The Frank Romain House in Fresno
historic place
The Frank Romain House, a historic place in Fresno County, California, was constructed in 1905. It was built for Frank Romain, a pioneering agricultural developer in the central San Joaquin Valley. Romain established the Griffen-Skelly packing plant in the late 1880s, which was one of the first packing companies in the area. The house was designed by architect E. Mathewson and combines elements of the Prairie School and Greek Revival styles. Following Frank Romain's death in 1928, the residence became the Sullivan, Burns, and Blair Funeral Home, operating from 1929 to 1959. Hugh Burns, one of the partners, was a prominent member of the California legislature for many years. Later, William Whitehurst leased and then purchased the home, continuing its use as a funeral home. His son, Daniel Whitehurst, became the youngest elected mayor of Fresno in 1977. The Frank Romain House is historically significant for its association with these influential community members and as an example of early Fresno residential architecture.