The House that Helterline built

  

 

David Helterline, at the age of 21, emigrated with his family from Bavaria to Stratford in 1852. Census records note that he was a farmer and engaged in lumber and bark.  He married Margareta Lorse and together they had 11 children.  

 

 By 1882 he owned a saw mill in Oregon at the north end of Stratford, and one on the western shore of Canada Lake.  By 1897 he had purchased land around Pleasant Lake including the saw mill at the south east corner of the lake.   His other businesses were  a tub factory and a general store.  

 

David held different town positions through the years; 

    Highway Commissioner for 7 terms, 

    Town Supervisor for 4 terms, 

    One of two Postmasters.   

 

In an 1896 newspaper article David Helterline was noted to be the wealthiest man and most extensive landowner in Stratford.   At the time of the article he owned 5,183½ acres of land.   

 

Prior to 1890, he built the house that now stands at the corner of Piseco Rd and 29A.  Upon his retirement in 1891 he moved his family into the new house.  A newspaper article from 1902 shows a photo taken for the Golden Wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. David Helterline with the Stratford house in the background. This house still stands today in Stratford.