The DeGroodt House is a designated site within the Downtown Historic District, conveniently located ½ block off Water Street and three blocks from the Port of Excelsior on Lake Minnetonka, which is adjacent to the Commons park.
The House, built in 1899, was the long-time home of Reuben DeGroodt, a local political and civic leader and pioneering merchant. The first DeGroodts arrived in Excelsior from Pennsylvania via oxcart in 1875 and built a large boarding house on Third Street.
Oscar DeGroodt opened a tin shop and hardware store that burned down in 1905. Oscar moved the business to the first floor of 234 Water Street, now the site of the Excelsior Hotel and operated it with his son Reuben. Reuben graduated from Excelsior High School in 1893 and was active in town, serving as Village trustee, on the Oak Hill Cemetery Association, chief clerk of the White House Hotel (now Haskells) and on the Commons Park Beautiful Committee.
In 1990 the house became Once Upon A Time Antiques, specializing in fine quality furnishings and objects. Since 2016, the House has been used for intimate special events such as catered wine dinners, milestone celebrations, art classes, and indoor / outdoor events.
