The Carroll House

Fullerton's founding farther, Mr. Edwin Forrest Sweet, has the Carroll House built in 1889 when Fullerton was just two years old. He named it "Carroll for his son, a name that had been in his family for many years. 

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Sweet came from Grand Rapids, Michigan in the early 1880's. He was very active in his hometown as well as the sate of Michigan, serving in congress as  a Cabinet Aid and as Mayor of Grand Rapids. He learned of the vast prairies of Dakota from a colleague, Mr. Ben Porter, while attending law school. Thus, he and his father-in-law, Mr. E.P. Fuller, decided to come and see for themselves. They acquired the property at that time and donated the land on which Fullerton was plotted as well as donating land for a cemetery, school, Union Church, and several other businesses. Sweet offered the Soo Line Railroad free right of way if a depot could be established in Fullerton. This ended up being accomplished and the agricultural community prospered. Thus, the need for a hotel became a reality. 

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The name "Fullerton" comes from Mr. Fuller. The three-story building is designed somewhat like Sweet's home in Michigan. It is quite unique for the area, with a Mansard roof as the most unique feature. The top floor was originally a ballroom, which was used for dances as well as most social events of the day, such as church meetings and Sunday School. Fullerton had its own concert band directed by James Barrett. Local musical groups who provided music for the dances and parties included the Von Eschens and the Pazandaks. These groups would make about $2.50 on a "good night".

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In 1907, the demand for more hotel rooms prompted Sweet to have the ballroom divided into seven more rooms. This led to the end of the ballroom era. The 1930's brought changes, resulting in the hotel being used for apartments. Some of the people who lived there were the families of Richard Sturma, Henry Ubben, and Lawrence Kretchman. In 1934, Mrs. Reed operated a beauty parlor on the second floor while also living there. In the 1940's, Mary Sturma operated the Carroll House as a board and room facility on the first floor. 

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Rob Johnson, a man of many talents, purchased the Carroll House from Sweet's daughter, Sophia Janeway, in 1943 and lived there fro 25 years until his death in 1968. He took a great interest in the Carroll House and saved many clippings about its early years, which were helpful in the study of it. It was then sold to two businessmen from Minneapolis, Bill Baker and Robert Van Houer, who used it as a hunting retreat for about 10 years. Then they sold the property to the Fullerton Community Betterment Association for $1, with the stipulation of restoring it to its original glory. When they saw the results, they generously donated new windows for the top two floors. Betterment accepted the challenge and work began in 1982. A goal was set to restore the Carroll House to its original status, furnish it in the turn of the century style, and operate it as a hotel, giving the public an opportunity to enjoy the nostalgia of the past. Today, Fullerton is proud to say this has become a reality.

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The Carroll House has been recognized nationally as a Historical Landmark, named to the National Register of Historical Places in March 1994. It was also featured in the publication, "American Restored," a book that includes two sites from every state plus the District of Columbia. These are all places that have been restored since 1982. This book, as well as the Fullerton Centennial Book, includes a more detailed history of the Carroll House as well as Edwin Forrest Sweet and the town of Fullerton.