Specifications, 1950
File — Box: 11, Folder: 4
Scope and Contents
From the Collection:
The S. Marius Houkom Papers document the periods when Houkom practiced architecture independently as well as the periods when he was in partnership with Braseth or Skaret. The papers consist of the following series: Correspondence, Subject Files, North Dakota State Board of Architecture Records, Financial Records, and Architectural Drawings and Supporting Files.
The Correspondence Series, spanning 1915 to 1977, contains scattered incoming and outgoing letters related almost entirely to Houkom’s business and various architectural jobs. However, the correspondence from 1915 to 1919 is generally personal and was found in a discarded suitcase and donated separately by the person who found the items. In 1914 Houkom attempted to patent a clothes line reel, but no indication that he followed through and received the patent. The file does include correspondence from Watson E. Coleman, Solicitor of Patents, and drawings of the device.
The Subject Files Series contain a variety of materials from 1925 to 1972, including architecture registration certificates and award certificates. The Glerum family history materials include letters, charts, and other family history items regarding Mr. Houkom’s maternal family, which originated at Kristiansund, Norway. There is a list of architectural works done by Houkom and Skaret during their
partnership. Masonic items include miscellaneous programs, brochures, and letters relating to the Shiloh Lodge in Fargo. There is a typed copy of an undated Fargo plumbing ordinance with an index. The final subject file is a ledger listing the drawings sent to construction and industrial-related firms for various projects from 1940 to 1964.
The North Dakota State Board of Architects Series consists of that organization’s meeting minutes and correspondence. The minutes, covering 1925 to 1937, are rather complete. The correspondence, spanning 1922 to 1937, mainly contains letters from the secretary of the board relating to meetings and other board business. A particularly common topic is the certification of architects to practice in North Dakota.
The Financial Records Series contains various ledgers documenting the financial aspects of Mr. Houkom’s architectural work and the costs associated with specific jobs. The cash journal, covering 1933 to 1943, is a very complete listing of Mr. Houkom’s miscellaneous office expenses. The Island Park Swimming Pool journal, entitled “Bills Paid by Junior Chamber of Commerce,” includes the years 1938 and 1939. The business account ledgers, spanning 1925 to 1957, are very complete and give a good indication of the income and expenses involved in operating an architectural firm.
The largest series, Architectural Drawings and Supporting Files Series, consists of files on individual architectural projects. This series is divided into several sub-series according to type of project. The subseries include the following: North Dakota Churches, South Dakota Churches, Minnesota Churches, North Dakota Schools, Minnesota Schools, Hospitals, General, Residences, and Unidentified Drawings. Within each sub-series the projects are organized alphabetically by city. Although the type of records for each project varies, most contain correspondence, contracts, specifications, and drawings.
The “File” column in the box listing indicates that the drawings have been separated and placed in oversized folders in the listed map case number (Case drawers 11 through 18). The files appear complete for all of Houkom’s work and occasionally contain work done by Braseth. Some of Braseth’s files have been placed at the end of the series under the heading, “O.A. Braseth Architectural Records.” However, it would have been virtually impossible to separate all of the Braseth material from the Houkom material. Note that File 64 contains the etchings and drawings of buildings worked on by Braseth and Houkom as well as Braseth and Rosatti. Note also that File 49 contains a set of drawings for the original Powers Hotel in Fargo by the Hancock Brothers.
Dates
- 1915-1977.
Access
The collection is open under the rules and regulations of the Institute.
Extent
From the Collection: 10.6 Linear Feet (10.6 linear ft.)
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Creator
- From the Collection: Houkom, S. Marius (Sveinung Marius), 1891-1980. (Person)
- From the Collection: Braseth, O. A. (Person)
Repository Details
Part of the Institute for Regional Studies Repository
Contact:
West Building N
3551 7th Avenue North
Fargo North Dakota 58102 United States
ndsu.archives@ndsu.edu
West Building N
3551 7th Avenue North
Fargo North Dakota 58102 United States
ndsu.archives@ndsu.edu