Beautiful Second Empire Mansion in Hastings

612 Vermillion, Hastings

Known as the Van Dyke – Libbey House, the grand Second Empire historic home was built in 1868 at a cost of $25,000 by banker and dry good merchant William J. Van Dyke. The exterior is constructed of Chaska brick. From 1880-1911, the Rowland C. Libbey family resided in the home. Mr. Libbey was Mayor of Hastings twice, and also owned the town lumber mill.

In 1914, the building was leased by the current owner, Mr. Millet, and used as a sanatorium. First listed as the Hope Sanatarium, it was later named St. Raphael’s Hospital. In 1929, the hospital moved and the home was converted to apartments.

Photo, 1960

2 Responses to “Beautiful Second Empire Mansion in Hastings”

  1. Anonymous says:

    What is up with people adding ugly additions nowadays? If your gonna do it do it right, or hire an architect who knows what their doing by God. Uhhggg, terrible.

  2. Kim Schiele says:

    I lived in the apartment on the lower right when I was just out of college back in 1998-2000. I loved the building, but in was in major disrepair. It definitely needed some TLC. The interesting thing about this building is the basement. There is a dirt/stone tunnel that leads down to the church next door. Very cool.

Leave a Reply