Anoka in Anoka County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

The Stone House

Akin Riverside Historic Promenade

Photographed by K. Linzmeier, October 24, 2013

1. The Stone House Marker

Inscription.
Three stone houses were built during the 1920's by Thaddeus P. Giddings (1969-1954). Giddings was the Supervisor of Music for the Minneapolis Schools and founder of the National Music Camp in Interlachen, Michigan. The stone houses were part of the landscaping of Giddings' home and were places for the family to enjoy the river.

One house was located just north of the Eastman (Windego Park) Amphitheater. The other two were located on an island in the Rum River south of the Main Street Bridge. Only one house has survived the river and time. The City of Anoka is preserving it for future generations.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Education • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Minnesota Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1898.

Location. 45° 11.847′ N, 93° 23.491′ W. Marker is in Anoka, Minnesota, in Anoka County. It can be reached from 1st Avenue south of East Main Street, on the right when traveling south. Marker is along the Rum River in Akin Riverside Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Anoka MN 55303, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Corn Belt,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the territory of the Mississippian Culture.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Robert W. Akin (here, next to this marker); Father Louis Hennepin's Exploration in 1680

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Perseverance Needed (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Windego Park Auditorium (about 500 feet away); The Gathering Place (about 600 feet away); Why Settle Here? / Time to Play (about 600 feet away); Main Street Bridge (about 600 feet away); Lincoln Flour Mill (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Anoka.

More about this marker. photo captions:
• Stone house. Courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society.
• Mr. Robert W. Akin. Courtesy of the Anoka County Historical Society.

Also see . . . Anoka sorting out future of Rum River stone house. ABC Newspapers. (Submitted on December 18, 2013.)

The Stone House / Robert W. Akin Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by K. Linzmeier, October 24, 2013

2. The Stone House / Robert W. Akin Marker

Akin Riverside Park

Nearby Stone House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by K. Linzmeier, October 24, 2013

3. Nearby Stone House

Credits. This page was last revised on February 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2013, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 5,371 times since then and 172 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 18, 2013, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.