Doctor’s House • Built Early 1890s
Dr. Deffenbaugh’s House
Built in the early 1890s by Hettie Boyden and her husband, this cottage was one of three nearly identical rental homes in Grand Island. Today, it represents the home and practice of Dr. Deffenbaugh in Railroad Town.
Look nearby—can you spot one of the matching cottages next door?
Who Were the Deffenbaughs?
There were actually two Dr. Deffenbaughs: Dr. Martin Deffenbaugh and Dr. Nellie Deffenbaugh. The married physicians practiced homeopathic medicine in Grand Island from 1907 to 1913, offering care to local families during a time when medical options were still developing.
Was This Just a Home?
In smaller communities, a doctor’s home often doubled as their office. Patients might come directly to the house for treatment—especially in emergencies, when care could even take place on the kitchen table.
At the same time, doctors frequently traveled to their patients, making house calls a regular part of medical care.
Why Is There a Garden?
Many doctors maintained medicinal, or apothecary, gardens. These gardens provided plants used to create remedies, reflecting the important role of natural ingredients in early medical treatments.
Explore what’s in the garden here.