The Bunting Home
203 4th Ave NW
This home was constructed by a Mr. Freeberg for $6,000 in 1906 for Dr. Frank Bunting and his wife, Margret. Granite railroad rock was used on the front of the house and around the chimney, making it one of the most elaborate looking homes on the block.
Dr. and Mrs. Bunting resided in the home for 42 years. Their son, John, and his wife, Ruth, lived in the home for 36 years, from 1957 until 1981. The home was in the Bunting family for 78 years.
In 1981, Mr. and Mrs. Maurice LaGrave purchased the home. Maurice married Violetta Stasney in 1942. After their marriage, Maurice was sent to Europe for military duty, and they did not make their home in Mandan until his return and graduation from law school. Violetta was a nurse and worked numerous positions as a registered nurse. She also worked as a bookkeeper in her husband’s law firm and as his secretary. Upon Maurice’s death, Violetta returned to nursing. She was active in politics, holding a number of local and district positions. She was the first Republican woman from Morton County to serve in the House of Representatives and run for County Commissioner (1976). She was also active in civic, cultural, and social welfare activities in the community. She was President of the Central School PTA and board chairperson for the Dakota Foundation. The LaGraves had two sons.
In 1989, the home was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Morrow, shortly before Violetta’s death. There has been some remodeling done to the home, and a gas fireplace has been added. However, the home appears much as it did at the time of construction, and the exterior still maintains the granite rock Margret Bunting was so fond of.
Draft transcription from the photographed sign; it has not yet received a second review.