Early American Furnishings

This is the original home of Earle Brown, the estate's owner. From here he could look out over his pastures and livestock to the west. Earle Brown was the founder of the Minnesota Highway Patrol, Hennepin County Sheriff from 1920-29, a breeder of champion Belgian and Morgan horses, and an unsuccessful candidate for Governor of Minnesota in 1932.

Gwen Brown Room. Gwen Foster of North Minneapolis married Earle Brown in 1921. Named after her, this room features a brass bed and Victorian light fixtures reminiscent of the comfort of the original estate. The solid oak three leg base table, dating from 1820, is at home in this vintage inn. The porcelain pedestal sink and water closet are the original fixtures.

Country Furnishings

Bill Hines Room. Bill Hines, chauffeur to Earle Brown from 1946-1963, was a veteran of World War I. While in France he met and married his wife, Andree.

His room recalls the original carriage house's dark wood board walls and ceiling. The spindle bed with striped ticking dust ruffle, a pine wardrobe dating from 1850, and pine pot cupboards of the 1860's suggest casual period comfort.

Richard Pursley Room. Richard Pursley was a graduate of the second training class for the Minnesota Highway Patrol, held in 1931 here on the Earle Brown Farm. Pursley made the Patrol his career, retiring as a Captain. This room's decor recalls the original carriage house's wooden walls and ceiling. Relaxation is enhanced by the spindle bed with comforter.

 

Shaker Furnishings

Jess Howe Room. Jess Howe and his wife, Blanche, lived in this house while serving as Brown's foreman during the 1920's and early 1930's. Their room occupies the entire second floor of the house, with a private deck furnished with iron furniture doubling as the sitting room. Natural antique pine furnishings include a desk, dated 1840, a chest of drawers with bun feet from 1830 and an 1860's pot cupboard.

Carl & Harriet Swing Room. Carl Swing worked on the Earle Brown Farm beginning in 1929, and served as foreman from 1933 to 1964. Harriet, who lived nearby as a young girl, worked on the farm and met her future husband here.

Their room occupies the entire first floor. The high ceilings, window seat alcove and deck create a spacious, light-filled suite. the natural pine pencil poster bed, antique wardrobe c1830 and pot cupboards c1860 add a sun washed warmth to the suite.

 

Victorian Furnishings

Grace Mattson Room. Grace Hamilton Mattson made her home and work place on the Earle Brown Farm from 1946-1964. This was her bedroom. The Victorian reproduction furnishings include carved wooden chairs and brass light fixtures. The floral chintz motif is inspired by the flowers found on the farm, including lilacs, day lilies and bouquets of red roses, which Earle Brown would set on every dinner table.

John & Jane Martin Suite. John Martin, grandfather of Earle Brown, was a steamboat captain in his early years. After marrying Jane D. Gilfillan in 1849 and moving to Minnesota, Martin founded and owned the John Martin Lumber Company and Northwestern Consolidated Milling Company, the second largest milling plant in the world.

Their suite consists of two large rooms with a bay window overlooking The Green. Furnished with victorian reproductions including a camelback sofa, gooseneck rocker and a carved wooden chair, the suite recalls the spirit of the home's Victorian origins. The red paisley, floral and mohair upholsteries in the room are in Earle Brown's favorite color.

Tony Heidenreich Room. Tony Heidenreich was the farm's gardener from 1944-1964. He lived a mile north of the farm and walked to work every day. The brother of Harriet Swing, the foreman's wife, Tony raised beautiful vegetables and flowers, especially roses.

The Victorian reproduction furnishings in this room include an ivory painted wrought iron bed and wood carved chairs.

Jean Martin Brown Room. Jean Martin Brown was the only child of John and Jane Martin, and the mother of Earle Brown. Her room is furnished with Victorian reproductions, including an oak paneled bed and wood carved chairs.

Frend Hamilton Room. Frend Hamilton, Earle Brown's best friend, was Deputy Sheriff, and the brother of Florence Wadsworth and Grace Mattson. His wife, Anne, was also a good friend of Gwen Brown.

This suite includes a separate bath and dressing area. Victorian reproduction furnishings include an oak paneled bed, tufted chairs and a turn of the century wicker bench.