Carlson Room

The Frank Carlson Library is host to a room dedicated to its namesake, Senator Frank Carlson. Many articles in the room were part of Senator Carlson's Washington, D.C. office. He personally selected some of his favorite political mementos for the Carlson Room display. Among the items on display are a check signed by fellow Kansan Dwight D. Eisenhower in playful settlement of a bet, a mug from the U.S. Senate, special inaugural license plates, several political cartoons, campaign literature, and dozens of photographs. His impressive elephant collection is a symbol of his lifelong membership in the Republican Party. Photos of his wife and family, his parents, and the large family Bible brought to Kansas from Sweden are reminders of the gentle man who wielded enormous political power during his years in the Kansas State Legislature, as Governor, and in Congress.

In 1983, Senator Carlson celebrated his 90th birthday with a gala party held in the library's Carlson Room. Kansas Governor John Carlin was one of several dignitaries who attended. When Senator Carlson died, his family used the Carlson Room after the funeral to receive the many people who came to pay their respects, including the entire Kansas Delegation, Governor Mike Hayden, and many personal friends and colleagues.