Albert and Ava Siewert House

407 Wallace Ave.

Harold Starin (1896-1974) was a prominent Duluth architect. He received his architectural training on the East coast and in Europe, worked for the Oliver Iron Mining Company, and, from 1923, maintained his own office in Duluth. According to his obituary in the Duluth Herald, he was also involved in building ships in Duluth during World War II. As its name suggests, the “Eclectic/English style” of architecture encouraged modern designs that drew from various sources instead of conforming to preset forms. In the 1880s, Albert Siewert opened a general clothing store in Duluth, but by 1917, when this house was built, he had decided to specialize in millinery. Both he and his wife, Ava, were active in the Progressive Party. A music teacher and social worker, Ada became a key figure in addressing poor jail conditions and establishing the St Louis County Work Farm to create employment for the incarcerated. The house originally cost $13,000 ($350,000 today), so the Siewerts were doing quite well for themselves.