The Bemidji Townsite Company sold these two lots 13 and 14 to Christa Wallace, a single woman on October 1914 for $300. She built the house and she signed a mortgage for it for $751 on May 25, 1918.
Christa Wallace and Milton Groff were quietly married at the residence of Rev Blaine Lambert, pastor of the Methodist church, on Saturday evening at 7 30 o’clock on January 10, 1920. “Miss Wallace is well known, having made her home here with her mother while teaching in rural schools and more recently being employed in office work in the city Mr. Groff has been a friend of the family for some years and has been employed at the box factory for some time and boarded at the Wallace home. They will reside at 1200 America avenue.” (Bemidji Daily Pioneer, Jan 13, 1920)
This couple owned the home from then on, although Mrs. Ruth Thole lived there in the 1930s.
“Mrs. Ruth Thole home, 1200 America Avenue, was damaged by fire, when a stove pipe overheated. Three high school girls lived on the second floor. Mrs. Thole occupied the first floor. The house is owned by Mr. and Mrs. M. E. Groff.” (Dec 18, 1936)
Milton Groff celebrated his 99th birthday Saturday when a group of relatives and friends called to extend best wishes. Mr. Groff, who is in good health despite his advance age proudly displayed his display of spring flowers and also has planted many gladioli bulbs for his annual harvest of lovely blooms. (July 6, 1962)
On his 100th birthday, his niece, Mrs. Bernice Talevson and grandniece, Mrs. George Smith of Bemidji arranged an open house when a large number of friends called. (July 5, 1963)
Milton E. Groff, Bemidji centenarian, died at his home at 1200 America Avenue just two days previous to his 101st birthday. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, June 30 1863, Mr. Groff built his present home in 1918 on a lot that was thick with jackpine. He married Christa Wallace in Bemidji in 1920. (Sentinel, July 3, 1964)
Mrs. Christa Groff continued to live in the house. She died at age 95 on July 9, 1971.
Mrs Christa Groff, 95, pioneer resident of Bemidji and longtime teacher, died at her home at 1200 America Ave Friday Christa Sabrina Wallace was born at Gloxer, Vermont on Jan 24. 1876, the daughter of Izri and Lucina Wallace. She was married to Milton E Groff at Bemidji in 1920. Mrs Groff taught school for nearly 50 years. She was a member of the Rebekah Lodge, the Retired Teachers Association and the Bemidji Women’s Garden Club She is survived by several nieces and nephews including Mrs. Bernice Talevson of Bemidji. One cousin also survives. She was predeceased by three sisters and four brothers Funeral services will be held at the Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home Thursday at 2 p. m. Hugh Martin will officiate Burial will be in Baldwin cemetery at Princeton. Minn. (Bemidji Daily Pioneer, July 12, 1971)
The house was still in the family in the 1980s and was occupied by their niece Bernice Talevson (1982)
