Lesher House • Built 1884
Lesher House
Built in 1883 at 903 West 2nd Street in Grand Island for contractor and builder Frank Talmadge, this Italian villa–style home reflects both craftsmanship and ambition. Talmadge likely played a direct role in its construction. He and his wife, Armida (Alvord), were married the same year and lived here until 1889.
Between 1887 and 1888, the home was expanded with two additions, and the roofline was raised—giving the house much of the appearance it retains today. After changing ownership several times, the property was purchased in 1905 by James B. Lesher, whose family would shape its next chapter.
The Lesher Family
James B. Lesher and his wife, Hattie, were Pennsylvania natives who moved west in 1887 and settled in Hall County. A successful farmer, James became a major shipper of cattle and hogs and was active in the community as a stockholder and director of the Commercial State Bank, a director of the YMCA, and a trustee of Grand Island Baptist College.
The Leshers had four children: Rosa (Rosie), Gertrude, Carl, and Pearl, who died in infancy. In 1907, Rosie married Elias F. Starr in the family home. Starr later became a prominent Grand Island school administrator, and an elementary school in the city bears his name.
Carl served as an aviator during World War I, while Gertrude pursued a career in nursing. The Lesher family owned the home until 1962.
Did You Know?
The Lesher House has been moved twice—first to the museum’s originally planned location, and later to its current site on the present-day grounds.