Baird House

Was it a dream, or a promise whispered on a crisp autumn day? Here, before the Baird House, whispers of such promises seem to linger in the air. The Baird House, a grand residence at 4400 W 50th Street in Edina, speaks volumes of a love story interwoven with the very fabric of this community. George W. Baird, a Pennsylvanian transplant, arrived in Minnesota in 1857. He met and married Sarah Gates, and together they purchased a farm in the Edina Mills settlement. Their love for each other and the land culminated in the construction of this magnificent house in 1886. The Baird House isn’t just a beautiful structure; it’s a testament to the agricultural roots of Edina. George Baird, a champion of scientific farming, introduced the first Merino sheep to Minnesota. He and Sarah were active members of the Minnehaha Grange, serving as Masters at different times. Sarah, a remarkable woman in her own right, served as the State Grange Master for 18 years and chronicled their life in a series of 31 diaries, now held by the Minnesota Historical Society. The house itself, a striking two-story red brick Eastlake cottage, was designed by prominent Minneapolis architect Charles S. Sedgwick. Notice the multiple roof shapes, dormers, and that distinctive square tower reaching towards the sky. The intricate details, like the stone window trim and scalloped wooden shingles, whisper tales of a bygone era. While later additions have been made to the Baird House, they blend seamlessly with the original structure, preserving the historical integrity of this cherished landmark. The Baird House stands not just as a beautiful home, but as a symbol of the enduring spirit of George and Sarah Baird, a couple whose love story is etched into the history of Edina.