The Carlson Room has recieved a revamp with the help of a grant from the Kansas Humanties Council and is now an even better showcase of Frank Carlson’s life and career. The new Carlson Room retains the best of its predecessor but now includes a comprehensive storyline through Frank Carlson’s political career and features better lighting, backdrops, and organization.
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, 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.