The Allen & Biggerstaff House
THE ALLEN & BIGGERSTAFF HOUSE
7210 Oak Street, Frisco, Texas
circa 1903
Sharing the History
This website was created to share information we have gathered to document the historical context of the house, including the legacies of William and Abbie Allen, and recognizing Fred Biggerstaff and the diverse tapestry of families who have called 7210 Oak Street home. Each have contributed to the rich history of the house, reflecting the evolving story of Frisco itself. Additionally, insights into the early history of Frisco are included to offer a backdrop and a broader context for understanding the significance of this historic house and its notable former owners.
It is important to acknowledge that we are not professional researchers. While our primary focus was on uncovering the stories of the early owners, particularly the Allens, we recognize that our efforts may contain inaccuracies; and, driven by our passion for unraveling its historical context, we admit to making assumptions based on the prevailing circumstances of the time.
We extend an invitation for you to join us as we delve into the past, hoping to provide a meaningful glimpse into the rich and captivating history with which this remarkable house has stood. We also share insights into the extensive renovations that were undertaken in 2023 and completed in 2025 to help preserve the house and ensure its safety and habitability for future generations and the Frisco community.
Sincerely,
Joe and Adrianne Petruska
HISTORICAL MARKER
Since 1903, this Queen Anne-style house has proudly stood at the corner of Oak and North County Road, captivating admirers like us. When it became available for sale in early 2023, we were elated by the opportunity to become the owners and caretakers of the "Biggerstaff House.” As we embarked on renovations that year, we started with a cursory appreciation for its connections to Frisco and Texas history. It became more than a home improvement project as we progressed into this endeavor. It evolved into a mission to safeguard a piece of Frisco's heritage and ensure its livability for future generations.
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Our curiosity about its history deepened with each step of the repair and renovation process. We found ourselves immersed in a labyrinth of historical records, references, books, articles, and various sources. Our fascination led us to delve into the lives of the original owners, William and Abbie Allen, who originally constructed the house. Their story and impact on Texas and Frisco were profoundly captivating, inspiring us to piece together their remarkable history.
Over the decades, alterations had been made to the original structure and interior, and significant deterioration to the infrastructure transpired. Recognizing the importance of preserving its historical significance, elements of the original character were incorporated into the design. As possible, features were preserved, like some of the original shiplap, displayed in the entry and other areas. Additionally, period-appropriate materials were sourced and incorporated, paying homage to the early 1900s era. Notable examples include the fireplace hearth tiles dating to the early 1900s and the inclusion of antique and vintage light fixtures. Care was also taken to repair the original backyard smokehouse.
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This journey inspired us to rename the house from the “Biggerstaff House” to the "Allen & Biggerstaff House" and update its historic marker accordingly. This decision was not intended to diminish the contributions of Fred Biggerstaff, the longest-tenured owner, and his family, including his service as a mayor of Frisco. Rather, it was important to recognize the Allens appropriately, acknowledging their significance in shaping the history of Frisco and Texas.
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STAINED GLASS TRANSOM - above the front door was commissioned by the Petruskas (and crafted by Terraza Stained Glass) to give tribute to the Allens and Biggerstaff with a symbolic representation of each along with reflections of the Frisco community and Texas:​​​​​​​​
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1903: reflects its originating history built by William and Abbie Allen circa 1903. The Allens purchased lots 8 and 9 in Block 59 from Blackland Townsite Co. and built the two-story Queen Anne-style home. They were also instrumental in purchasing lots at 6th and Oak Streets for the first Methodist Church in Frisco in 1902. After William passed in 1908, Abbie continued to live in the house until she died in 1922.
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Doves: honor Rev. Allen’s record of officiating the most weddings on record in Collin and Denton Counties of his time, often on the steps of the house.
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Heart (between the doves): represents the generous hearts of the Allens in doing so much for the community, including opening their home to children, many orphans, to live with them so they could attend the Allen Academy (Bethel School), a school they established. The first two mayors of Frisco attended this school, as well as many other notable figures important to the early history of Frisco. It also represents the love of the many families who have owned and lived in the house.
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Rose: pays homage to Fred Biggerstaff and their family, who resided in the home for nearly three decades beginning in 1935. The rose commemorates Fred's vibrant personality, often characterized by his signature red tie or garden rose affixed to his lapel. He, too, was important to the city’s history, serving as Frisco Mayor (1938 -1944) and Postmaster (1945 -1948).
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Train: symbolizes the railroad's crucial role in shaping Frisco. In 1902, the St. Louis–San Francisco Railway ("the Frisco'') built a stop to access a water source, essential for steam train engines. The city quickly grew around this stop, which came to be named Frisco City and shortened to Frisco when formally incorporated in 1908. The surrounding neighborhood is now fondly known as Frisco’s Historic Rail District.
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Water Tower: depicts the water tower constructed in 1923. It served as Frisco’s only elevated water storage tank until 1985 and is now an iconic symbol for the city. The tower is just a few blocks away and is in view from the porch steps. Of note, the water tower displays an outline of Frisco’s city emblem. Frisco fashioned this emblem from the St Louis-San Francisco Railroad logo, which was interestingly designed from an outline of raccoon skin.
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Bluebonnets: pay tribute to Texas. Generations of Texans have adored bluebonnets. In 1901, the state legislature recognized the flower’s popularity by designating it the official State Flower.
