Kelsh Home
This home was built in 1926 by Clemens Kelsh in anticipation of his marriage to Mary Roche in 1927. Local architect, Herman Leonnard, was engaged to design the two-story home of variegated brick and tile, and was asked to include a number of unique features. The estimated cost of the home was $12,500 excluding the lot. The roof was slate, the interior walls plastered, and there were hardwood floors of maple and oak. The heating system was hot water with cast iron radiators. It was one of the first of two homes in Mandan to have an electric refrigerator. A water well was installed in the basement.
Clemens Kelsh began his career in the practice of law in Mandan in 1915. While maintaining his law practice he was City Attorney for four years, and Morton County States Attorney for eight years. He became District Court Judge at the age of 72 and served as such for 12 years until he retired at age 84.
In 1965, Pope Paul named Judge Kelsh “Knight of Saint Gregory” in recognition for his service to his church and his community. Members of Judge Kelsh’s family who followed him in the legal practice were his sons William and Thomas, and his grandchildren, Thomas Kelsh, Roberta Cordano and Allene Zanger. The Kelsh family lived in this home until the death of Mrs. Kelsh in 1991.
Transcription reviewed against the photographed sign on July 30, 2026.