This 90 year old Queen Anne style house is known in the community as the O.W. Francis house. It is presently owned by Richard and Debbie Patak. The house, located on Highway 128 just a half mile north of Burr Oak, is an attraction to passers-by for its turret tower, wrap-around pillared porch, Palladian windows, patterned siding and gables. In addition to the unique Queen Anne exterior characteristics, the interior features an open staircase, oak woodwork, stained glass windows and a fireplace. These architectural attractions helped the Francis House become the first private dwelling in Jewell County to be listed on the National Registry. The Francis House was built in 1909 by O.W. Francis, a prominent farmer that came to the Burr Oak area in 1871. It has had only three other owners. |