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Parsley: surrounding the Doves is a representation of parsley and serves as a nod to the Petruskas, as "Petruska" loosely translates in Czech to the word "parsley.”
Historic Reflections
Resources & References
Checkout this list of resources used as part of our research about the house, Frisco and the history of Texas. One of the best resources is UNT's Portal of Texas History https://texashistory.unt.edu/. And, special appreciation to the Heritage Association of Frisco.
A tapestry of many families and owners have called the Allen & Biggerstaff House their home. A list of prior owners, information, artifacts, and a selection of pictures have been collected, including copies of the five books written by Rev. Allen. Many of these items are displayed and/or kept in an antique leather Hartmann Train Case that will remain with the house.
RESTORATIONS & RENNOVATIONS
For over a hundred and twenty years (circa 1903), this Queen Anne-style house has proudly stood at the corner of Oak and North County Road. When it became available for sale, we were elated by the opportunity to become the owners and caretakers of the house in early 2023. It was clear at the time of purchase that there was work ahead for us. Over the decades, alterations had been made to the original structure and interior, and significant deterioration to the infrastructure transpired.
The renovations were undertaken with the help of Alair Homes (residential remodeling, and design professionals), Cindy Scarlett of CinDesigns and the many skilled trades to help preserve the house and ensure its safety and habitability for future generations. The comprehensive project included the foundation, electrical system, plumbing, HVAC, windows, doors, roof, flooring, interior design, first-floor bedroom and kitchen additions, and landscape. It was essentially a ground-up renovation and preservation (as much as possible) of the entire structure.
Recognizing the importance of preserving its historical significance, elements of the original character were incorporated into the design. As possible, features were preserved, like some of the original shiplap, displayed in the entry, mud room, and upstairs bedroom. Additionally, period-appropriate materials were sourced and incorporated, paying homage to the early 1900s era. Notable examples include the fireplace hearth tiles dating to the early 1900s and the inclusion of antique and vintage light fixtures. Care was also taken to repair the original backyard smokehouse.
While we began with a cursory appreciation for its connections to Frisco and Texas history, it became more than a home improvement project as we progressed into this endeavor. It evolved into a mission to safeguard a piece of Frisco's heritage and ensure its safety and livability for future generations of owners and families.
We, Joe and Adrianne (Court) Petruska, along with Joe’s mom (Marcella), who is living in the cottage, and our two dogs (Lucy and Bandit), moved into the house in March of 2025.
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos COMING SOON
ABOUT OUR FAMILY . . .
Adrianne Antoinette Court was born in Amityville, New York. Her parents were Marie Antoinette Mathis (Los Angeles, CA) and Harvey Renford Court (Peabody, MA). Soon after she was born, they moved to Southern California to be closer to her mother’s family, where she was raised. She graduated from Fontana High School in 1985 and Scripps College in 1989. She later graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas with a Master's degree. Adrianne’s career has spanned many years as an HR and executive leader. A career highlight for her was being a member of the executive team that facilitated Alkami's (ALKT), a Plano-based company, public offering on NASDAQ in 2021.
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Joseph “Joe” Jay Petruska was born in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, outside Pittsburgh. His parents were Marcella Dorene Costel and Joseph Ronald Petruska. He was raised with his older sister, Tammy, in West Mifflin and graduated from West Mifflin North High School in 1981. He lived there until he entered the U.S. Air Force in 1985. He was based at Offutt AFB, Omaha, Nebraska, and Andersen AFB, Guam. He was a Systems Administrator for Strategic Air Command (SAC), responsible for personnel and mobility systems for 125K service personnel. He received multiple commendation medals for meritorious service.
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After Joe’s military service in June 1991, he moved to California. Joe and Adrianne met working together in Los Angeles (Century City) in 1992. They both moved to Texas around the same time in 1995 for job opportunities. They were married in 2000. That same year, they bought their first home in Dallas (Highlands of McKamy area) and later moved to homes in Carrollton (Castle Hills), Plano, and Frisco.
Their children, Nicholas Joseph Petruska and Victoria Antoinette Petruska, were born in Plano and were raised in Plano and Frisco. Nicholas attended high school at Prince of Peace Christian School in Carrollton and graduated from Leadership Prep School in Frisco in 2021. Victoria attended Frisco High School, as well as Leadership Prep, but due to the COVID-19 Pandemic she ended up completing high school in 2022 as part of an online school program. Nicholas attended Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia following high school, and Victoria attended Long Island University in New York. (Photo: Marcella, Adrianne, Nicholas, Joe, Victoria during Christmas 2025)
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With Nicholas and Victoria off to college, Adrianne and Joe decided to enter a new journey of their lives, and they planned to look for a “downsized” home. But, captivated by the “Biggerstaff House” and the opportunity to purchase this historic and iconic house, they bought it in 2023. They expected that they would need to undertake some renovations and repairs, but as it progressed, it became evident that the endeavor was more than a mere home improvement project. It evolved into a mission to safeguard a piece of Frisco's heritage and ensure its livability for future generations. With the renovations completed in early 2025, Joe and Adrianne moved in with his mom, Marcella, who took up residence in the cottage on the property and their two dogs, Lucy and Bandit.
Contact Us
THIS IS A PRIVATE RESIDENCE. If you are interested in learning more about the house and its history, please contact us. The house and/or property may be available on occasion for photo shoots, filming, or small private events for a fee.
photo: Snowfall January 2025
