Stoll Sod House

Homesteader William Stoll built this rare two-story sod house, a remnant of the days when cheap, fireproof sod was used for pioneer homes. Sod bricks were cut with a special plow and laid grass side down a few courses at a time to allow for drying and settling. Openings were left for doors and windows to be framed and filled later. When the walls were completely dry, the sides were straightened and excess grass removed with a large knife. Walls could then be plastered. With walls 18 to 24 inches thick, “soddies” were cool in summer and warm in winter. While early soddies often had roofs of brush and soil, this one was roofed with milled lumber and shingles and boasted carbide lights, a front room and front porch running the length of the house, and a frame kitchen wing. Both stories had hardwood floors, with three bedrooms and hall above. Now the hipped roof is in pieces and the house is deteriorating.