Historic Grinnell Home Hits the Market
The childhood home of Edith Renfrow Smith, the first Black woman to graduate from Grinnell College, is now up for sale. The property, located at 411 1st Ave, sits just southwest of downtown Grinnell. It is listed for $149,900, which is about $118 per square foot.
Smith lived in the home from 1923 until 1937, the same year she completed her studies at Grinnell College. Her connection to this house makes the listing significant for many people in the community and beyond. The home represents both family history and a major chapter in local Black heritage.
The home also reflects Smith’s long journey from childhood to college graduation. Her achievements have inspired generations, and this property marks the early ground on which that success was built.
A House Built in 1900 With Original Features
Built in 1900, the two-story house still holds pieces of its past. The most striking original features are the colorful stained-glass windows, which remain unchanged since Smith’s childhood. These windows give the home a unique charm and offer a direct link to the early 20th century.
The exterior has a beige finish paired with a green metal roof. A narrow staircase leads up a gentle rise to a covered front porch with simple chairs and a railing. The yard includes grasses and wildflowers that frame the path to the house.
Although parts of the house have been updated, many rooms still reflect the home’s older structure. Window sizes differ across the front, showing how the house evolved over time.
Interior Updates and Layout Details
Inside, the house has seen several changes since Smith’s childhood. New flooring and updated woodwork line the rooms. Sheetrock has also been added to the walls, reshaping some of the original structure. A remodeled kitchen sits in the back of the house, created from what was once a large porch.
During Smith’s time there, the dining area sat at the center of the first floor. Today, that area holds a round wooden table, a glassware cabinet, and an open barrel used for storing wine. The home blends old and new elements in a simple and practical way.
The house includes a small bathroom and a separate living room with an open layout. There are three bedrooms, offering space for a family or for someone seeking a home with character and history.
Legacy, Ownership, and Family History
Smith’s mother, Eva P. Renfrow, first owned the house in the early 1920s. She kept it until her passing in 1962. After that, the home remained with the Smith children until 1969. They then signed it over to Edith Renfrow Smith herself, who owned it until 2004.
This long family history adds emotional value to the property. Few homes carry over eight decades of connection to one family, especially one with such a meaningful role in local Black history. Smith’s life story continues to inspire people, and the home stands as a symbol of her early experiences.
Smith has also shared her journey through the book “No One Is Better Than You: Edith Renfrow Smith and the Power of a Mother’s Words.” Her story highlights strength, resilience, and the influence of her upbringing in this very house.
Additional Property Features
Beyond the main structure, the property includes a detached garage with four parking spaces. This addition sits just outside the back door and adds practical value for new owners. The space can serve as storage, parking, or a workshop.
The house offers a blend of history and modern updates. While many parts have changed, its unique features and family history remain deeply rooted. This listing gives potential buyers a rare chance to step into a space that shaped one of Grinnell’s most influential figures.
