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2004 Most Endangered Properties
Backhaus Farm-site, Emmons County Built in 1903 by George Backhaus, an early settler in Emmons County, the home is located near the South Dakota border. The farm-site which once contained a variety of outbuildings is now marked mostly by the windmill, and the solid, practical, Backhaus home. The rammed earth brick house is a rare sample of the Russian building tradition in North Dakota. It may be the only two-story earth structure in the state. The home was covered with clapboard, much of which has been salvaged over the years, leaving the earth brick open to the elements. With a solid fieldstone foundation, walls that approach two feet thick and a wooden gable roof, this structure has outlived all the other farm-site buildings. A local contingent of preservationists is trying to mount a restoration effort and is looking for assistance of any kind. Please contact Katherine Becker 605-889-2565 or Lucinda Schneider 701-254-5393.
Old Main, Minot State University-Bottineau, Bottineau County [In Progress] Old Main on the Minot State University Campus in Bottineau, ND, was built in 1906-07 as home to the North Dakota State School of Forestry. The classic revival style architecture enhances the oldest and grandest building on the grounds of the Bottineau campus. The building is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places due to its architectural importance in the community and its history. The building is a fine example of educational architecture from the turn of the century and should be celebrated as the college observes its 100th anniversary in 2006. Unfortunately, years of budget cuts and deferred maintenance have begun to take their toll. Necessary repairs combined with changing building codes, non-compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) code and changing educational trends, require upgrades to the building. This historic structure on campus can be saved in a cost effective manner. It is structurally sound and with repairs and modifications, it should serve the students and faculty on the Bottineau campus for many years to come. The building can be rehabilitated to house current technologies, mechanical and electrical systems, meet current codes and retain its traditional character and historic architectural qualities. It can continue as a significant statement and symbol to the history and story of MSU -Bottineau. The college and the alumni association is searching for financial assistance to help rehabilitate the structure. Please contact the MSU — Bottineau campus 701-228-2277, or local Old Main advocate Al Wondrasek 701-228-8896 for more information.
Pleasant Valley Church, Park River, Walsh County The Pleasant Valley Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran congregation built the church in 1899 at an estimated cost of $2,000.00. Each member helped with the construction. The church is a large clapboard structure built in the Gothic Revival style. The fine craftsmanship and decorative wood ornamentation is one of the finest examples of this type of decoration still intact on a church building in the state. Parochial school was taught for three months during the summer in the new church basement. Many pioneers considered this education so important that they withdrew their children from public school so that they could attend. The Ladies Aid was active in fund-raising for building needs throughout the years, with women given the right to vote on church issues in 1932. The church began to offer alternate services in the English language in the 1930s. The church which was once the gathering spot for community events and worship closed in 1980. It has since been used for special occasions. Due to improper drainage and deteriorating mortar, serious foundation repairs are needed to keep this prairie landmark "telling its story" into the future. A committee is looking for assistance, donations, and volunteer help to try and develop a restoration plan for the property. Contact Leslie Winther at 701-284-6894 or Gordon and Dee Gronhovd at 701-775-9081 or 701-284-7570.
Honorable Mention: Coulee Township Hall, Penn, Ramsey County, ND Constructed in 1934-35 as a Public Works Administration (PWA) project, which was the predecessor to the Works Progress Administration (WPA), the uniquely designed Community Hall was designed by Grand Forks architect Theodore B. Wells. Hardwood floor space is over 4,000 square feet, with a small stage at the north end. The architect described the building as a gothic arch style wood shingle roof with hip rooflines on each end. Large windows are located in the simple dormers on three sides. The first floor extends approximately three feet into the ground, and the front entry brings you down to the main floor. The building is solid but deteriorated shingles and missing windows that allow the elements to infiltrate have begun to cause water damage. The people of the township have decided that they cannot afford a restoration project or provide continued maintenance on the building, but would like to see it saved for historical purposes. This historic property, one of the most unique township halls in the state, needs a new owner. For further information contact Preservation North Dakota 701-633-2763
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