BALATON

Texas and Don Swanjord accomplished a lot in their lifetime. Not only were they extremely involved in civic, educational, religious and business activities, they were also leaders when it came to preserving and restoring history in the communities dear to their heart.

The Balaton House Bed and Breakfast, located at 231 3rd Street, was one of the many commitments the Swanjords – who died in 2011 and 2014, respectively – devoted their efforts to since purchasing the well-maintained, 1910 Victorian-style house in 2004.

Recently, the torch was passed to brothers Brad and Jason Whiteman, who made the decision to continue the work their mother and stepfather started.

“We’re taking over where they left off,” said Brad Whiteman, who officially purchased the Balaton House in July. “We’re taking it one step at a time. And we’re on step one of a journey of 1,000 steps.”

Two additional homes of longtime Balaton residents are also now owned by the Whitemans, who plan to use the houses as overflow properties for the B&B. Brad purchased the “Lila” house – where Lila Anderson lived with her sister, Alice (now deceased), from 1965-1998 – next door, while Jason owns the “Tisue” house three blocks away. Stella Tisue lived in the home until her death at the age of 107.

“The Stella Tisue house is nice, and we’re pretty much leaving it just as it was,” Jason Whiteman said. “I just got a whole bunch of photos of Ms. Tisue, on her horse, with her hat and all through the ages, so we’re going to figure out a way to display them.”

In the past, some people have specifically requested one of the two houses.

“The Tisue house has its own unique character,” Brad Whiteman said. “It’s a remarkable home. It’s got such spirit. It’s great.”

Like the Swanjords, who actually owned more than 10 properties in the community, the Whitemans are investing in Balaton and its future. The town itself was settled in 1879 and incorporated in 1892 when the Dakota Central Railroad was laid.

“Some people believe Balaton will end up like an Amiret, but others believe something good is going to happen in Balaton because people infuse energy and decide that something good is going to happen,” Brad Whiteman said. “My mother would say ‘you’d better go after your dreams, otherwise, you’re not in the right house.'”

While the brothers grew up in Connecticut – where Brad and his wife, Maria, still live today – they also have fond memories of their time in the Balaton area, where Don Swanjord returned to his roots with his wife, Texas, in 1992. Jason Whiteman currently lives in California with his wife, Tracy, and their two children, so the new proprietors “meet in the middle” in order to continue the B&B business.

“My mom always said to me, – and I like to share it with people because it’s what I heard, especially when I was 12 and 13 years old – ‘Jason, give back to the community that gave to you,'” Jason Whiteman said. “It’s just an echo. I was always wondering, what community? What do you mean by community? And what I realized is, it’s communities, wherever you go or whatever you’re involved in, give back to that place.”

Like the town of Balaton itself – you can search the entire United States and you won’t find another Balaton – the Balaton House has a unique history. Charley Anderson constructed the large, turn-of-the-century house on two lots for his newlywed daughter and son-in-law (Lucy and Elbridge Gifford), who eventually raised their four daughters there.

Helen and Earl Swenson and family and Swenson Funeral Home moved to the house in 1951.

“There are four bedrooms upstairs, two that have half-baths,” Jason Whiteman said. “Those are large. There’s a full bath upstairs, and there’s a handicapped-accessible bathroom down here that has a walk-in shower. There’s also one bedroom downstairs.”

The Swanjords spent 16 months restoring the house, eventually deciding to turn it into a bed and breakfast since Balaton no longer had any lodging available. Guests can enjoy its many wall-to-wall, historic treasures during their stays.

“There’s flexibility in that people can come and stay for a night or they can book for a week,” Brad Whiteman said. “Some might book for a month. It all depends on need.”

Many of the Swanjords’ first-year guests were family members of area residents. Whiteman expects that to continue, but he also believes that the opportunity exists for additional guests.

“In thinking about development, Ralco is here now and they’re growing,” he said. “I’m going to meet with (Ralco President) Jon (Knochenmus) and some others, just to talk about what their needs may be and how we may interact, just talk about Balaton’s growth a little bit, as people who may have some synergies. Along with potential business people who have different needs, we also might get some travelers coming through.”

The Whitemans are exploring different opportunities to draw more guests to the Balaton House. Advertising and potential partnerships with area businesses are two options they’re currently considering.

“Don and Texas really didn’t do any marketing, just very small, word-of-mouth and sort of local stuff, so we’re going to do more marketing and get the name out,” Brad Whiteman said.

Drawing people to the Balaton area is also a major focus. The brothers are interested in getting the word out regarding activities and sites of interest in and near Balaton, including the state parks, fishing, hunting, bike riding, horseback riding and golfing. They’d also like to encourage people to check out the Balaton Area Historical Society, which Don Swanjord helped found, or maybe take an old church tour.

On a recent trip to the Mall of America with his daughter, Whiteman was disappointed that Balaton was not highlighted in any of the advertising he looked through.

“That’s gotta change,” he said. “Tracy was in it. Marshall was in it. But I didn’t see Balaton’s name come up in any of the magazine. So if we want people here, we have to get the name out.”

Balaton residents Nicki and Jason Swan will continue being on board with the business, serving on-site roles at the Balaton House.

“We’re going to be busy,” Jason Swan said. “I work at Lockwood Motors, and Nicki does her massage and has her cleaning jobs. So we’re going to multi-task.”

Continuing as the manager, Nicki Swan will field guest requests with the Balaton House phone number (507-734-3338) or her cell phone (507-227-7813).

“Nicki is going to be the face of what we’re doing,” Brad Whiteman said. “It requires somebody who’s here full time to make it run. People can bring their own food and cook what they want. Nicki will come through and make sure everything is going OK and make sure people cleaning up and being mindful.”

Breakfast is going to be a flexible option at the B&B.

“In the modern world, some people want a more formal breakfast, while some people are good with muffins, coffee, banana and out the door,” Whiteman said. “Others might want to bring their own food and cook it themselves, while some might not want breakfast at all. We’ll make choices available.”

The Balaton House, which is being rented to full capacity this weekend, has Wi-Fi and cable available to its guests. Outdoors, visitors can enjoy the beauty of the flower gardens, rock wall, fish pond, wishing well and patio area or sit on the wrap-around front porch.

“There’ll be some activity going on in the near future,” Jason Swan said, referring to the exterior painting that is expected to take place.

While the website (www.Balaton-House.com) isn’t quite fully functioning yet, information can be found on the Balaton House Facebook page. Community members and past guests were overwhelmingly supportive and complimentary with their comments on Facebook.

“I’m so happy to see Texas and Don’s son keeping this beautiful place a part of Balaton,” Balaton Mayor Nick Noble said.

Brad Klukas added, “great asset to the community. Thank you.”

Dionne Wee called the continuing effort awesome news.

“My friends and I stayed here (as well as the house next door) two years ago and it was great,” she said. “Don was so accommodating and passionate about us having a good time. Glad to hear their legacy will live on.”

The B&B will likely have its new facelift done in time for a “re-opening” celebration on Oct. 3, which coincides with the Balaton Tour of Homes, an event hosted by the Balaton Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s just been wonderful, coming back and being part of something that they put their heart into,” Jason Whiteman said. “So we’re here keeping the spirit.”