Frisby House

Leander Frisby, for whom the home was constructed, was a prominent lawyer, teacher, and politician in the community. He served as Washington County's first district attorney, the West Bend school superintendent and as a county judge as well as the Attorney General for the State of Wisconsin.

The cupola on the top of the house is accessed by a spiral staircase from what was once the master bedroom. It provides a wonderful 360 degree view of the City. Rumors are it was used by Frisby to keep an eye on construction being done in West Bend during his reign as City Tax Assessor. 

Ironically, several features in the house seem to be designed to avoid taxes! At the time the City assessed a tax on the number of doors in a home. The large front windows on the house actually slide upward to act as doors, but being windows would not have been taxed.

Many rooms in the Frisby House contained natural fireplaces. A spiral staircase greeted visitors at the front entryway and a rear staircase led to what was likely quarters for live in servants. Leander Frisby and his family sold the home in 1891 and moved to Milwaukee. Since then it has been many things from private homes, to B&Bs to shops and office. In January 1983, the building underwent extensive renovations. The building is currently owned by Killian Management Services and houses the West Bend Chamber of Commerce Office.

Leadership West Bend Class of 2018. Historic Downtown West Bend Walking Tour. West Bend, Wisconsin. 2018.

McAlpine, Linda. "Room with a View." The Daily News (West Bend ) February 16th 2017. .B8.

Carol, Thomas. "National Register of Historic Places Inventory - Nomination Form, Leander F. Frisby House." (West Bend) June 29th 1985.