A Stay at the Historic Weis Mansion, Waterloo, IA
Built in 1902 by Henry Weis and designed by the architectural firm of Murphy & Ralston, this lovely bed and breakfast is a Queen Anne design with Colonial Revival Elements. With fluted Ionic columns and innate detail, there is something at the Weis Mansion to see everywhere the eye stops.
Owned by Christopher and Kelly Schmitz, Kelly reached out about a visit to their property last winter. This came about because I am a member of the Midwest Travel Network. I was excited to be heading that way this past weekend for a review. The beautiful property was just what Keith, and I were looking for when heading to John Deere country, Waterloo, Iowa.
Our stay.
We stayed in the beautiful Wellington Chamber. This 2nd floor suite has a gas fireplace, and HUGE clawfoot tub and walk in shower.
We enjoyed the beautiful King-sized sleigh bed. The leaded glass windows, lovely woodwork, and peaceful room was just right for snuggling in and enjoying a day away.
On our arrival Kelly took us on a tour of the property, and we were duly impressed with the beauty and magnitude of the house. We also loved the three lovely doggies that were outside! Pretty, and friendly, it made me miss my grand dogs.
We drove a short distance and ate at the wonderful Brown Bottle, an Italian restaurant in a former hotel. Keith and I shared an entree. The next morning, Kelly provided us with a great breakfast with fruit and Greek yogurt, eggs bacon and more! She even had my favorite Paris tea.
After checkout we headed to the John Deere Tractor and Engine Museum. What fun!
We loved everything about our stay and our only question is when can we come back? I love the fact that this home also has an ag story, which fits perfectly in my passion for agricultural preservation.
The agricultural connection
Besides being located near the John Deere factories, the Weis Mansion has its own ag story. Henry Weis was a factory owner that produced egg case fillers that protected eggs during shipping. In 1891, he opened the North Star Company in Waterloo. The egg fillers were made from cottonwood slats and met the need for farm fresh eggs.
Henry Weis born in Germany grew up in Burlington. His inventive character was handed down, his father, Paul Weis. Paul patented an egg case design. This kickstarted Henry’s idea. In an article The Egg Reporter from March 6, 1924, that Kelly had on hand they state, “Henry is credited with perfecting the special machines needed to produce the paper fillers, and his eventual success funded an expansion north to Waterloo.”
Marrying his wife Sophia they had four children. As the business grew, Henry experienced a lot of international trade with shipments to Germany and even Cape Town Africa. Business expanded in the spring of 1897 with the promotion of beet processing. While this was not as successful as his egg fillers, in 1897, he incorporated into the Weis-Peterson Box Company with relatives in Cairo, Illinois. The business expanded to production of wood cases in Quincy, Illinois but the administration of the businesses stayed put in Waterloo. By 1921, Henry decided to retire and sold his business to employees led by E.A. Sohm of the Quincy location, although he kept an office in Waterloo. He passed not long after his 83rd birthday in 1927.
What happened to the company?
The Waterloo North Star merged with four other firms into the Central Fiber Products Company in 1931.
Christopher and Kelly and the story of the house!
“The previous owners had the house for over 30 years and were interior designers,” Kelly shared. The house was built in 1902 by Henry Weis. It was a high-end house that cost $16-$18,000 when most houses sold for around $600.”
In an article that Kelly had they state that the spot where the house was built, “was on the corner of 4th & Wellington…touted as ‘getting to be one of the greatest residence streets in the city.‘”
She pointed out that on the stairs while most steps had two spindles, the Weis house has three. Most windows have stained or leaded glass. There are parquet floors, a wraparound porch, and a small sitting porch on the 2nd floor. The house was built for Henry and his wife Sophia and daughter Laura. His sons were already on their own. “She got married in this house,” Kelly said.
While researching the house and family she learned after marrying a Gholson Laura moved to Colorado, then came home and lived in the house until her death in 1934. Over time the house was converted to apartments for 50 years. Then it fell into neglect until Alicia Beasly bought it in the 1980’s.
“She called it the Beasley Mansion,” Kelly shared, adding that Alicia Beasley was an interior designer, and the day she took ownership, her husband passed away. “She finished the 3rd floor and had a design studio. We bought the property from Jim and Retha Aronson.”
They called the mansion the Wellington B&B. The home was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Moving from Minnesota to Illinois
“We lived in Minnesota,” Kelly said. “I was a teacher, and my husband Chris worked for a non-profit. I was an elementary teacher and my youngest had graduated from high school. We were looking for a historical house to run as a bed and breakfast.”
First, they found one in Ohio, but it fell through. Looking, next, they found the Weis Mansion on Zillow. It seemed perfect. “I like that it has lots of bathrooms and already had permits.”
With years of rental properties, they were ready for this next big project. “We have been here for four years,” Kelly said. They purchased the property in 2022. Their college age daughter is there sometimes, and their son who in in IT lives in Minnesota. Adding their own touches to the house Kelly enjoys perusing antique stores and finding treasures to decorate. With six suites available, each one has it’s own personality.
Weis Mansion is an adult only bed and breakfast. Besides being adults, Kelly said guests vary in age and in reasons for coming to visit. An 18-year-old was coming soon, and they recently had an 80-year-old, so everyone can enjoy this beautiful space. One visitor just came to see the Deere sites, and another was local and just wanted to get away from home for a weekend. With Kelly’s amazing breakfast offerings, it is the perfect place to veg!
Things to do at the Mansion
Enjoy an afternoon tea for groups up to ten. Book a Mystery Event. These fun interactive events are scripted by Christopher. He is an author that has written many books.
The different events are listed on their website and have a variety of interactive players. The scripts are also available to purchase and try out in your own space. Rent the space. Kelly said a bride rented the space for her upcoming wedding.
Make a reservation and see for yourself what you are missing!
