Built 1880

This home on Jefferson Street was originally built by drug store owner Mr. Taggart from the native lumber saw mill that was located across the road and run by Charles Hopper. His daughter, Stella, married Mr. Hopper and they had ten children, all whom sang and played musical instruments. Their home became the site for orchestra practice and frequent revival meetings. The same orchestra played in each church. The south room with the bay window was the music room. The parlor room was in the northeast corner of the large house and was used only when the minister came to call.

Mrs. Taggart was such a particular housekeeper that she would not allow a fireplace to be built in the house because it would be dirty. However, all of the nine rooms except for one were heated by stoves. Dr. Turner added the porch when he lived there. The home was acquired by the Brown County Library, but was probably never used as a library. It was rented for many years and served for a time as the American Legion Hall. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Rigley purchased the building in 1951. They divided the long dining room into two rooms and added three bathrooms. From time to time is has been used as a tourist home. The parlor was also used as the gallery of Mr. Rigley’s paintings.

(Information from Ada Jones research notes and the 1972 Brown County Artist Sketchbook and others)