Pyle House
Museum
The Pyle House Museum in Huron, South Dakota was
the former home of Gladys Pyle, the first elected woman United
States Senator and would serve as the secretary of state as
well. The magnificent house is a pristine example of Queen Anne
architecture constructed in 1894, the house has its original oak
woodworks, leaded and stained glass windows and fixtures. Gladys
would live here from 1894 until 1985 and is now listed on the
National Register of Historic Places, being converted into a
museum, with other original elements like the carpeting,
radiators, door hardware, doors, three stained glass sections,
interior layout and wood finishes. A new gas furnace has been
installed to replace the old coal fired one, but the original
and elegant radiators are still used. The house would be much
the same as it was originally furnished, since Gladys' father,
John Levi Pyle would die from typhoid fever in 1902, and leave
the family in dire straits, which meant that they would have to
work hard to keep the house. It does have many Pyle family
relics, that includes her maternal grandfather's discharge
papers from the 2nd New Jersey Infantry regiment that is dated
March 27, 1866, the Pyle family Bible that dates to the 1840s
and photographs of both her grandparents. The bedrooms and
bathroom upstairs is now used by the caretaker, so it can't be
toured, but the remainder of the house is an excellent visit.
Gladys had a marvelous life and history, so be sure to check it
all out when you visit and learn more about this strong woman
that would be the first US senator in the United States history.
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