Keirle House, Omaha

The Keirle House is a historic residence built in 1905 and associated with the development of the Florence community during the early 20th century. It was constructed for the founder of the Keirle Ice Company, a business that harvested ice from the Florence Water Works and distributed it throughout the region.

The four-bedroom house remained in the Keirle family until the death of Maude Keirle, the last family member to live there. In recognition of its architectural and local historical significance, it was designated an Omaha Landmark on July 15, 1997. Architecturally, the house is a Midwest "classic box" with Queen Anne and Classical Revival details. Its compact, nearly square form is enhanced by decorative features that distinguish it from simpler homes of the period. The house was intentionally positioned to face the former town square of Winter Quarters, the settlement established by Latter-day Saint pioneers in 1846 during their westward migration. This orientation connects the residence with an earlier chapter in the area's settlement history.

The Florence Historical Foundation restored the house in 1996 following Maude Keirle’s death. It later served as executive offices for Uta Halee Girls Village until 2011 before being sold in 2012 as a private residence. Because it remains privately owned, it is not operated as a museum or regularly open to visitors. Those interested in local history can view its exterior while exploring nearby sites connected with Winter Quarters and the historic development of Florence.