Abilene in Dickinson County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Lebold-Vahsholtz Mansion
Photographed by Shaw Zavoshy, June 20, 2024
1. The Lebold-Vahsholtz Mansion Marker
Completed in 1880, the Lebold Mansion was built by C.H. Lebold, a local banker, realtor, politician, and entrepreneur. Lebold chose the site of Abilene's first log cabin to build his 20 room home of rough-hewn brown limestone blocks from Russell County, and whitish trim stone from Ellis County. The mansion was completed at a cost of $18,000.00.
Lebold's financial empire suffered during the depression of the 1880's, and in 1889 he was forced to turn the house over to creditors. George Sterl bought the mansion at a sheriff's sale and occupied it until 1918. Hard times soon befell the stately structure, and it was used at various times for an orphanage, a home for single telephone operators, and an apartment building with nine units.
In 1974 the house was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Fred Vahsholtz who have restored it and recaptured the splender of a bygone era.
Erected 1976 by Abilene Bicentennial Project. (Marker Number 6.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1880.
Location. 38° 54.928′ N, 97° 13.399′ W. Marker
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Kansas’ Smoky Hills. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, on the prairies, and on the Southern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: C. H. Lebold Mansion (a few steps from this marker); Site of First Settlers' Home (a few steps from this marker); J. E. Johntz Home (approx. 0.2 miles away); Texas Street (approx. 0.4 miles away); Hotel Sunflower (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Grand Army of the Republic (approx. 0.4 miles away); D. G. Smith Building (approx. 0.4 miles away); United Building (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., May 1, 2011
2. Lebold-Vahsholtz Mansion and Markers
The subject marker is the middle of the three.
Photographed by Shaw Zavoshy, June 20, 2024
3. The Lebold-Vahsholtz Mansion
Credits. This page was last revised on June 25, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 25, 2024, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 1,389 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 25, 2024. 2. submitted on November 15, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. 3. submitted on June 25, 2024.
