E. J. and Alice Daniels House, Sioux Falls

The E. J. and Alice Daniels House, a striking example of Queen Anne architecture, has been a notable landmark in Sioux Falls since its construction in 1890. Originally located on South Minnesota Avenue, the house was moved to its present site on South Hawthorne Avenue in 1956 due to commercial expansion. Despite this relocation, the home retains its architectural significance and was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.

E. J. Daniels, the original owner and proprietor of the Checkered Front Dry Goods Store, commissioned the house, which reflects the affluence of Sioux Falls in the late 19th century. In 1911, Dr. Henry Hornby, a local skin specialist, acquired the property, using it as both a residence and office. Shortly thereafter, he enclosed the original open porch, converting it into a sun porch. From 1957 to 1958, the house briefly served as the South Dakota Home for Speech Handicapped Children before transitioning back to private ownership.

This two-and-a-half-story wood-frame house features an asymmetrical Queen Anne design with a varied roofline, decorative gables, and a mix of clapboard siding, fish scale shingles, and wooden shakes. The asphalt-shingled roof includes ornate gables and a central brick chimney. A partially enclosed sun porch wraps around the east and north facades, while a covered balcony extends from a bay window, preserving the home’s historic charm.

The interior of the Daniels House is a showcase of fine craftsmanship. Hardwood parquet floors, decorative woodwork, heavy wooden doors with intricate carvings, and multiple-paneled pocket doors highlight the home’s refined aesthetic. The open staircase, adorned with an ornate balustrade and a jeweled newel post, leads to the second floor. The dining room is encircled by a plate rail, while the parlor boasts an opulent fireplace and mantelpiece, reinforcing the home’s luxurious ambiance.

The Daniels House remains a key example of Queen Anne architecture in Sioux Falls, reflecting Richard Norman Shaw’s influence with its asymmetrical facade, varied windows, and ornate woodwork. Owned by Robert and Carolyn Humphreys since 1977, it continues to preserve its historical legacy.