About The Tefft House
The Tefft House
The Tefft House was built by Dr. Nathaniel Stacy Tefft in 1878. It is a traditional four-square building. Although the four-square home is common to this area, Dr. Tefft added some extra touches which made his home unique. The corbels at the roof line add Italianate look to the exterior of the home. The breakfast nook in the dining room was an afterthought that was added after the frame of the house had already been erected. The Tefft House still boasts the dramatic walnut newel post and handrail on the stairs, the only interior details that remain from the original house.
Old World Charm with Modern Amenities
After serving as an office building for 16 years, the Tefft House was lovingly renovated in 2000. Except for the frame, the corbels, the newel post, and the handrail, the entire home has been upgraded. All the major systems were replaced - plumbing, electric, and gas. New interior walls were built, new floors were laid, and state of the art gas fireplaces, bathtubs, toilets, and sinks were installed. Antique reproduction tiles, imported marble, reproduction electrical fixtures were added.
The Rooms
The rooms are all named after individuals with a close association with the Tefft House.
Nathaniel's Room is named for Dr. Nathaniel Stacy Tefft who built the home. He was a physician who was trained in New York and Cincinnati. In 1856, he moved to Minnieska, where he practiced medicine and served as both Postmaster and Justice of the Peace. In 1857, he was elected to the lower branch of the Minnesota Legislature which was closely associated with admitting Minnesota to the Union in May 1858. He moved to Plainview in 1861. In 1871, he was elected to the State Senate.
Hattie's Room is named for Hattie Tefft, Nathaniel's wife. Not much is known about Hattie, except that her father, Chauncy Gibbs, brought the first piano to Plainview. He gave the piano to Hattie as a gift.
Sarah's Room is named for both Nathaniel and Hattie's mothers who shared the same name. Hattie's mother lived in Plainview with her husband, Chauncy, who was another physician in town.
Arvilla's Room is named for Arvilla Murray, the last person to own the Tefft House as a private residence. Arvilla was a tall, statuesque woman. She divided her time between Plainview, New York, and Europe. Arvilla was a clothing buyer for Lord and Taylor, and she traveled to fashion district in New York each year. She also took frequent trips to Europe - first by ocean liner and later by airplane.