Backs, Ferdinand, House
historic place
The Ferdinand Backs House, a historic place in Anaheim, California, was constructed between 1902 and 1904. German settlers Ferdinand and Louise Backs, who were early residents of Anaheim, commissioned its construction. Designed in the Colonial Revival style by architect Edward Niehaus, the house cost eleven thousand dollars to build. This 3,713-square-foot home became a notable residence in the community. Over the years, prominent figures such as industrialist Andrew Carnegie, President Warren G. Harding, actress Helena Modjeska, and Governor Hiram Johnson visited the Backs House. In 1987, the house was moved from its original location on North Claudina Street to its current site on North Vintage Lane. The Ferdinand Backs House was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on October 14, 1980. This house is significant as a fine example of Colonial Revival architecture and reflects the lifestyle of a prominent Anaheim family at the turn of the 20th century.