Walter B. Hancock Papers
Collection
Identifier: Mss 15
Scope and Content
The Walter B. Hancock Papers consist of an eclectic collection of mementos from Mr. Hancock’s life. The correspondence contains several personal letters and a memorial resolution on Mr. Hancock’s death. Of special note is a copy of the first issue of the Hancock Brothers’ monthly publication Architecture (November 1906). Included are articles on Walter Hancock’s home in Fargo and the C.S. Marden home in Barnesville, Minnesota. The certificates are from the Dakota National Guard, Knights of Pythias, and the American Institute of Architects. The Empress of Australia brochure came from the Hancocks’ voyage in September 1929 after a trip to Europe. Another memento is a good copy of the Fargo Souvenir, a promotional publication from 1897. The few newspaper clippings are on Edward Hancock and the Island Park bandstand that Walter Hancock designed. The sketch book contains drawings by Walter Hancock in 1897 of bases and columns of famous buildings in Venice, Milan, Rome, Paris, and London. The drawing book contains drawings presumably done by him in 1881 from printed copies. The final item, the warranty deed, is for lots in Fargo.
Dates
- 1881-1935.
Creator
- Hancock, Walter B., 1863-1929. (Person)
Access
The collection is open under the rules and regulations of the NDSU Archives.
Copyrights
The NDSU Archives does not own the copyrights.
Biography
Walter Benjamin Hancock was born September 5, 1863, in Gloucestershire, England. He came to Fargo in 1882 to work for his brother, architect George Hancock. Several years later Mr. Hancock went to Syracuse University, where he graduated with a degree in architecture in 1889. He then returned to Fargo and practiced with his brother in the Hancock Brothers firm until George’s death in 1924. The brothers were among North Dakota’s leading architects and designed such buildings in Fargo as the Masonic block, the Island Park bandstand, First Congregational Church, Gethsemane Episcopal Cathedral, and McKinley and Washington schools. They also designed Old Main, Ceres Hall, and Festival Hall on the campus of North Dakota State University.
Mr. Hancock was a director of the Dakota National Bank and the Northern and Dakota Trust Company. He was a member of the American Institute of Architects, Dakota National Guard, Commons Club, Fargo Country Club, Century Club, and several other social clubs. He also was a member of the Shiloh Masonic Lodge, Keystone chapter of the Auvergne Commandery.
On October 17, 1895, he married Augusta LaVerna Douglass, a teacher in Fargo. She was born to Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Douglass in Olmsted County, Minnesota, on June 13, 1865. The Hancocks had no children but raised a foster son, Edward. They were members of the Gethsemane Episcopal Cathedral. Mr. Hancock died November 23, 1929, and Mrs. Hancock died December 24, 1955. They were buried at Riverside Cemetery in Fargo.
Mr. Hancock was a director of the Dakota National Bank and the Northern and Dakota Trust Company. He was a member of the American Institute of Architects, Dakota National Guard, Commons Club, Fargo Country Club, Century Club, and several other social clubs. He also was a member of the Shiloh Masonic Lodge, Keystone chapter of the Auvergne Commandery.
On October 17, 1895, he married Augusta LaVerna Douglass, a teacher in Fargo. She was born to Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Douglass in Olmsted County, Minnesota, on June 13, 1865. The Hancocks had no children but raised a foster son, Edward. They were members of the Gethsemane Episcopal Cathedral. Mr. Hancock died November 23, 1929, and Mrs. Hancock died December 24, 1955. They were buried at Riverside Cemetery in Fargo.
Extent
.2 Linear Feet (.2 linear ft.)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
Early Fargo architect whose records have not survived, except for this small collection of mementos related to his life and work.
Provenance
Donated by Helen Douglass, 1956 (Acc. 780).
Separated Materials - Newspapers (Institute Newspaper Collection)
Argus Fire Anniversary edition, June 7, 1894.
Evening Post, March 28, 1883 (incomplete).
Evening Post, March 28, 1883 (incomplete).
Separated Materials - Photographs (Institute Photograph Collection)
1 photograph of Augusta Hancock as a young woman. (Photo 51.241)
Property rights
The NDSU Archives owns the property rights to this collection.
Creator
- Hancock, Walter B., 1863-1929. (Person)
- Title
- Finding Aid to the Walter B. Hancock Papers
- Description rules
- Appm
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
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