Davis & Wilson, Architects
Partners:
Ellery Lothrop Davis, 1921-1956.
Walter F. Wilson, 1921-1965.[9]
Ellery Hall Davis, 1957-1968.
William Milton Fenton, 1962-1968.
James H. Stange, 1962-1968.
Howard “Pat” Darling, 1967-1968.
In 1921, Ellery L. Davis and Walter F. Wilson formed Davis & Wilson, Architects. Both were graduates of the Columbia University architecture program. The firm survived Davis’s death in 1956, at which time his son, Ellery Hall Davis (1912-2003), Architect, assumed the mantle of Davis partner in the firm. The firm was reorganized in December of 1968 as Davis Fenton Stange Darling, Architects, which was succeeded in 1995 by Davis Design, Architects.
Davis & Wilson became the pre-eminent architectural firm of Lincoln during the first half of the twentieth century, designing most of the prominent downtown buildings and much of the University of Nebraska campus during that period. Among the several buildings with which the firm was associated were the University of Nebraska Coliseum, Stadium, Naval Science Armory, Student Union, Love Library, Ferguson Hall, Selleck Quadrangle, Burnett Hall and Morrill Hall, the State Historical Society building, and the business buildings of Miller & Paine, Gold’s Department Stores, the Stuart Building, Midwest Life, and the Woodmen Accident Company Building[7]
This page is a contribution to the publication, Place Makers of Nebraska: The Architects. See the format and contents page for more information on the compilation and page organization.
Contents
Compiled Nebraska Directory Listings
Lincoln, Nebraska, 1921-1968
Lineage of the Firm
1910-1917: Berlinghof & Davis, Architects, Lincoln, Nebraska.
1917-1921; Ellery L. Davis, Architect, Lincoln, Nebraska.
1921-1957: Davis & Wilson, Architects, Lincoln, Nebraska.
1957-1968: Davis & Wilson, Inc., Architects, Lincoln, Nebraska.[13]
1969-1994: Davis Fenton Stange Darling, Architects, Lincoln, Nebraska.
1995-2013: Davis Design, Architects, Lincoln, Nebraska.
Other Associations
1924: employed Joseph Smay as draftsman.
1925-1933: employed Knox Burnett as architect.
1926-1933: employed Bruce Hazen as draftsman.
1930: employed Martin Aitken as draftsman.
1931-1934: employed Marvin Lee Robinson as draftsman; 1937-1939, in design, specifications, rendering and supervision; 1940-1941, in design, supervision, and specifications; and 1941-1943, as Buckley Field project manager.
1934-1935: employed Linus Burr Smith.
1936, 1939, 1942-1945: employed K. B. Clark as draftsman-designer; and 1945-1946, as an architect.
1936-1941: employed Ellery H. Davis as draftsman, superintendent, and designer; 1942-1957, as architect; and 1957-1969, as architect and principal of the firm.
1940-1949: employed Sidney Campbell as draftsman.
1942-1947: employed Woody Hull as draftsman; and 1947-1955 as architect.
1947-1951: employed Carl Skaret as architect.
1947-1968: employed Clyde Root, Jr., as draftsman (retired with Davis Fenton Stange Darling, Architects, 1992).[28]
1951-1955: employed Bill Hoffman as draftsman; and 1955-1963 as architect.
1954-1958: employed Steve Cook as architect.
1954-1956: employed Jim Stange as draftsman; 1958, as designer; 1959-1962, as architect; and 1962-1968 as architect and secretary of the firm.
1961-1965: employed Janis Vilums as draftsman.
1962-1969: employed Bill Fenton as architect and principal of the firm.
1967: employed Pat Darling as director of engineering and principal of the firm.
1968: employed Lynn Jones as draftsman.
