807 Summit Avenue
Built: 1906
Style: Tudor Revival
The house was built by Jacob Dittenhofer one of the founders of the Golden Rule Department Store, as a wedding gift for his son, Samual, and his bride 17 year old Madeline Lang. The Dittenhofers and their children, Elinor and Samual William lived in the house until 1936 and the home was the scene of many social gatherings.
The Dittenhofers were traveling in Europe when World War II broke out and they were unable to return home since Mr. Dittenhofer was ill. They remained in Paris during the occupation. When her husband died in Paris in 1952, Mrs. Dittenhofer returned to St. Paul but never lived in this house.
In 1966 the Dittenhofers presented the home and many of its furnishings to the Christian Brothers Provincialate, since the house had been vacent for over 30 years it needed major renovation. The house was designed by architect Clarence H. Johnston, Sr. and was built at a cost of $30,000. The house is perhaps the finest example of the Tudor Revival Style in St. Paul and presents an interesting contrast to the Salvation Army Women's Home and Hospital on Como Avenue which was also designed by Clarence H. Johnston, Sr. in the Tudor Revival Style and was constructed in 1912. |
