Armstrong House (Britt, Iowa)

First National Bank president Lewis Larson commissioned John Victoria to construct the house for $15,000 ($581,000 today), and Victoria completed the building by 1896. Larson was a Norwegian immigrant and hired Norwegian maids who immigrated to Iowa for the position. The maids shared a small bedroom on the second floor near private staircases that led directly down into the kitchen and up into the attic. Along with a butler's pantry (a transitional room between the cooking and dining areas), the staircases allowed the maids to work discreetly while the Larsons hosted guests.^[2] H. C. Armstrong purchased Larson's bank and his house in 1914. Armstrong's sons donated the house to the Hancock County Historical Society in 1969 to be converted into a museum.^[2] One year later, the Hancock County Memorial Museum opened to the public.^[3] The historical society has spent thousands of dollars to preserve the home.^[4] They recreated the original turrets for both of the house's towers at a cost of $15,000 in 2011.^[5] In 2019, the historical society celebrated the 50th anniversary of its acquisition of the house by hosting an open house and a murder mystery event based in the time of prohibition.^[6]

The multistory house combines elements of Colonial Revival and Queen Anne style architecture.^[7] The building has two towers, a wraparound porch, and balconies.^[8][7] Its staircases and heavy doors are hand-carved from yellow pine and oak.^[3] The museum preserved cabinets Armstrong himself built for the house.^[9] Some upper windows are stained glass.^[3] The hall sink and Swedish-glazed fireplace are marble.^[9] Rainwater drains to a cistern in the basement, where there are also coal and fruit cellars.^[8]

Since conversion to a museum, the rooms feature various local antiques, memoirs, and historical accounts.^[2][9] Victorian-era furniture is used throughout the house.^[2] The library features a desk, chairs, and a Victor Talking Machine phonograph from former Iowa Governor John Hammill.^[3][10] The kitchen features a vintage wall telephone and a butter churn.^[3][9] The parlor features an organ, floor lamps made by Armstrong, and "Battenberg lace made by Mrs. Larson."^[9] In the attic, the museum displays miniature replicas of a rural school and church.^[2] In the basement, there is a foot-operated dental drill, vintage wooden frames to dry curtains, hay knives, and antique woodworking hand tools. Also on display is a "soap kettle and machines for cutting seed potatoes, making rope, and sharpening saw blades".^[9]

43°05′43″N 93°47′54″W / 43.0953°N 93.7983°W / 43.0953; -93.7983