Buildings & Projects
1920s Work
Memorial Stadium and master plan (1921-1923), University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska.[6][12][16][18] (LC13:C09-056) In association with John Latenser & Sons
Lincoln Telephone Substation (1922), 4843 Huntington, Lincoln, Nebraska. (LC13:F12-284)
State TB Hospital (1922), Kearney, Nebraska.[16][18] (BF05-166)
State Soldiers’ Hospital (1922), Grand Island, Nebraska.[16][18]
State Girls’ Industrial School Dormitory (1922), York, Nebraska.[16][18]
Midland College Gymnasium (1922-1923), Fremont, Nebraska.[16][18] (DD05:D-033)
Remodel of Kennard house for William Ferguson (1923), 1627 H, Lincoln, Nebraska.[4:52]
Charles Lord House (1923), 3035 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, Nebraska. (LC13:E05-010)
West Point School (1923), West Point, Nebraska.[16][18]
Plainview School (1923), Plainview, Nebraska.[16][18]
Midland College Women’s Dormitory (1923), Fremont, Nebraska.[16][18] (DD05:D-036)
Temple Congregation B'nai Jeshurun – South Street Temple (1923-1924) , northwest corner 20th & South, Lincoln, Nebraska. (LC13:D06-004)
Holdrege High School (ca. 1923), east side Burlington at 6th, Holdrege, Nebraska. (PP04-242)
Chadron Grade and High School (1924), Chadron, Nebraska.[16][18]
Curtis Grade School (1924), Curtis, Nebraska.[16][18] (FT01-002)
Lincoln School (ca. 1924), east side Logan between 5th & 6th, Holdrege, Nebraska. (PP04-062)
Lincoln Telephone Company Substation, College View (1924), 48th and South, Lincoln, Nebraska. (LC13:F06-003)
Lincoln Telephone & Telegraph Company Building (1924), University Place, Nebraska.[16][18]
Lincoln Telephone & Telegraph Company Building, South Branch (1924), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Gold & Company Store (1924-1925), 1033 O St, Lincoln, Nebraska.[12][15][16][18] (LC13:C08-301.1)
Westminster Presbyterian Church (1924-1926), 2110 Sheridan Blvd, Lincoln, Nebraska.[3][12][16][18] (LC13:D05-001)
Randolph Elementary School (1924-1928), 1020 S 37th, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18] (LC13:E07-416)
New facade for Mayer Brothers Store (1925), 1009-1023 O St, Lincoln, Nebraska.[30][j]
Lincoln Telephone & Telegraph Company Building (1925), Geneva, Nebraska.[16][18]
Lincoln Telephone & Telegraph Company Building (1926), David City, Nebraska.[16][18]
Lincoln Telephone & Telegraph Company Building (1926), Wahoo, Nebraska.[16][18]
Lincoln Telephone & Telegraph Company Building (1926), Kearney, Nebraska.[16][18]
Lincoln Telephone & Telegraph Company Building (1926), Superior, Nebraska.[16][18]
Lincoln Telephone & Telegraph Company Building, Main Office Remodel (1926-1928), 1346 M, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18][29][i]
Lincoln Telephone & Telegraph Company Building (1927), Nebraska City, Nebraska.[16][18]
Church (1924), Orleans, Nebraska.[16][18]
University Place Elementary School (1925), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Ohiowa School (1925), Ohiowa, Nebraska.[16][18]
Ainsworth School (1925), Ainsworth, Nebraska.[16][18]
Lincoln General Hospital (1925), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Fair Store Building (1925), Beatrice, Nebraska.[16][18]
Park Elementary School (1925-1926), 714 F St, Lincoln, Nebraska.[15][16][18](LC13:C07-277)
Kearney Junior High School (1925-1926), south side 24th opposite 3rd Ave, Kearney, Nebraska.[15][16][18] (BF05-125) National Register narrative
Kappa Alpha Theta (1925), 1545 S St, Lincoln, Nebraska.[15][16][18] (LC13:D09-519)
First Presbyterian Church (1925-1927), 840 S 17th, Lincoln [4] (LC13:D07-013) as local firm associated with Cram & Ferguson
Morrill Hall (1925-1927), 14th & U, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska. [1][16][18] (LC13:C09-054)
Gothenburg School (1926), Gothenburg, Nebraska.[16][18]
Holdrege Grade and High School (1926), Holdrege, Nebraska.[16][18]
Shrine Country Club (1926), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Pi Beta Phi (1926-1927), 426 N 16th, Lincoln, Nebraska.[2][15][16][18] (LC13:D09-532)
Delta Gamma Sorority (1926-1927), 400 University Terrace, Lincoln, Nebraska.[2][15][16][18] (LC13:D09-535)
Alpha Delta Theta/Pi Kappa Phi (1926) 425 University Terrace, Lincoln (LC13:D09-534) [15]
Presbyterian Student Housing & Chapel (1926), 333 N 14th, Lincoln, Nebraska. (LC13:C09-038) Demolished.
