The Victorian Home & Carriage House

Azel D. Barnum, a contractor, built the house in 1863. The Barnum family lived in the house until the W. A. Bryant, Sr. family bought the house in 1888. The Bryants lived there until 1919. The house then had several owners, and eventually was divided into apartments.

Mr. Barnum designed the house in the Italianate style. Typical of this style is the square structure and the cupola. The cupola offered the owners a clear view of the Cedar River and the growing town.

Today, the home is furnished with artifacts dating from 1880 - 1900. Each year the Society commits time and resources in their search for appropriate household items and interior design as well as exterior care and landscape.

The Society sponsors the annual historic district Christmas Walk, held the first Sunday in December. For this event and the month of December, volunteers and staff decorate the house in the festive spirit of the Victorian holidays.

The Carriage House Museum serves to showcase the rotating exhibits of the Cedar Falls Historical Society.

The Carriage House addition to the Victorian Home was completed in 1992. Built to resemble the exterior of an early carriage house. the addition houses exhibit galleries, the society offices, a research library and archives, and collection storage.

The research library and archives includes early county probate documents, photographs and business records, and general historical records of Cedar Falls. This facility is open by appointment.

Major contributors made the construction of the Carriage House possible, along with contributions from many members. The Society is grateful for continuing support of the community through contributions of time, money, and the artifacts of Cedar Falls History.