I.O.O.F. Hall

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 2, 2023

1. I.O.O.F. Hall Marker

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From the National Register Nomination:
The I.O.O.F. Hall is the earliest product of fraternal activity in the town, and though much altered, is significant for marking the beginnings of a firm local commitment by this organization. With the arrival of rail service to the fledgling city, an influx of immigrants and improved milling techniques, Devils Lake was launched into its first boom cycle — from 1879-1886. These events are marked by a frenzied period of building, evidenced by the construction of 65 frame structures in only four weeks. These wood clad buildings proved feeble defense against fire danger, and as with many North Dakota towns during this period, Devils Lake experienced a devastating fire in 1884. The 1885 I.O.O.F. Hall is the only Commercial District remnant from this First Boom, and its brick and stone composition no doubt reflects

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 2, 2023

2. I.O.O.F. Hall Marker

Marker is mounted between the glass brick windows on the east/front façade.

an effort to curb the practice of using wood siding on facades after this period. The Romanesque two-story brick structure features a mid-section contained between two horizontal belt courses of rock-faced sandstone. The upper façade is treated with a large central arch and smaller flanking arches, all framed with sandstone. An arched corbel table follows the configuration of the arches and is capped with sandstone copings. All original windows have been removed and arches have been filled in with coursed rubble. However, the tuck pointing exhibited in these mortar joints suggests that this alteration was a very early event which may have occurred only a few years after the building was completed. While this infill material is somewhat of an anomaly in the District, the alteration should be viewed as an accretion and therefore as a historic component of the building which does not damage the building’s integrity.

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

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 2, 2023

3. I.O.O.F. Hall (east/front elevation)

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.

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.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 2, 2023

4. I.O.O.F. Hall (northeast elevation)