In 1903, Nebraska’s wealthiest couple, George and Sarah Joslyn, completed one of Nebraska’s grandest homes – a 35-room Scottish Baronial Mansion atop a hill that was, at the time, on the outskirts of Omaha.
Spring at Joslyn Castle
Designed by architect John McDonald, the four-story house cost $250,000 – about $6 million in 21st century dollars. The pace of construction – 11 months – was amazing, given the rich use of carved wood, stained glass, chiseled stone, mosaic tiles and wrought iron. The mansions landscaping included over 100 mature trees, a green house and a reflecting pond.
George Joslyn died in his late sixties in 1916. Sarah lived on the 5.5 acre estate until her death in 1940 at age 88. From 1944-1989, the home served as the headquarters of the Omaha Public Schools. To preserve the integrity of this architectural treasure, the State of Nebraska held title for 20 years. Today, this icon of early Omaha is owned, managed, preserved and renovated by the Joslyn Castle Trust.
A chauffer awaits a passenger at the Joslyn Castle.
In addition to the interior renovation, landscaping restoration is underway. In time, two ponds forming a figure eight, spanned by a footbridge will reappear. There are plans to restore other features original to the site, including the greenhouse and children’s playhouse. In 1996, the grounds were declared the first historic Landmark Site of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum.
Melburn Rogers, grandson of the Joslyn’s chauffer, Edgar Rogers.
Today, Joslyn Castle is an Omaha Landmark Historic Structure and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Joslyn Castle Trust perpetuates the goals of Sarah Joslyn by serving as an advocate for this magnificent property. Sarah’s instruction was to use the house to educate and enhance the cultural aspects of the Omaha community. In order to do this, the Trust seeks to generate awareness, foster appreciation and attract financial support to preserve and restore the buildings and grounds.
To support the ongoing restoration and preservation of this beautiful estate, Joslyn Castle Trust launched the Joslyn Castle Classic Weekend in 2010.
One of the Joslyn cars in front of the Carriage House.
A display of classic cars is perfect for the Joslyn Castle grounds as George and Sarah Joslyn loved their cars. We know that in 1906, George, who had by then become an automobile fanatic, purchased an $8,000 Hotchkiss touring car to drive in Omaha. We also believe that George was one of the first in Omaha to own a Cadillac.
To help care for and drive their cars, the Joslyns employed Edgar Rogers who served as their chauffeur during George’s lifetime, and he remained with Sarah following George’s death in 1916. Because of Sarah’s interest in this community and all that was going on in town, she frequently asked Edgar to take her out to see what was happening and how the city was developing –especially in her later years and as her health began to fail.
Sarah Joslyn
Please join us for the Joslyn Castle Classic Weekend. Depending on your interests, you will find many things to enjoy. Bring your family and friends and spend a weekend at the Joslyn Castle.
