textiles, many of which are original to the house. Included is a butternut bookcase and chaise lounge made for George Ames and an 1884 rosewood piano belonging to Clinton and Meda Stork. The house also boasts a vintage clothing collection of over 200 pieces, some dating back to the Civil War era.

Be sure to visit Rockford and the Ames-Florida-Stork House!!