The Gilbertson

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 2, 2023

1. The Gilbertson Marker

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From the National Register Nomination:  Gilbertson Funeral Home (1936)
This plain building, a chaste design by Fargo architect William F. Kurke, defies any historical stylistic classification. It has been cited as contributing for its good integrity and because of its association with leading businessman and mortician E.W. Gilbertson. The building also represents one of the few properties in the state that combines funerary activities with multiple unit housing. Commercial endeavors housed in this building included undertaking, furniture, and piano sales and monumental work, as well as apartment living. The four-story profile of this building attests to the prominence and widespread patronage of an enterprise that boasted of having the largest supply of mortuary equipment and the only automated hearse in the state at the time.

The Commercial

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 2, 2023

2. The Gilbertson Marker

The marker is located at the far right edge of the front façade, on the right side of the northwest entrance.

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.

Since the early days of Devils Lake, Gilbertson's has maintained

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 2, 2023

3. The Gilbertson Funeral Home (north/front elevation)

The former funeral home and commercial building now houses residential apartments.

the highest tradition of funeral service and modern, comfortable accessible facilities. The Gilbertson Funeral Home was originally founded in 1896 by E.W. Gilbertson. It is said to be the second oldest business in Devils Lake. Since its beginnings, the Gilbertson Funeral Home has been proud to be an independent and family-owned business.

William F. Kurke (1889–1965) was a prolific architect in North Dakota. He attended the University of Minnesota and the University of Pennsylvania. In 1913 he opened an architect's office in Fargo, where he would remain until his death. He practiced alone until 1920, when he established a partnership with Frederick W. Keith of Bismarck. In 1946, his son, John M. Kurke, was admitted to the firm. William Kurke retired in 1958, and the practice lasted into the 1960s under the leadership of his son.

The Devils Lake Commercial District in Devils Lake, North Dakota is a 15 acres historic district that was listed on the

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National Register of Historic Places in 1989.