Historic Frank House

The Frank House, built by George Washington Frank, was constructed in 1889. The three-story house listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is made of red Colorado sandstone, with English golden oak interior paneling and lumber, and hand carved woodwork and has seven fireplaces (10 originally). The mansion was wired for electricity during construction, ten years after Edison invented the light bulb. The landing on the staircase features a 5\’ x 9\’ Tiffany window.

Other modern conveniences in the house included two bathrooms, steam heating, built-in closets, and servants quarters. George William Frank, Jr. designed the house for his parents based on the H.H. Richardson Romanesque Shingle style.

George Washington Frank was born in New York state in 1830. Prior to his arrival to Kearney in 1885, he had been a partner in a bank in Corning, Iowa. After his arrival in Kearney, Mr. Frank began a major role in the development of the city. As president of the Frank Improvement Company, his projects included completion of the Kearney Canal, an electric power plant, and an electric railway system. The house was constructed to entertain Eastern capitalists for these industrial interests.

Although the house now exhibits furnishings of the Victorian period, it is more than a historic museum. The house is the scene for many University functions such as dinners, luncheons, teas, and receptions. Regular public tours were instigated in 1976.

Major projects completed since 1974 include repair of the Tiffany window, building five stone chimneys, a new tile roof, and forced-air heating system. Other projects include opening of the porte cochere and veranda, electrical rewiring, and plumbing. The original kitchen is restored.

Located at 2010 University Drive, north of Highway thirty at the west end of the campus, University of Nebraska at Kearney.