We enjoyed our tour of the Meredith Willson birth home in conjunction with a visit to Music Man Square. The house is charming, but much like other houses we've toured from this period. What we did enjoy was all the family photographs and anecdotes. Made the experience stand out from others.
Fascinating Willson photos throughout, expert docent. Provides personalized insight into MW's boyhood, siblings, parents.
This home is about the same as when Meredith Willson spent his childhood years living here in "River City". Docents give you a ton of information about the family.
Nice Place Its really nice to see about the history of Meridith Wilson and how he lived his life. Very Nice Home wish I could see again.
The docent did a wonderful job of explaining the lives of Meredith Willson and his family, and it includes lots of good stories and interesting tidbits. The home itself is a great example of upper-middle-class living at the turn of the 20th Century. He did so much more than "The Music Man," and it was fascinating to hear about his career. It's also clear how important Mason City was to him and how much the city still loves and reveres him.
A nice opportunity to see where the talented Meredith Willson grew up. Nicely staged with furnishings from the era in which he spent his boyhood, the Willson home is worth a visit!
This is right next to the Music Man Square in downtown Mason City. It just adds more background to Meredith Wilson's upbringing and how he became a first rate composer in Hollywood.
Located next door to the Music Man Museum, this boyhood home is less about the man than the times when he grew up. For older people, it is a reminder what our homes looked like growing up in the Midwest. For younger visitors, it's a chance to learn. It also tells the story of Willson's talented sister.
A mansion on a stately street that portrays the way that the wealthy lived in a century past plus a showcase for events that are scheduled on the lawn in contemporary times.
I just included this in my review for Music Man Square because I assumed it was a yoked attraction since they are adjacent. This was one of the best house tours we have ever encountered. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and personable. Virtually the entire house, which included original furnishings, is included in the tour. We learned a lot about Meredith Willson as well as that time period. My husband went because I was interested, and he ended up finding it as delightful as I did.