“My” Mr. Thurston was one of the earliest snow birds coming to Central Florida. He was a well respected Minnesota businessman, involved in carriages, farm implements and cold storage. When he needed to get away, he came to his home on a 160 acre citrus grove near Maitland, Florida. His home in Florida, although a Queen Anne Victorian style, is more farmhouse than fancy. His home in St. Paul was just the opposite. This 1881 brick mix between a Queen Anne Victorian and Italianate style, now on the historic walking tour, was quite elegant and well suited to his position in the community.

495 Summit Ave., St. Paul - printed by permission from Jennifer Kirby