According to Dunn County records, the Oaklawn Stock Farm was established in 1889.  The 518 acre farm was equipped with all the "modern" improvements including indoor plumbing, (we've continued that tradition), closets, hot water heat, electricity to avoid the constant fear of the dangerous lantern, and a water tower to provide water to all the outlying farm buildings. 

Included on the property was a sixteen sided barn with cupola, and three race tracks, two of which were covered to allow training in all types of weather.  There were eight other buildings and three residences on the property.

Oaklawn was owned by Andrew Tainter, a partner in the Knapp, Stout & Co. Lumber Company.  His enthusiasm for competition followed him into his later years as his horses raced at county fairs and race tracks throughout the region.  The farm was nationally known for its "high-bred trotting stock" and boarding services.

The racing stock was sold in 1903, but the farm continued under the Tainter family until 1948, when it was purchased by the John P. Dale family who farmed until 1968.    The Dale families continued to live at Oaklawn until 1990, when construction began for the Stout Technology Park.

Your Hosts.  Today, all that remains of this agricultural showplace is the main house.  Maggie Foote and Les Popowski acquired the home in 1997 and have been restoring the 1890 Victorian farm house to make it a perfect escape.  Retaining the name, they opened as the Oaklawn Bed & Breakfast in the summer of 1998.  Their goal is to share this stately reminder of another time  with you.