Sheldon Fox was an early promoter of the Cedar Falls Mills Company. He came to the community in the 1850's and helped build the first mill on East Second Street

Fox built this house in 1863 at the age of 43. The date is inscribed in stone above the front door. It was built in the Italianate style, though later modifications have altered its original appearance considerably. The porch has been removed, as has the belvedere that once sat atop the Tuscan roof.

The Fox House knew tragedy as well as prosperity. Fox

s widow, Amy Burr Fox, died at age 96 in 1916 during a violent epidemic. Her daughters Mary and Ella died on the same day of the same illness.