Historical Marker

Sunday Houses

Small townhouse built by German settlers who lived in distant rural areas. Used over weekends by families while they traded or attended church.

A typical early Sunday House had one room with a lean-to kitchen and a half story above, which was reached by outside stairway or ladder. Built during 1890s-1920s, most Sunday Houses were frame but some were rock.

Homes found use during school sessions, periods of religious instruction or serious illness.

Some of the larger ones made comfortable retirement homes for elderly German farmers.