Dibley House

The significance of the Dibley House is derived from its distinct architectural qualities and from the close association of its builder with the history of the area and the state. As an excellent example of the Classical/Colonial Revival style its appearance remains much the same as it did in 1906, the year it was built. A grand old home, it exemplifies the successes achieved by pioneers in the Red River Valley who were willing to work hard to address the needs of the region with services, political leadership, and community involvement.

Francis E. Dibley, the builder of the home, was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1860. After completing his education, in 1879, he moved to the Red River Valley, finding employment with St. Paul and Pacific Railway in Ada Minnesota. The next year he entered the services of a grain farm near Sabin, Minnesota, serving in the capacity of foreman until 1889 when he became a representative of a bridge and iron company, located in Milwaukee. In 1898 he formed the partnership of "Dibley and Robinson, Bridge and Structural Builders" of Fargo, North Dakota, and in 1902 he organized "The Fargo Bridge and Iron Company, of which he served as president. His interest in the growing business of transportation is further indicated by his role as president of North Dakota Improvement Company. Exhibiting diversity in his career, Dibley also served as president of the Fargo Bond Company and developed extensive farming and mercantile interests as well.

Achieving business prominence, Dibley also became known in civic and political circles. He was a Mason, a Shriner, and a member of the local Elks. Active in the Fargo Baptist Church, Dibley served on the building committee that erected a new church in 1905. The next year, in 1906, Dibley was elected as a member of the North Dakota House of Representatives. Not surprisingly, at least one bill he introduced dealt with road improvements throughout the state.

Also in 1906, Dibley constructed his eighth avenue home. Although he and his wife Ida had no children, the home was of a size and style befitting a man of his stature in the community. Four years later a stroke prompted Dibleys untimely death. His widow sold the home a few years later and since then it has been occupied by a number of families. The home remains today as a reminder of early businessmen and community leaders who sought their fortunes in the infant state.