401 West Broadway St.
Decorah,Iowa 52101
563-382-8465

Bert & Grace - Circa 1920's

D.B. Ellsworth, a prominent Decorah merchant, built this Italianate villa in 1867. Frank and Emma Young purchased the property in 1898 Their daughter, Grace, fell in love with the "boy next door", Adelbert Field Porter, and married him in the music parlor in June 1904. They lived out their lives in the house which now bears their name.
Grace died in 1964 at the age of 84. Bert remained in the house till his death in 1968 at age 89.

Bert traveled extensively throughout his life, making seven around - the - world journeys and numerous excursions into the jungles of South America to collect specimens of exotic butterflies.
Grace and her mother accompanied him on some of his trips. Bert diligently recorded his travels in journals and photographs which may be viewed at the museum. His travel gear is on display in the upper story of the house.
Grace played the piano and enjoyed china - painting. Examples of her craft are on display in the dining room.
The Porters were well educated and refined individuals, who enjoyed many of the finer things in life. Their friends were often invited to private concerts given by traveling musicians in the Porter's music parlor. This tradition of concerts and recitals continues today as special events.
In July of 1968, Bert conveyed the house and it's contents to the Winneshiek County Historical Society for preservation as a public museum, after his death. Today, the museum is a private, not-for profit
corporation, administered by a board of directors.