Devils Lake in Ramsey County, North Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

World War Memorial Building

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 2, 2023

1. World War Memorial Building Marker

Devils Lake Commercial District
National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
Click for more information.

Inscription. contributes to the
Devils Lake Commercial District
placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
1989

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Notable Buildings • Patriots & Patriotism • War, World I. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places, and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1934.

Location. 48° 6.787′ N, 98° 51.6′ W. Marker is in Devils Lake, North Dakota, in Ramsey County. Marker is on 4th Avenue Northeast just north of 5th Street Northeast, on the right when traveling north. The marker is mounted at eye-level, directly on the subject building, just to the right of the west/front entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 508 4th Avenue Northeast, Devils Lake ND 58301, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Locke Block (within shouting distance of this marker); The Firehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); The Gilbertson (within shouting distance of this marker); Kelly Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Sheriff's Residence (within shouting

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distance of this marker); Paul's Appliance (within shouting distance of this marker); Christie Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Chantilly House (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Devils Lake.

Regarding World War Memorial Building. Contributing property, Devils Lake Commercial District, National Register of Historic Places #89001675. Also known as Ramsey County Memorial Building and Armory.

From the National Register Nomination:
Following a delegation of businessmen and American Legion members, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners approved funding for a World War Memorial Building to be erected in 1934. Funding was obtained from the County apportionment of $75,000 and the City of Devils Lake’s contribution of $25,000 in bonds. Designed by Devils Lake architect John Marshall, the building is an Art Deco/Moderne subject of reinforced concrete with Bedford limestone veneer. The chaste ornament and rectilinear massing of this two-story buff brick and limestone building conform exactly to the monumental character of the Art Deco/Moderne period. A horizontal emphasis is achieved with
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 2, 2023

2. World War Memorial Building Marker
Marker is mounted on right side of west/front entrance.
limestone, while the mid-section ribbing creates a vertical effect.
The Commercial District presents a collection of structures reflecting, in one aspect or another, the evolution of Devils Lake from the railroad era to the age of the automobile. The physical appearance of the Commercial District building stock may be characterized as two-story and predominantly brick, with gradations in the color and in the size and craftsmanship of mortar joints. The bulk of Commercial District properties in Devils Lake are in many respects connected to events of railroad expansion in northeastern North Dakota. Railroad tributaries enabled merchants to make quick shipments, and abundant supplies of fuel, wood and coal were added inducements for retail growth. Most of the Commercial District growth took place within the context of two major development periods: The First Dakota Boom between 1879 and 1886, and The Second Dakota Boom, 1898-1917. Outside boom periods, the character of District properties was undoubtedly shaped by the latent effects of increased rail traffic and a broadening exposure to new methods and fashions in the building industry.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Devils Lake Commercial District

Also see . . .
1. North Dakota World War I Memorials and Monuments: World War Memorial Building

World War Memorial Building (<i>west/front elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 2, 2023

3. World War Memorial Building (west/front elevation)

Three relief panels depicting agricultural products can be seen over the entrance doors: wheat, corn and cattle.

. State Historical Society of North Dakota website entry:
Excerpt:

Ramsey County approved $100,000 in funds for this building in 1934 and ultimately some Public Works Administration funds were also used. John Marshall of Devils Lake (originally from Scotland) designed the building to serve as a community recreation center and armory. The design pulled from the popular Art Deco and Art Moderne styles of the time and includes three relief panels depicting agricultural products over the entrance.

(Submitted on February 20, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Devils Lake Commercial District. Wikipedia entry:
"The Devils Lake Commercial District in Devils Lake, North Dakota is a 15 acres historic district that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989." (Submitted on February 20, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 2, 2023

4. World War Memorial Building (west/front elevation)

Credits. This page was last revised on March 1, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 19, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 47 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 20, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.