Lakota in Nelson County, North Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

The A.M. Tofthagen Library and Museum

National Register of Historic Places

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 28, 2022

1. The A.M. Tofthagen Library and Museum Marker

Inscription. This property is listed in the
National Register
of Historic Places
United States Department of the Interior
1991

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Charity & Public Work • Education • Immigration. A significant historical year for this entry is 1927.

Location. 48° 2.505′ N, 98° 20.706′ W. Marker is in Lakota, North Dakota, in Nelson County. It can be reached from B Avenue West just east of 2nd Street West, on the right when traveling west. Marker is mounted at eye-level, directly on the subject building, just to the left of the front entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 116 B Avenue West, Lakota ND 58344, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Dakota’s Spirit Lake Nation,

in the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa,

and in the Red River Valley.

It is also in the American Lewis & Clark Corridor,

on the prairies,

and on the Northern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once

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Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Regarding The A.M. Tofthagen Library and Museum. National Register of Historic Places #91001467.

From the National Register nomination:
Framed by a large margin of grass, the A. M. Tofthaqen Library Museum presents a façade with symmetrical massing typical of classically designed library structures. On the front facade of each wing there is faint reference to the Prairie school influence in the four grouped one over one sash with surrounding brick label molding. A smokestack at the west facade marks the location of the interior fireplace, originally part of Mr. Tofthagen’s private office and living quarters. The fireplace mantel, still in place, is highly ornate featuring a surround of tiles and Ionic columns which support a beveled glass mantel also framed by Ionic columns.

Also see . . .
1. A.M. Tofthagen Library - Museum.

Amun Tofthagen, who was born in Hundorp, Norway, in 1888, donated $5,000.00 in 1926 to build a library. He also turned over his collection of books, paintings and art objects from his world travels. This small and unique library was officially entered
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 28, 2022

2. The A.M. Tofthagen Library and Museum Marker
(marker is mounted on the left side of the front [south] entrance)
in the National Register of Historic Places on September 26, 1991, in recognition of its contribution to the cultural heritage of North Dakota. The library is a repository of memorabilia such as a peace pipe Mr. Tofthagen smoked with Sitting Bull in 1889; an invitation of the first graduating class of Lakota High School in 1904; comprehensive Lakota Centennial Scrapbooks from 1983 and many more historical artifacts relating to the history of the community.

(Submitted on November 3, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Tofthagen Library and Museum.

The Tofthagen Library and Museum was erected in 1927. It has also been known as the Lakota City Library. It includes Prairie School architecture.

(Submitted on November 3, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

The A.M. Tofthagen Library and Museum (<i>south elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 28, 2022

3. The A.M. Tofthagen Library and Museum (south elevation)

The A.M. Tofthagen Library and Museum<br>(<i>southwest elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 28, 2022

4. The A.M. Tofthagen Library and Museum
(southwest elevation)

Milt & Gerry Wagness Library Addition<br>(<i>on east side of original library</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 28, 2022

5. Milt & Gerry Wagness Library Addition
(on east side of original library)

The A.M. Tofthagen Library and Museum image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 28, 2022

6. The A.M. Tofthagen Library and Museum

(looking north from B Avenue West)

Credits. This page was last revised on December 25, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 1, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 288 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 3, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.