History
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The Anderson chapter in the history
of Crooked Willow began in the
spring of 2004 when Chris and I
purchased the land at 11181
Highway 27 as an investment
property. As we started to make
plans to add a storage building to the
site, we also began to see the
potential for other possibilities on the
small acreage.
of Crooked Willow began in the
spring of 2004 when Chris and I
purchased the land at 11181
Highway 27 as an investment
property. As we started to make
plans to add a storage building to the
site, we also began to see the
potential for other possibilities on the
small acreage.
Chris' Dad started calling the farm "Crooked Willow" after the curiously
bent willow tree growing gracefully in the front yard. The business now
had a name.
The original farm house was built in the 1930's and a kitchen and garage
were added in the 80's. There were beautiful hardwood floors in the
oldest part of the house - but character was needed. With my vision and
plans guiding the way, frequent trips to various Twin Cities salvage and
antique shops provided many, one of a kind architectural gems. My
method was to find the piece and then figure out how to incorporate it into
the redesign of the main house. The tin ceiling, built in cupboards and
antique lighting are the results of our salvage searches.
bent willow tree growing gracefully in the front yard. The business now
had a name.
The original farm house was built in the 1930's and a kitchen and garage
were added in the 80's. There were beautiful hardwood floors in the
oldest part of the house - but character was needed. With my vision and
plans guiding the way, frequent trips to various Twin Cities salvage and
antique shops provided many, one of a kind architectural gems. My
method was to find the piece and then figure out how to incorporate it into
the redesign of the main house. The tin ceiling, built in cupboards and
antique lighting are the results of our salvage searches.
The granary, which is now known as
the Summer Kitchen, was rebuilt from
the inside out. Insulation and new
siding were added to the outside,
while keeping the original wood on the
interior walls to create a warm cottage
atmosphere. A custom built screen
door, stone floor and vintage radiators
complete the look.
the Summer Kitchen, was rebuilt from
the inside out. Insulation and new
siding were added to the outside,
while keeping the original wood on the
interior walls to create a warm cottage
atmosphere. A custom built screen
door, stone floor and vintage radiators
complete the look.
Crooked Willow opened to the public on May 2, 2006. The shop is
managed by my life long friend, Rhonda Pooler. With much hard work
and dedication we hope we have created an inviting shopping experience
in this picturesque rural atmosphere.
managed by my life long friend, Rhonda Pooler. With much hard work
and dedication we hope we have created an inviting shopping experience
in this picturesque rural atmosphere.
The work that has been done at Crooked Willow has been a labor of love.
I have had the privilege of working with many wonderful people on this
project. The support and encouragement of my husband, family and
friends have meant everything to me. I hope that when you come to visit
us at Crooked Willow, you will enjoy the experience!
Terri Anderson
I have had the privilege of working with many wonderful people on this
project. The support and encouragement of my husband, family and
friends have meant everything to me. I hope that when you come to visit
us at Crooked Willow, you will enjoy the experience!
Terri Anderson
One of the first questions customers often ask
when they arrive at Crooked Willow is, "What
is the history of this place?" Several former
occupants of the house have come in to
reminisce and tell me of their memories of the
farm. I have even been fortunate to receive an
article that was written about the farm and
published in the Minneapolis Sunday Tribune
Picture Magazine in 1955.
when they arrive at Crooked Willow is, "What
is the history of this place?" Several former
occupants of the house have come in to
reminisce and tell me of their memories of the
farm. I have even been fortunate to receive an
article that was written about the farm and
published in the Minneapolis Sunday Tribune
Picture Magazine in 1955.
I began to imagine that the house and
granary could be fixed up and
redecorated to become a showcase for
the antiques we had collected over the
years. Eventually I shared my ideas
with Chris and we decided to renovate
the existing buildings and create a
quaint gift and antique shop in this
charming country setting.
granary could be fixed up and
redecorated to become a showcase for
the antiques we had collected over the
years. Eventually I shared my ideas
with Chris and we decided to renovate
the existing buildings and create a
quaint gift and antique shop in this
charming country setting.