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Robert Tinker constructed a three-story Swiss-style barn in 1873. It housed dairy cows, chickens and their feed.

John Blair arrived in Rockford, Illinois, in 1853, and worked as a landscape architect for many local residents. He worked for Mary Manny until 1865, when he moved to Chicago. In 1885 Blair was induce…

Salesmen for reaper companies would travel across the country and use models to demonstrate the product. Robert Tinker worked as a salesman for the Manny Reaper Company when he arrived in Rockford, Il…

This rootwood table was made to be used inside Tinker Swiss Cottage, Rockford, Illinois. Robert Tinker was inspired by Andrew Jackson Downing to surround his Swiss Cottage with rustic furniture made f…

A mill's grindstone was used as a dining table at Tinker Swiss Cottage. View looking west.

Tropical plants were popular with Victorian gardeners. The girl is sitting on a rustic bench made from tree roots and branches. Robert Tinker made this after being inspired by Andrew Jackson Downing.

John H. Manny manufactured reapers in Rockford, Illinois. In 1855 he was sued by Cyrus McCormick for patent infringement. Manny hired Abraham Lincoln, Peter Watson, and Edwin Stanton as attorneys and…

Robert Tinker built his Swiss-style barn in 1873. The Swiss Cottage in Rockford, Illinois, was a gentleman's farm with vegetable gardens and livestock.

In 1882 Robert Tinker induced John Blair to build a rustic stone fountain for the conservatory at the Swiss Cottage, Rockford, Illinois.

Mary Dorr married John H. Manny on February 1, 1852, and was widowed January 30, 1856. Mary oversaw the Manny Reaper Company and other properties in Rockford, Illinois. She was also involved in local…

Robert Tinker designed this monument in 1900 for the family plot at Greenwood Cemetery, Rockford, Illinois. Robert Tinker served on the Board of Directors for Greenwood Cemetery.

Robert Tinker built the first suspension bridge over Kent Creek in 1870. When it washed out in the 1890 flood, he built this bridge, which stayed in place until 1976.

Rockford Public Library was made possible by funding from the Carnegie Foundation. Robert Tinker landscaped the grounds facing the Rock River.

Robert Tinker arrived in Rockford, Illinois, in 1856, to work for the Manny Reaper Company as a salesclerk.

A formal rose garden can be seen from a second floor window of Tinker Swiss Cottage in Rockford, Illinois

Robert Tinker added a glass greenhouse/conservatory to his Swiss Cottage in 1882. It was used to protect tropical plants during Midwest winters. Robert Tinker landscaped the grounds around the Swiss C…

Robert Tinker was mayor of Rockford, Illinois, for a one year term in 1875.

Robert Tinker landscaped the Railroad Gardens in 1906. A lagoon is in the center of the gardens.

A nineteenth century croquet game, unknown location, Rockford, Illinois.

Three cows near Tinker Swiss Cottage in Rockford, Illinois, wading in Kent Creek. Cows were allowed to roam freely in the city until 1875. The suspension bridge was in place 1870-1890.