Lots 13 and 14 were sold by Bemidji Townsite Company to W. F. Street on Sept 3, 1898 for $175. He then sold lot 13 to W. K. Roberts on May 1, 1899 for $200. This lot was just north of the current courthouse.
This was the home of John C. Parker and his wife for about two decades. John C. Parker was mayor of Bemidji in 1910 and again in 1911. He served as a city official for several years. [See John C. Parker under the Pioneers section]. He had two daughters, Ella Parker and Josephine Parker.
The J.C. Parker Company was incorporated in Bemidji on Jan 25, 1915. Corporate members were J.C. Parker, S. F. Parker, and E. F. Parker.
Mrs. J. Ryan, of Bend, Oregon, arrived in Bemidji yesterday and is a guest of the J. Parker home, 209 Seventh street. She came via Minneapolis where she visited friends. Mr. Ryan was a former resident of Bemidji. (Aug 25,1921)
Miss Joseph Parker entertained friends (1921)
Mrs. John Parker – birthday surprise party in 1922.
Residents of 209 Seventh Street in 1930 census. John and Sylvia, Ella, Josephine and her husband Arthur Voshage, and Abbie Murphy, lodger, who was also a teacher and lived with them.
John C. Parker died at his home at 207 Seventh Street in October 1936. The same house seemed to use both the 207 and 209 Seventh Street address in city directories and in the news accounts.
Ella Frances Parker, merchant. Born in Stillwater of John and Sylvia Parker. Taught in city schools at Bemidji from 1911-1918. Asst Cashier at Security Bank from 1918-1925; Asst Beltrami Co. Supt. From 1925-1931. From 1931, treas & gen mgr. of books and stationery store. During World War active in American Red Cross work. Collector of old masters, over 200 paintings in her collection. She lived at this address until about 1945. Ella moved to 421 Bemidji Avenue by 1946.
Jens A. Dale (1956)
Harold & Evie Barrett (1970) (1982)
Resolution by City Council on Nov 26, 2009 to repair or remove structure at 209 Seventh St. (Original Townsite, Block 2, Lot 13)