Meet the Wilsons! (Outdoor Program)

July 13, 6:30-8:00pm (Central Time)

$15 prepaid/preregistered. Preregistration is required.

Registration Deadline: July 11

Location: Assisi Heights Canticle Park, walk to Wilson House (1001 14th Street NW, Rochester, MN 55901) Click here for map.

Near the upper end of the winding driveway to Assisi Heights sits the former home of Dr. Louis B. Wilson, now known as Walnut Hill. This property was just outside the city limits of Rochester when Dr. Wilson purchased it in 1923. When he married Maude Mellish, in 1924, the couple immediately moved into a newly-built guest cottage on the site. In 1925, a much larger house, designed by architect Harold Crawford, was completed and the Wilsons occupied it. We invite you to come and meet the Wilsons. Hear their own personal stories on the front lawn overlooking the city below. Bring a chair. In the event of inclement weather, the session may be rescheduled. Please watch for updates prior to each session.

Ken Allsen is invested in this region as a historian of the early influencers and architectural structures upon which the city of Rochester is built. Sister Marlys Jax will launch into telling the tales of living in the Wilson’s house and stories of the persons that have influenced the civic standards in the city. Diane Wrobleski, a nurse and quilter by profession, and a Cojourner with the Rochester Franciscans, regularly performs as characters remembered in our history books. These three individuals will bring to life the characters of Dr. Louis B. Wilson, and his wives, Maud Mellish and Grace McCormick.

Events taking place outdoors will be held in Assisi Heights Canticle Park & the surrounding grounds. Please park in the Canticle Park parking lot & join the group in the grassy area. We are open for limited sponsored events. Please refrain from attending if experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 or other illness or have been exposed to any persons infected with COVID-19.