Kuncl-Hruska House

Kuncl-Hruska House
1732 South 15th Street
1889
Architect unknown
Queen Anne Style
Designated Omaha Landmark: February 15, 2000

This house is significant historically as the residence of two prominent Nebraskans of Czech heritage, Vaclav Kuncl and Roman Hruska. Born in Bohemia, Vaclav Kuncl came to the United States at the age of 14 and later operated one of the first and longest operating meat markets in Omaha. Customers from all areas of the city frequented his shop. When Kuncl died in 1934, over 1000 people attended his funeral at Sokol auditorium.

In 1930 Kuncl’s daughter, Victoria, married a young lawyer named Roman Hruska. Hruska began his political career as a Douglas County commissioner, and went on to serve as a Congressman from 1953-1954 and as a United States Senator from 1954-1976. An influential republican leader during his time in Washington, Hruska was known as a staunch supporter of Nebraska and a gentleman statesman. An indication of Hruska’s stature in Nebraska is the new federal building named for him in downtown Omaha. The Hruska’s lived at the house from 1934 to 1954, the year Roman Hruska was elected to the Senate.

Although the Kuncl-Hruska house has been altered by the enclosure of the front porch and other modifications, its Queen Anne style characteristics are still evident.