A post office called Frankenstein was established in 1893, and remained in operation until 1921.[3] The community most likely derives its name from Godfried Franken (another source says Gottfried Franken),[4] a pioneer citizen[5] said to have donated land to the town in 1890.[4] The donated tract became known as Franken Hill; and, since "Stein" can mean "rock," the town name may have been a fancy way of honoring Mr. Franken for his donated stein (hill).[4]