The Howard Hanson House is a historic residence located in Wahoo, Saunders County, Nebraska, United States. The house is notable for its association with Howard Hanson (1904–1981), an influential American composer, conductor, and educator who was born in Wahoo.
Location and Architecture
- Address: 307 North 8th Street, Wahoo, Nebraska.
- Construction date: The house was built in the early 20th century; the precise year is not consistently documented in available sources.
- Architectural style: The building exhibits characteristics of early‑20th‑century residential design, with elements typical of the Craftsman/Bungalow style, including a low‑pitched roof, exposed rafters, and a modest front porch.
Historical Significance
The residence gained historical importance primarily through its connection to Howard Hanson. Hanson spent his formative years in this home before pursuing higher education and a distinguished career in music, notably as director of the Eastman School of Music (1934–1964). His contributions to American classical music and music education render properties associated with his early life of interest to scholars and cultural historians.
National Register of Historic Places
The Howard Hanson House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) on February 10, 1989, under reference number 88003477. The NRHP nomination cites the house’s significance under Criterion B for its association with a person of historic importance (Howard Hanson) and, to a lesser extent, Criterion C for its representation of early 20th‑century residential architecture in the region.
Current Use
Information regarding the present use or ownership of the Howard Hanson House is not widely documented in publicly available encyclopedic sources. It is presumed to remain a private residence, but confirmation of its status would require up‑to‑date local records.
References
- National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service – nomination form for Howard Hanson House, Ref. 88003477.
- Biographical entries on Howard Hanson in music reference works (e.g., Grove Music Online).
Note: While the existence of the Howard Hanson House and its NRHP listing are well documented, specific details such as construction year and present condition are limited in publicly accessible encyclopedic references.
