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Beautiful House or Beautiful Home: Dan Parson Celebrates 1927 Craftsman in West Fargo

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  Published in House and Home on Sunday, December 7th 2025 at 6:31 GMT by Daily Journal

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From the Parson’s Pen: “Beautiful House or Beautiful Home” – A Community Snapshot

In a recent feature for the Dakota County Journal, columnist Dan Parson—known to his readers for the affectionate moniker “From the Parson’s Pen”—turns the spotlight onto a single property that has captured the heart of the West Fargo community. The article, titled “Beautiful House or Beautiful Home,” is not just a description of a well‑finished residence; it’s a meditation on how architectural beauty, personal history, and neighborhood context combine to create a place that feels truly “home.”

1. The Subject of the Feature

The story centers on 456 Oak Avenue, a three‑story, 4‑bedroom Craftsman home that sits on a modest 0.25‑acre lot in the historic Oakwood subdivision. Built in 1927, the house has a hallmark of the era: a wide front porch, exposed rafters, and stained‑glass accents that give it a “storybook” feel. The original owner, a local farmer named Mr. John M. Carter, was known for his generous nature and community involvement; his obituary (linked in the article) paints a portrait of a man who served on the county board and helped establish the area’s first volunteer fire department.

The current owners—Samantha and Mark Rivera—purchased the house in 2018 and set out to preserve its historical character while infusing it with modern amenities. Parson’s narrative chronicles their process: salvaging the original hardwood floors, restoring the cedar shingles, and installing a state‑of‑the‑art kitchen that still keeps the original fireplace intact. The house, he writes, “transcends mere aesthetic appeal because it remains a living, breathing entity.”

2. A Blend of Past and Present

A key theme in Parson’s article is the tension between “beauty” and “home.” He illustrates this by contrasting the house’s formal, almost museum‑like architecture with the Rivera family’s personal touches. For instance, the kitchen’s island is topped with reclaimed oak from the original house’s pantry, a nod to continuity. The living room’s built‑in bookshelves—an addition made by the Rivera’s son—serve as a tangible reminder of the family’s love of literature.

Parson also references a 2023 feature from the North Dakota Home & Garden magazine (linked in the original article) that profiles the restoration of Oakwood homes. The magazine’s piece highlights how many owners are turning historic structures into modern residences, noting that Oakwood’s density of well‑maintained Craftsman homes has made it a “model neighborhood” for preservationists. Parson’s take is that while the architecture can be appreciated from afar, the true beauty emerges when the house is inhabited and imbued with life.

3. Community and Context

Beyond the Rivera family’s story, Parson places the house in the broader tapestry of the Oakwood community. He points out that Oakwood, established in the 1890s as a planned suburb, has long been celebrated for its “quiet streets and generous green spaces.” The article links to the Oakwood Historical Society’s website, which offers an interactive map of the neighborhood’s historic properties. According to the society, 456 Oak Avenue was one of the original 30 homes built along what was once a narrow country lane.

Parson further discusses how the neighborhood’s collective effort to preserve its character has won the district recognition from the North Dakota State Historic Preservation Office (link provided in the article). The article cites a recent council meeting where the city approved a “Historic Overlay District” for Oakwood, a designation that imposes design guidelines and grants homeowners access to tax credits for preservation work. These guidelines helped the Riveras secure a 15‑percent tax abatement on the house’s value, a detail that underscores the tangible benefits of historic preservation for modern families.

4. The Emotional Dimension

A compelling part of Parson’s narrative is his emphasis on the emotional resonance of the house. He notes that when Samantha Rivera walked into the living room for the first time, she “could almost hear the laughter of the original family.” The article includes a short interview with Samantha, where she explains that the house’s “spaciousness” and “light” made it an ideal environment for her two children’s creative pursuits. Mark Rivera, a local teacher, describes the house as a “safe haven” that offers both the quiet of a countryside retreat and the convenience of urban proximity—just a 15‑minute drive to the center of Fargo.

Parson concludes that the phrase “beautiful house or beautiful home” is not a question but a celebration of the two facets of any dwelling. He urges readers to look beyond the façade and consider the stories, memories, and community ties that turn a structure into a place of belonging.

5. Links for Further Exploration

Parson’s article includes a handful of hyperlinks that provide additional layers of context:

1. The Riverside Family’s Blog – an independent site where Samantha and Mark share renovation updates, photos, and DIY tips for historic home owners.
2. North Dakota Home & Garden Magazine (2023) – a feature on Oakwood’s architectural revival.
3. Oakwood Historical Society Map – an interactive tool showing historic properties and their backgrounds.
4. North Dakota State Historic Preservation Office – a resource page that explains tax credits and guidelines for historic properties.
5. Fargo City Council Meeting Minutes – the official record of the 2024 meeting that approved the Historic Overlay District for Oakwood.

These references help readers verify facts, dive deeper into the region’s heritage, and explore how historic preservation benefits contemporary living.

Closing Thoughts

Dan Parson’s “Beautiful House or Beautiful Home” is more than a property profile; it’s a love letter to the interplay of architecture, history, and family. By weaving the Riveras’ modern renovation with the house’s storied past, Parson reminds us that beauty is multi‑dimensional: it is visible in the sweeping lines of a Craftsman porch, tangible in the reclaimed wood of a kitchen island, and ultimately felt in the laughter echoing through its rooms. For anyone curious about how historic homes can be lovingly adapted for present‑day use—or for a simple, thoughtful look at what makes a place truly home—this article is a worthwhile read.