Staff photo by Fritz Busch Lind House Association Executive Director Kathy Covington stands in front of the Queen Anne style home built in 1887 at Center and State Street. An open house ice cream social fundraiser to support roof replacement is set for 1-4 p.m., Sunday, June 22.

NEW ULM — Lind House supporters will soon be able to buy a piece of the home.

Roof replacement efforts continue with an open house and ice cream social set for 1-4 p.m., Sunday, June 22 in the front yard of the Queen Anne style house at Center and State St.

The house is one of three former Minnesota governor’s homes open to the public and the only governor’s home not located in St. Paul.

It has been owned and maintained since 1985 by the Lind House Association, who saved it from being demolished.

Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, the house was in poor condition in 1980 with a rotted porch, collapsed front steps, holes in the roof and broken windows.

Covington said the home’s interior has been maintained over the years but the exterior is in dire need of repair. Roof shingles date back to 1985.

Lind House Association Executive Director Kathy Covington said supporters will be able to buy shingle for $20 at the June 22 open house, sign it or write on the back of it before it is placed on the roof of the Lind House.

Covington said the ice cream social will feature MN Eis specialty ice cream.

She said the association has raised about half the cost of replacing the Lind House roof and chimneys.

“We have about $70,000 for the $150,000 project. We hope to get it from donations or we’ll have to get a bank loan,” said Covington.

In the past, maintenance funds were raised with membership dues that range from $30 to $250 a year. Members can rent the house at reduced rates.

The house serves as a meeting place for local organizations, private parties and receptions. Tours are also available.

On the second floor of the house, near the stairway, is a glass case with the Royal Order of Vasa medal, awarded to Swedish citizens for service to state and society, especially in the fields of agriculture, mining and commerce.

Lind worked as a teacher and superintendent before graduating from the University of Minnesota Law School.

As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1887 to 1893 and 1903-1905, and a House Commerce Committee member, he handled all bills dealing with bridge construction in the Northwest and stood against monopoly privileges.

For more information, visit http://lindhouse.org or email lindhouse@newulmtel.net.