Devils Lake in Ramsey County, North Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
West Motor Parts, Inc.
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 2, 2023
1. West Motor Parts, Inc. Marker
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 • Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1930.
Location. 48° 6.776′ N, 98° 51.785′ W. Marker is in Devils Lake, North Dakota, in Ramsey County. Marker is at the intersection of 5th Street Northeast and 2nd Avenue Northeast, on the right when traveling west on 5th Street Northeast. The marker is mounted at eye-level at the southwest corner of the subject building, facing 5th Street Northeast. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 205 5th Street 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. Degendorf & Dickson Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Majestic Cleaners (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Nash-Finch Company (about 400 feet away); Keating's Furniture Annex (about 500 feet away); Vangs Jewelry Building (about 600 feet away); Kelly Building
this page online
Regarding West Motor Parts, Inc.. Contributing property, Devils Lake Commercial District, National Register of Historic Places #89001675.
From the National Register Nomination: West Motor Parts Inc. (ca. 1930)
Designed by John Marshall, this is one of few District buildings constructed during the Depression Era. The two-story brick structure reflects design components of other District properties sited on corner lots during this period. The mostly defaced store front has preserved its left entry bay and transom. The second story repeats a window formula found on other contemporary buildings: two sash flanked by three-part Chicago style windows. Another typical period feature of this auto parts dealership is the stepped parapet with flanking crenellations.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.Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 2, 20232. West Motor Parts, Inc. MarkerThe marker is on the left/west side of the front entrance.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Devils Lake Commercial District
Also see . . .
1. William Thomas West Sr. (Find A Grave). Excerpt:
(Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery, Devils Lake, Ramsey County, North Dakota) W.T. West, or "Mr. West" as he was called, was the nicest man a person would or could ever want to work for. He started and ran West Motor Parts Co. in Devils Lake until about 1955.
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 2, 2023
3. West Motor Parts, Inc. Building (south elevation)
2. Devils Lake Commercial District (Wikipedia). Excerpt:
The Devils Lake Commercial District in Devils Lake, North Dakota is a 15-acre historic district that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.(Submitted on February 25, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 1, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 25, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 45 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 25, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
