Col. Michael C. Dunn, a landowner and Sheriff, built a home in the Federal style ca. 1810. A grandson-in-law, William D. Shute, received the farm in 1859 and named it Grassmere. Intact following the Civil War, the house was renovated and an Italianate porch added ca. 1880. Margaret and Elise Croft 5th generation descendants, lived here until their deaths. Wishing to preserve the farm, the sisters gave it to future generations as a "nature study center."