Sheridan Elementary School (1926), 3100 Plymouth Ave, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18] (LC13:E05-153)
Addition (1927), Cornhusker Ballroom, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Hawthorne Elementary School (1927), 300 S 48th, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18] (LC13:F08-002)
Miller house (1927), 2636 Woodscrest Ave, Lincoln, Nebraska. (LC13:D05-500)
O. J. Fee Building (original 1927), 1123-27 R St, Lincoln, Nebraska. (LC13:C09-045.1)
Warehouse Addition (1927), Hardy Building, 335 N 8th, Lincoln, Nebraska. (LC13:C09-066.2)
Caldwell-Grainger house (1927), 2540 Woodscrest Ave, Lincoln, Nebraska. (LC13:D05-488)
Gamma Phi Beta (1927), 419 N 16th St, Lincoln, Nebraska.[15] (LC13:D09-518)
Hompes Garage (1927), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Stuart Building (1927-1929), southeast corner 13th & P, Lincoln, Nebraska.[3][12][15][16][18] (LC13:C09-003)
University of Nebraska Coliseum (1927-1929), University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska.[12][16][18] (LC13:C10-368)
Addition (1928), Senior High School, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Sigma Chi Fraternity House (1928), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Seacrest House (1928), 2750 Woodscrest Ave, Lincoln, Nebraska. (LC13:D05-498)
Kimball Monument Company (1928), southeast corner 17th & P, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18] (LC13:D09-559)
Speier’s Store (1928), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Andrews Hall (1928), 14th & T, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18] (LC13:C09-053)
Nebraska State Fairgrounds Grandstand (1928), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Nebraska State Fair 4-H Club Building (1928), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18] (LC13:D11-084)
Everett Junior High School (1928-1929), 1123 C, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18] (LC13:C07-742)
Power Plant (1928-1930), 14th & Avery, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska.[3][16][18] (LC13:C10-369)
Roberts Dairy Dehydrating Plant (1928), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18] (LC13:D08-292)
Tabitha Home Dormitory (1928), northwest corner 48th & Randolph, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18] (LC13:F08-003)
Commercial Investment Building – Union Bus Terminal and Garage (1928-1930), 1309-1315 M St and 300-334 S 13th, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18][25]
Lincoln Municipal Building (1929), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Gold & Company Store Building, first additions (1929), 1033 O St, Lincoln, Nebraska.[15][16][18] (LC13:C08-301.2)
Lincoln General Hospital Nurses’ Home (1929), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
1930s Work
City of Lincoln Garage Building (1930), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Gold & Company Store, second addition (1930), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Grade School (1930), McCook, Nebraska.[16][18]
A. A. Koenig House (1930), 1313 Piedmont, Lincoln, Nebraska. (LC13:F07-003)
Aitken House (1930), 2331 Woodscrest Ave, Lincoln, Nebraska. (LC13:D05-564)
R. E. Campbell House (1930), 2600 Woodscrest Ave, Lincoln, Nebraska. (LC13:D05-501)
From 1931-1942 Davis was an inactive partner in the firm.
Neligh School (1931), Neligh, Nebraska.[16][18]
Tecumseh School (1931), Tecumseh, Nebraska.[16][18]
Sigma Chi (1931), 1510 Vine, Lincoln, Nebraska.[15] (LC13:D09-526)
Women’s Dormitory (1932), University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Palmyra School (1933), Palmyra, Nebraska.[16][18]
Woodruff House (1933), 2770 Woodscrest Ave, Lincoln, Nebraska. (LC13:D05-497)
Charles T. & Elizabeth Stuart House (1933), 1001 Fall Creek Road, Lincoln, Nebraska.[32]
Union Terminal Warehouse (1933), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Union Airport Hangar (1933), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Lincoln Telephone & Telegraph Company Building (1933), Seward, Nebraska.[16][18]
Addition (1934), Lincoln General Hospital, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Addition (1934), St. Edward School, St. Edward, Nebraska.[16][18]
Swimming Pool (1934), University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Bethany Christian Church (1934), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Lincoln Telephone & Telegraph Company Building (1935), 4-Exchange, Nebraska.[16][18]
Primrose Auditorium (1935), Primrose, Nebraska.[16][18]
