Tinker cottage

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Robert Hall Tinker moved to Rockford Illinois in 1856. He was employed by Mary Dorr Manny as an accountant. Manny was the wealthy widow of John H Manny, owner of the Manny reaper works of Rockford. During his employment, Tinker traveled Europe in 1865 and was greatly impressed by the estates and gardens he had seen there. On his return to Rockford Tinker built himself a 20 room Swiss style cottage on a limestone bluff overlooking the Kent creek, and also the home of Mary Manny. In 1870 Robert and Mary were married, becoming Rockford most influential couples. Tinker was mayor of Rockford in 1875, and also a founding member of the Rockford park district. Upon the death of the Tinkers, the cottage was left to the Rockford park district. The home is listed on the National Register of historic places.