Stuewe House

617 Nebraska Avenue

The Stuewe House is significant for its association with the early development of Alma as the location of the Stuewe Brothers Creamery. Brothers Albert and Ferdinand Stuewe purchased a small limestone house (c. 1873) on the west edge of Alma in 1884 where they operated their creamery and cattle businesses for fifty years. The current appearance of the house dates to 1885 when the brothers built a two-story addition. Albert and Ferdinand, who established the Bank of Alma (later renamed Alma State Bank) in 1895, were community leaders who played significant roles in the development of Alma. Ferdinand served as Wabaunsee County treasurer, state representative, and president of Alma State Bank. They employed several area residents to assist with business operations; some boarded at the Stuewe House. In 1891, the brothers invited members of their extended family to join the development of their successful business; the creamery and cattle business became a true family venture. The property remained in the Stuewe family until the 1960s. The house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on January 17, 2007.