The Nelsons moved away from Mill Village up to this house on Center Road in January 1891. In Sketches of Our Home Life, Ida writes, “here we spent three of the happiest years of our life” (2). Though the boys could not spend time on their continents, Walter writes “before long we discovered a steep bank above the brook which well filled the place of the islands and we at once set about improving it;” they established new colonies and other locales.
The Gunnison House is famous for having been the home of John Williams Gunnison. Gunnison (November 11, 1812 – October 26, 1853) was a military officer and explorer in the first half of the 19th century. He became fascinated with the West early in his career and is most notable for his expeditions to the Utah (exploring Mormon lands in particular). He was killed in a battle with the Pahvant tribe.
The house has not been significantly renovated or altered. In fact, the family currently living in the house has made it their mission to restore it to its past glory. The original wallpaper hangs in many of the rooms, and rooms are furnished much like they would have been in the 1800s.
The Gunnison House in the 1890s:
The Gunnison House Today:
The Nelsons in the Living Room:
A desk made by Dr. Eleazer Farr, the boy’s grandfather:
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