The Gallup House

The Gallup House was the boyhood home of Dr. George Gallup, founder of the Gallup Poll and co-founder of Gallup & Robinson.

Located in Jefferson, Iowa, this unique octagonal structure was built by Dr. Gallup's father, George H. Gallup, at the turn of the 20th century. According to family, George Jr., known as “Ted”, was born on the property and lived there through high school. This was the second octagonal home built by the senior Mr. Gallup in Jefferson. The distinctive style, which enjoyed some acceptance in the United States during the mid to late 1800's, was said by builders at the time, to be more withstanding of wind and the elements as well as providing for improved air circulation within the home.

The Gallup House location originally encompassed 12.66 acres of land, which included a small dairy operation, as well as tennis and basketball courts to the north, and a large garden to the south. Located on a raised picturesque lot, the home employs a cross between Craftsman and Victorian era styling, with its large windows, oak pocket doors and wood trim, formal entryway and open front staircase. The house also has a “secret” back stairway.

Local residents have fondly recalled “Ted” delivering milk, as well as working a variety of jobs around town as a young man, such as helping with the construction of  what is currently the local Middle School. His milk route advertising slogan - “Two quarts for a nickel. Three for a dime” - belied the influence that this future member of the Advertising Hall of Fame would have in shaping modern advertising messages.

This unique property, coupled with small hometown flavor and “Mayberryesque” quality of life in Jefferson offers important perspective about the person behind the lengthened shadow that Dr. Gallup's many pioneering innovations and ideas has cast over modern politics, business and culture. That the house was an important part of Dr. Gallup's formative years is evidenced by his many warm references to it during his adulthood and the many visits he made back to the property later in his life.

The Gallup House, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is currently undergoing restoration by Gallup & Robinson, after which it is planned that the home will be available for a variety of uses, such as business or private retreats, educational meetings and seminars, and private receptions.

The G&R Building | The Gallup House