S. Marius Houkom Papers
Collection
Identifier: Mss 48
Scope and Contents
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.
Creator
Access
The collection is open under the rules and regulations of the Institute.
Copyrights
The Institute owns the copyrights.
Biography
Sveinung Marius Houkom was born on April 24, 1891, at Mekinock, North Dakota. His parents, Olaf S. and Marie, were Norwegian immigrants. Olaf was a Lutheran minister from 1884 until 1902, serving several different congregations in North Dakota. He began farming in 1902 in Grand Forks County, North Dakota, and purchased more land in adjacent Cass County in 1912. That same year S. Marius Houkom began college at the North Dakota Agricultural College in Fargo. He later attended the University of
Michigan at Ann Arbor. After earning his degree in architecture, he returned to Fargo and was employed by Braseth and Rosatti, Architects. In about 1924 he became partners with Mr. Braseth in the Braseth and Houkom architecture firm, which continued until Houkom established his own practice during World War II. He was partners with Herman Skaret in the Houkom and Skaret firm from 1951 to 1956. From that time until he retired in 1978, Mr. Houkom again practiced independently.
In a career spanning over fifty years, Mr. Houkom designed seventy-eight churches as well as several homes, schools, athletic facilities, hospitals, and commercial buildings. Some of his projects in Fargo included Plymouth Congregational Church, Peace Lutheran Church, Grace Lutheran Church, the original Island Park swimming pool, and the old field house at North Dakota State University. His last architectural project was the El Zagal Temple in Fargo.
Mr. Houkom was licensed to practice in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota. He was a member of the North Dakota State Board of Architecture, which he served as vice-president and president. Other organizations in which he was active included the Masons, Orpheus Male Choir, Norwegian Singers Association, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, and the North Dakota Association of Architects.
On August 29, 1929, Mr. Houkom married Zora Rejahl in Fargo. She was the daughter of William and Carrie Rejahl of Chicago. Miss Rejahl had lived in the Fargo area for some years working as a stenographer. On July 4, 1930, Mrs. Houkom died during childbirth. On October 27, 1932, Mr. Houkom married Lillian P. Meiers, the daughter of John and Augusta Meiers of Ross, North Dakota. In 1978 Mr. Houkom moved to River Falls, Wisconsin, to live with his daughter Zora (Mrs. Raymond) Anderson. Mr. Houkom died there on November 3, 1980. Mrs. Houkom died in Fargo on April 1, 1983. Both are buried at Riverside Cemetery in Fargo.
In a career spanning over fifty years, Mr. Houkom designed seventy-eight churches as well as several homes, schools, athletic facilities, hospitals, and commercial buildings. Some of his projects in Fargo included Plymouth Congregational Church, Peace Lutheran Church, Grace Lutheran Church, the original Island Park swimming pool, and the old field house at North Dakota State University. His last architectural project was the El Zagal Temple in Fargo.
Mr. Houkom was licensed to practice in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota. He was a member of the North Dakota State Board of Architecture, which he served as vice-president and president. Other organizations in which he was active included the Masons, Orpheus Male Choir, Norwegian Singers Association, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, and the North Dakota Association of Architects.
On August 29, 1929, Mr. Houkom married Zora Rejahl in Fargo. She was the daughter of William and Carrie Rejahl of Chicago. Miss Rejahl had lived in the Fargo area for some years working as a stenographer. On July 4, 1930, Mrs. Houkom died during childbirth. On October 27, 1932, Mr. Houkom married Lillian P. Meiers, the daughter of John and Augusta Meiers of Ross, North Dakota. In 1978 Mr. Houkom moved to River Falls, Wisconsin, to live with his daughter Zora (Mrs. Raymond) Anderson. Mr. Houkom died there on November 3, 1980. Mrs. Houkom died in Fargo on April 1, 1983. Both are buried at Riverside Cemetery in Fargo.
Extent
10.6 Linear Feet (10.6 linear ft.)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
Long-time Fargo architect, known particularly for the numerous churches he designed.
Provenance
Donated by S.M. Houkom, 1980 (Acc. 2050), and Zora E. Anderson, 1980 (Acc. 2063).
Separation Materials - Photographs (Institute Photo 2205)
Fargo Ice Arena at Island Park under construction, 1938
Exterior view of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Fargo
Album of views of various buildings done by Braseth & Houkom (not all identified)
Separated Materials - Books (Institute book collection)
Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, Wahpeton, North Dakota Dedication, May 18, 1941
Ebenezer Lutheran Church, Northwood, N.D. Golden Anniversary, 1898-1950
Masonic Temple Dedication, August 26, 1972, Fargo, North Dakota
Handbook of Correctional Institution Design and Construction, U.S. Bureau of Prison, 1949. (Architecture Library)
Ebenezer Lutheran Church, Northwood, N.D. Golden Anniversary, 1898-1950
Masonic Temple Dedication, August 26, 1972, Fargo, North Dakota
Handbook of Correctional Institution Design and Construction, U.S. Bureau of Prison, 1949. (Architecture Library)
Separated Materials - Maps (Institute map collection)
Map of Minot, North Dakota, 1938
Property rights
The Institute for Regional Studies owns the property rights to this collection.
- Architectural firms -- North Dakota -- Fargo.
- Braseth, O. A.
- Church architecture.
- Church buildings -- Minnesota -- Designs and plans.
- Church buildings -- North Dakota -- Designs and plans.
- Church buildings -- South Dakota -- Designs and plans.
- Commercial buildings -- Minnesota -- Designs and plans.
- Commercial buildings -- North Dakota -- Designs and plans.
- Dwellings -- North Dakota -- Designs and plans.
- Dwellings -- Remodeling -- North Dakota.
- Fargo (N.D.)
- Freemasonry -- North Dakota -- Correspondence.
- Glerum family.
- Hospitals -- North Dakota -- Designs and plans.
- Houkom, S. Marius (Sveinung Marius), 1891-1980.
- North Dakota. State Board of Architecture.
- Norwegian Americans -- North Dakota.
- School buildings -- Minnesota -- Designs and plans.
- School buildings -- North Dakota -- Designs and plans.
Creator
- Houkom, S. Marius (Sveinung Marius), 1891-1980. (Person)
- Braseth, O. A. (Person)
- Title
- Finding Aid to the S. Marius Houkom 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