The Wyth House & Viking Pump Museum
The Historical Society acquired the Wyth House in 1979 as a bequest from Dorothy G. Wyth who gave the house in memory of her parents, George and Alice Wyth. Dorothy's bequest also established the Wyth House trust fund. The income from the trust fund has made possible the restoration, furnishing, landscaping and maintenance of the Wyth House and the Viking Pump Museum. The Society is most grateful for this bequest and the opportunity to open the Wyth House and the Viking Pump Museum.
The Land
The first recorded sale of the land on which the Wyth House is located was from the United States to William Sturgis on October 9, 1847. After having several owners, the land was acquired by F.W. Paulger who built the house in 1907. On July 1, 1925 J. George and Alice W. Wyth purchased the property.
The Family
In 1925, George and Alice Wyth moved into the house with their daughter, Dorothy, and their sons, Russell and Robert. George Wyth achieved his greatest prominence as a founder and first president of Viking Pump Company. In 1944 he retired as president and general manager. Both Russell and Robert were associated with the Viking Pump Company with Robert becoming president in 1944.
Dorothy Wyth, the eldest of the Wyth children, graduated from Iowa State Teachers College (University of Northern Iowa) and received a master's degree from Columbia University. Her principal residence during her adult life was New York where she had a studio and taught voice and piano.
The front porch was a special gathering spot for friends on Thursday evenings when the Cedar Falls Concert Band played across the street in Overman Park. When Dorothy visited from New York, she was a frequent guest vocalist with the band.
The House
When purchased by the Wyths, the house had wood siding. Not being insulated, the house was difficult to heat. The best method of insulating then was "dead air space." To provide this, the entire exterior was covered with a brick veneer. This is the only major exterior structure change. The house interior remains basically the same as it was in 1907. From 1955 to 1997 the house stood empty except for brief periods of occupancy by Dorothy Wyth.
The Restoration
Major exterior restoration projects were: a new roof, rebuilding the porch roof, rebuilding a sagging brick wall and the replacement of the garage. Major interior projects were: installing new ceilings, replacing the electrical service, insulating the walls and attic, installing a new boiler and air conditioning all three floors. To protect the property smoke, fire and security systems have been installed.
The Design Work
The Restoration Committee, knowing the Wyth family acquired the house in 1925, chose to refurbish the home emphasizing the period with the theme "a family home strongly influenced by the Art Deco period." To insure the authenticity of the project and to provide an outstanding example of Art Deco period, two interior designers were selected.
The Designers
Tom Klemuk, ASID, Cedar Falls, Iowa and Ruth Ann Davis, ASID, Omaha, Nebraska were chosen-- Tom Klemuk for his local interest in historic Cedar Falls and his ability to execute and supervise a quality project such as the Wyth House: Ruth Ann Davis, who has earned a national reputation for her expertise in the Art Deco period, for her contributions to the selection and the authenticity of the furnishings.
The Art Deco Period
Ruth Ann Davis, ASID
Historical ages often produce their own style of design which they call modern. The years between the two World Wars saw the rise of a style which reflected the new wave of modernization which was pre-empting a Victorian world. This style, now popularly called "Art Deco," was and assemblage of many influences and philosophies, and has persisted and gained almost a vitality of its own... The general mood of the era was one of speculation and experimentation... In many ways Art Deco seemed to fulfill the need of a design style that could satisfy the mood of the era.
The Interior
The foyer, music room and living room were opened for viewing on December 4, 1993. In the music room the restored Stroud grand piano with the Duo-Arts player attachment plays for visitors. The Gilbert Rhode desk in the music room, the City of Paris torchere lamps and the rug in the living room are outstanding examples of Art Deco design.
Elegantly furnished in the art deco style, the southeast bedroom, which was Dorothy Wyth's when she lived at home, was completed in 1987.
Since that time, the dining room, kitchen and upstairs rooms have been furnished and are open to the public.
The Garden
To fulfill Dorothy Wyth's request for a flower garden, an overall landscaping plan was developed. The garden is improved each year through funds generated from our annual garden tour.
The Other Gifts
The Society is grateful for the gifts received from the home of Dr. George and Sarah Hearst.
As in 1925, a forty-eight star flag is flown. The flag is a gift from the D.A.R.
The Society welcomes gifts for the Wyth House that maintain the authenticity of the established design and for the Viking Pump Museum that further the history of the Viking Pump Company.
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