ANOKA, Minn. - The city of Anoka is trying to figure out what to do with an old historic stone house on the Rum River.

Many people who live in Anoka can tell stories about playing in the house at some point their lives. But its history runs a lot deeper than childhood memories.

The stone house is one of three built by Thaddeus P. Giddings around the turn of the 20th century. His family was one of the first to move to Anoka. Giddings was a powerhouse on the music scene locally and nationally. He used the house to entertain guests and cool off during the summer.

Over the years the house turned into a place for the public to explore and recently vandalize. The structure has deteriorated over time. Old age and high waters from the Rum River took down the other two houses and there is fear it could do the same to this one.

Culverts were put up to help save the house but it hasn't been enough. The city council is in the middle of deciding whether to preserve it or leave it.

Todd Mahon, executive director of the Anoka County Historical Society, hopes there is some way to preserve the house.

"It's a physical monument to a pretty important family. It's been here for more than 100 years...so many people that are from Anoka identify with this spot," Mahon said.

Saving the building could cost the city as much as $300,000.
KARE 11 reached out to city officials for comment but did not get a reply by deadline.

In 1994 the Anoka County Historical Society declared the stone house a local historic site but that does not protect the house from being torn down.

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