The recent Winds of Change/Annual Report 2006 of the Daily Globe wrote again about the Historic Dayton House. It is time I made my feelings known on this topic.
Historic Worthington Inc., board member Judi Hoevet is quoted as saying, "I've been relieved to see the Dayton House transformed from what was essentially a run-down eyesore in the central part of town to what it is now, instead, a pleasant focal point for our community. ..."
I have read such comments before and they continue to be an irritation to me. About 15 years ago, my elderly grandfather learned that this once-beautiful house was slated for demolition by the City of Worthington, where he lived most of his life. In spite of the fact that he was some 85 years old and his children begged him not to, he bought the house to save it from the wrecking ball. He and my mother spent many years, and a small fortune, resurrecting the house and turned it into a warm and beautiful home. Tons of debris was hauled away, the building was painted, roses were planted, and trees were trimmed. My mother spent untold hours cleaning and decorating the house with original artwork, antiques and Christmas trees as a theme. The local Toastmasters Club met there regularly, the house hosted private parties and tours were given. The house also served as a gathering place for the family. Grandchildren, cousins, brothers and sisters, all have fond memories of the big, beautiful house with all of its unique fireplaces and woodwork. The Dayton House was anything but run down, or an eyesore.
The City of Worthington refused to allow my mother a license to run a bed and breakfast (as is being done now) to help with the costs of maintaining such a property. The Dayton family was contacted and was not interested in it, either. It seems as though everyone, from contractors to the city, wanted to make it impossible for them to keep the house. After my grandfather's death, they got their wish. Historic Worthington Inc., bought the house for far less than its value from my exhausted mother and never again acknowledged the part my family played in saving the house. Some of you may remember my grandfather; his name was Mel Gjertson. He made many contributions to the development of this city over the past 60-plus years. From the Minnesota Board of Realtors Association to Worthington Regional Hospital, and yes even the Dayton House, he contributed to this city with a passion. There is even a park on the south shore of the lake that was property he owned and made available to the city.
I now live in Worthington and have resigned myself to the fact that my grandparents will never have the respect they deserve. I just hope that people realize that there is family here that takes the remarks and omissions personally.
