Introduction
The Frank Howard House is a historically significant residence located in the historic district of Tallahassee, Florida. Constructed in 1933, the house exemplifies the Colonial Revival style that was popular in the early twentieth century in the southeastern United States. It served as the private domicile of Frank Howard, a prominent local businessman and civic leader, and later became a center for community gatherings and cultural events. The structure has been recognized by the National Register of Historic Places and is currently managed by the Tallahassee Preservation Society, which maintains the property as a museum and event venue.
History
Early Years
Frank Howard, born in 1890 in Orlando, Florida, established a career in the citrus industry after completing his education at the University of Florida. By the 1920s, he had accumulated significant wealth and influence in the region. His decision to build a permanent residence in Tallahassee was driven by a desire to contribute to the city’s civic life and to establish a family home that reflected his status and taste. The site chosen for the house was a parcel of land previously occupied by a modest farmhouse that had been sold in 1929.
Construction and Architecture
The design of the Frank Howard House was commissioned from the renowned architectural firm of Smith & Brown, known for their expertise in Colonial Revival architecture. Construction began in early 1933, employing local labor and materials sourced from the surrounding area. The house was completed in late 1934 and officially dedicated in a ceremony attended by city officials, local business leaders, and community members. The dedication underscored the house’s role as a symbol of economic resilience during the Great Depression.
Ownership and Modifications
Frank Howard occupied the house until his death in 1968. During his lifetime, the house underwent several interior modifications, including the addition of a sunroom in 1945 and the installation of electric heating and plumbing systems in 1950. After his passing, the property was inherited by his daughter, Margaret Howard, who retained ownership until 1995. During this period, the house served as a venue for private social functions, and it remained in a relatively pristine state.
Transition to Public Ownership
In 1995, the Tallahassee Preservation Society acquired the Frank Howard House through a combination of private donation and public funding. The acquisition was part of a broader initiative to preserve key architectural landmarks within the city. Following the transfer, the house was closed to the public for an extensive restoration program that lasted from 1996 to 2000. The restoration aimed to return the structure to its original 1930s appearance while incorporating modern safety and accessibility features.
Architectural Features
Exterior Design
The exterior of the Frank Howard House is characterized by its symmetrical façade, a hallmark of Colonial Revival architecture. The structure is a two-story, frame building with clapboard siding painted in a classic colonial white. A prominent central entrance features a transom window and pilasters flanking the doorway, leading to a modest, double-pitched gable roof covered in cedar shingles. A single-story porch with Doric columns spans the front façade, providing a sheltered space that emphasizes the building’s balanced proportions.
Interior Layout
Inside, the house follows a traditional central hall plan. The main entrance opens into a wide hallway that runs from the front to the back of the building, with a staircase leading to the second floor. On either side of the hall are parlor rooms, a dining area, and a kitchen. The parlor rooms are furnished with period-appropriate furnishings, including mahogany side tables and a tufted sofa, which illustrate the domestic tastes of the era. The kitchen retains its original 1930s layout, complete with a cast-iron stove and a wooden pantry.
Materials and Craftsmanship
The craftsmanship of the Frank Howard House is evident in the attention to detail in its woodwork and joinery. The interior trim consists of wide baseboards and moldings carved in a decorative motif that references early American patterns. Handcrafted staircase balusters and a hand-carved staircase newel post demonstrate the skilled labor that was employed during construction. The windows are double-hung sash windows with six-over-six panes, a common feature in Colonial Revival homes. Original hardwood flooring has been preserved and restored to maintain its historical integrity.
Significance
Historical Context
The Frank Howard House reflects broader trends in American residential architecture during the interwar period. The Colonial Revival style emerged as a nostalgic response to the rapid modernization of American society and represented an idealized vision of national heritage. The house’s construction during the Great Depression underscores the resilience of local entrepreneurs who invested in cultural projects despite economic adversity.
Association with Frank Howard
Frank Howard’s influence extended beyond the citrus industry. He was a patron of the arts, a supporter of educational initiatives, and an advocate for urban development. His philanthropic efforts included the establishment of a scholarship fund for students pursuing agricultural sciences at the University of Florida. The house itself became a locus for civic discourse, with numerous meetings, conferences, and cultural events hosted there during Howard’s lifetime.
Role in Community
Over the decades, the Frank Howard House has served multiple roles within the Tallahassee community. During the 1940s, the house functioned as an emergency shelter for families displaced by hurricane damage. In the 1970s, it was used as a meeting place for local historical societies. In the 1990s, the house’s transformation into a public museum and event space contributed to a renewed appreciation for heritage tourism within the city. The building’s presence has thus been integral to both cultural preservation and community cohesion.
Preservation and Conservation
Historic Designation
In 2001, the Frank Howard House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The designation was based on its architectural integrity, association with a significant local figure, and its representation of early twentieth-century residential design. This status has provided the house with protection against demolition or unsympathetic alterations and has made it eligible for federal preservation grants.
Restoration Projects
Following its acquisition by the Tallahassee Preservation Society, a comprehensive restoration program was undertaken. The program was guided by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Key restoration activities included the replacement of damaged clapboard siding with historically accurate materials, the repair of original windows, and the restoration of interior finishes. The project also addressed structural issues, such as foundation stabilization and roof replacement, to ensure the building’s long-term viability.
Current Use
Today, the Frank Howard House functions as a museum that interprets the life and times of Frank Howard and the broader historical context of Tallahassee in the twentieth century. It also serves as a venue for cultural events, including weddings, community meetings, and educational workshops. The house’s management follows a model of community engagement, inviting local schools to conduct tours and offering volunteer opportunities for preservation work. This dual use has reinforced the building’s relevance to both residents and visitors.
Notable Events and Residents
Events Hosted
- 1945: Opening of the Sunroom, attended by local officials.
- 1958: Annual Harvest Festival, featuring agricultural displays and local vendors.
- 1962: Hosting of a regional arts council meeting.
- 1974: Community charity gala, raising funds for the local hospital.
- 1992: Inauguration of the Tallahassee Preservation Society’s inaugural exhibit.
- 2005: 70th anniversary of the house’s construction, marked by a series of educational talks.
Other Residents
Following Frank Howard’s death, his daughter Margaret Howard and her husband, Edward L. Thompson, continued to reside in the house until 1995. During their tenure, they maintained the property’s interior decor and were known for their dedication to preserving the home’s historical authenticity. After the transfer to the preservation society, the house has not had any private residents; however, it is occasionally used for small, private gatherings by the society’s board members.
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