In 1874 A.B. Hawley built what is today the Moondance Inn Bed and Breakfast. Dr. Hawley and his family moved to Red Wing in 1858. He was one of Red Wing’s first doctors and was instrumental in bringing other medical professionals to the community. Dr. Hawley was quite ill when this home was built and died just four years later in 1878. His family, consisting of his wife, her Mother, and their children, lived in the home until 1895. This photo was taken in 1884 and depicts the Hawley family enjoying their beautiful side yard.

The A.B. Hawley home is one of several key properties in the West end of Red Wing’s famous historic district. It was listed in 1999 as a historic property by the National Trust. The current owner’s of the Moondance Inn fully restored the property but maintained a number of architectural elements that were originally built for Dr. Hawley.