The Boiler House of Walnut, IA

06/30/2026

After digging through deeds, probate records, and county documents, we've pieced together this ownership timeline.

This timeline follows the ownership of the property (Lots 9–12, Block 5) through historical records. While many of these owners were associated with the home as we know it today, these records document ownership of the land itself as we know the Boiler home was not built until 1923.

🏘️ 1871 – The town was officially platted by the Allen Company, led by Benjamin F. Allen.

🏡 1875 – Property purchased by Joseph Boiler, who became the property's first long-term owner.

🏡 1900–1938 – Ada Boiler owned and cared for the property for nearly four decades.

🏡 1938–1947 – Chester Boiler & June (Mosher) Boiler

🏡 1947–1963 – June Boiler remained on the property after Chester's passing.

🏡 1964–1965 – Fred V. Emmert & Harold DeFrantes

🏡 1965–1981 – Ralph & Olive Ferguson

🏡 1981–1986 – Floyd & Doreen Knop

🏡 1986–2012 – Eldon & Marilyn Ranney

🏡 2012–2017 – Robert Kreeger & Marcy Kramer

🏡 2017–2022 – Chad & Tia Case

🏡 2022–Present – 403 Pacific St, LLC

While we've done our best to verify everything through historical records, history is rarely perfect. We have had many people reach out and share fun stories and photos of the home. If you lived in the home, knew one of these families, have old photographs, or notice something we've missed, we'd love to hear from you! Please share your memories or corrections in the comments or message us directly. Every story helps preserve the history of this special home for future generations.

06/19/2026

If you happen to spot The Boiler House during your visit, know that this historic home is currently being restored. We're excited to bring new life to a piece of Walnut's history while preserving the character that makes it so special. We look forward to sharing its transformation with you.

To everyone visting this Father's Day weekend for the antique show, we hope you enjoy the treasures, history, and small-town hospitality. Safe travels, and thank you for visiting Walnut! 🏡✨

06/03/2026

Part of owning a historic home is being a steward of its story. Recently, the original blueprints were professionally restored, preserving an important piece of the home's history for future generations. Nebraska's Gerald R. Ford Conservation Center documented the restoration process, and we're excited to share their article highlighting the incredible work that brought these fragile plans back to life.

The Ford Conservation Center recently completed treatment on a series of 1920s cyanotype blueprints for a historic home in Walnut, Iowa.     Original blueprints are a rare find for […]

12/14/2023

Just like the exterior, the interior of the house needs some work. Many years of improper repairs and a certain degree of neglect contributed to some major issues.

Most seriously, a plumbing leak prior to our ownership caused significant plaster and wood damage in the front foyer. Additionally, some of the plumbing features were not in working order.

The floors in the kitchen, pantry and breakfast foyer had been recovered many times in the past (at least 4 layers on top of the wood). The wood floors in the rest of the home will likely need to be refinished.

The layout of the kitchen leaves no room for a refrigerator and does not meet modern ergonomic standards. Most of the cabinets are not original and will be replaced with reproductions of the original style when the kitchen is reconfigured. Some plumbing and electrical changes are necessary as well.

The paint is in okay condition in most areas, but certain rooms will need to be repainted.

Finally, many of the original fixtures were previously removed and stored in the attic. Those will be evaluated, cleaned and fixed (if possible) and reinstalled where appropriate.

12/13/2023

When taking ownership of this 100 year old home, I knew it would need some improvements. Beyond the wear and tear expected in a house this age, the Boiler House experienced damage from a hail storm in March of 2022. After getting the keys, it was time to assess how much work this home would need to repair the damage and restore its original quality and charm.

These photos represent the condition of the exterior of the house as it was when I took ownership--prior to any improvements or renovations.

Much of the gutter system (built-in gutters) was compromised and had caused deterioration of the wood soffit and fascia. There are some other areas of wood rot as well. Most of the downspouts lacked sufficient kick-outs. Thankfully the only area this appears to be causing an issue with the basement/foundation is the back-corner (unfortunately right where the electrical panel is).

While most of the brick on the primary structure is in spectacular condition, a bunch of the brick and concrete on the stoops and basement entry is spalling.

Hail caused damage to the asphalt roof, the flat seam metal roofs, the gutter systems, the windows (chipped glazing and broken glass), and paint on pretty much everything including the fence.

The property has a cistern on the north side of the house. I'm not sure exactly what size it is, but it's a big one.

The garage was crushed by a fallen tree multiple years ago. I was surprised that it had not been torn down in that time. I decided it was worth fixing.

11/08/2023

In the spring of 2022, I (Caeden Tinklenberg, an investor from Omaha, NE) looked at and fell in love with this 2-story brick colonial revival home in Walnut, the antique capital of Iowa.

Aside from 100yrs of wear and tear, the property had suffered significant exterior damage from a recent hailstorm, interior water damage from a burst pipe, and partially-collapsed garage from a wind-felled tree.

The sellers were moving due to job relocation and agreed to the price and terms of my purchase offer—which included assignment of the hail and water insurance claims to me.

Future posts on this page will chronicle everything that happens next on my journey to restore this historic gem to its original glory!