In the corner of this property one of the only survey cement pillars in Mandan still standing, a remnant of Mandan's platting of this areaof the city in the early 1900s. W. H. Stutsman, son of a civil war surgeon, was an early resident of this home and served as a state railroad commissioner (precursor of the ND Public Service Commission) for 10 years. He became and practiced as an attorney for 47 years in Mandan.
Arriving in Mandan from Iowa in 1903 with his wife Ada Sharples, he was one of the founders of the Independant Voters Association and a member of the Workmans' Compensation Bureau for three years. In 1950, he had the distinction of being the oldest Elk in the state, at the age of 84, the same year he passed away.
After an unsuccessful attempt to purchase the former First Street Federal Building, Doug and Joni Wyatt moved into this home with their three children in 2004. While sweeping the attic, the Wyatts found a long forgotten item of W.H. Stutsman. Carefully unwrapping it, they discoved a hand written note on stationary of the Department of State, Bismarck North Dakota which said "Mandan, ND November 11, 1918 I paid a $1 for this flag and marched with it in the Jubilation Parade at 2nd Avenue. W.H. Stutsman." Within this rolled-up letter was a flag with only 48 stars on it.
The MHSoc's museum and office is located at 3827 30th Avenue NW; Mandan, ND 58554 Contact us at info@mandanhistory.org