Woodman Accident and Life Insurance Building (1935), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Creighton School (1935), Creighton, Nebraska.[16][18]
John A. Cullen House (1935-1936), 1815 S Pershing Road, Lincoln, Nebraska.[26]
Rudge Memorial Chapel (1935-1938), Wyuka Cemetery, 3600 O St, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18] (LC13:E09-001.2)
Grainger Brothers Wholesale Building (1936), 749 P St, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Hovland Swanson Department Store Storefront (1937), Lincoln [4:53/1]
Women’s Dormitory Addition (1937), University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Shenandoah Hospital (1937), Shenandoah, Iowa.[16][18]
Holland Lumber Company Building (1937), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
School (ca. 1937), bounded by Cherry, Young, Bryant & Redick, Creighton, Nebraska. (KX04-107)
University of Nebraska Student Activities Building – Student Union (1937), northeast corner 14th & R, Lincoln, Nebraska.[4:59/1][16][18] (LC13:D10-568)
Antelope Park Zoo Building (1937-1938), Lincoln, Nebraska.[4][16][18]
State Journal Press Building (1938), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
A & T Drug Store (1938), Beatrice, Nebraska.[16][18]
Continental Bank and Office Building (1938), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Charles Abbott House (ca. 1938), 1401 Nye, Fremont, Nebraska. (DD05:A-033)
Alma High School (1938), southwest corner Jewel Ave & 7th, Alma, Nebraska.[16][18] (HN01-061)
Addition (1938), Hand Memorial Hospital, Shenandoah, Iowa.[16][18]
Addition (1938), O’Neill School, O’Neill, Nebraska.[16][18]
Superior Elementary School (1938), Superior, Nebraska.[16][18]
Havelock Elementary School (1939), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18] (LC13:G14-057)
Crete Elementary School (1939), 11th & Juniper, Crete, Nebraska.[16][18] (SA01-017)
Northeast High School (1939), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
West Addition, Miller & Paine Department Store – Simon Building (1939), 1215 O St, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18][19][g] (LC13:C08-309.3)
1940s Work
Buckley Air Field, housing, hangars, mess hall, and school (1939-1945), Denver, Colorado.[12][16][18]
Northeast High School (1939-1940), Lincoln (LC13:G12-039) [4:52] (in association with Meginnis & Schaumberg) [10])
Miller & Paine Department Store addition, Unit V (1940), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18][20]
Gymnasium-Auditorium Addition, Crete Elementary School (1941), Crete, Nebraska.[4:52/]
Addition (1940), Lincoln General Hospital, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Addition (1940), Lincoln General Hospital Nurses’ Home, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Walgreens Drug Store (1941), 13th & O, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Stuart Theatre remodel (1941), 13th & P, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Don L. Love Memorial Library (1941-1942), 1300 R, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska.[4:59/1][6][12][16][18](LC13:C09-051)
Ellery L. Davis reassumed an active role in the partnership in 1942, and once again began designing the firm’s most prominent commissions.
Remodel (1942), Elastic Stop Nut Corporation Building, [Lincoln?].[16][18]
Dorchester Community Building (1943), Dorchester, Nebraska.[[#References|[4:52/]
Roberts Dairy Company Warehouse and Dehydrating Plant (1943), 224 S 20th, Lincoln, Nebraska.[4:52/]
Internment Camp (1943), Indianola, Nebraska.[16][18]
Spencer Park War Housing (1943), Hastings, Nebraska.[16][18]
Continental Oil Company Building (1944), Lincoln, Nebraska.[4:59/3]
YMCA Building Remodel (1943-1945), Lincoln, Nebraska.[4:52/1]
Globe Laundry Remodel (1944), Lincoln, Nebraska.[4:53/]
Hastings College Library (1944), Hastings, Nebraska.[4:52/]
Modern Woodman of America Building (1944), Lincoln, Nebraska.[4:59/3]
Bert L. Reed House (1944), 2234 Smith, Lincoln, Nebraska.[4:52/1][4:107/6]
Steckley Hybrid Seed Corn Processing Plant (1944), Weeping Water, Nebraska.[4:52/[16][18]
Yankee Hill Brick Company, Residence and Office (1944), Lincoln, Nebraska.[4:52/]
Spencer Park Emergency School Building No. 1 (1944), Hastings, Nebraska.[16][18]
Expansion (1944), Fairmont Army Airfield, Fairmont, Nebraska.[16][18]
War Housing Project (1944), Harvard, Nebraska.[16][18]
War Housing Project (1944), Geneva, Nebraska.[16][18]
War Housing Project (1944), Bruning, Nebraska.[16][18]
Remodel (1944), Western Electric Company Building, [Lincoln?].[16][18]
Sidles Garage and Showroom (1944-1947), NE corner 14th & Q, Lincoln, Nebraska.
Spencer Park Emergency School Building No. 2 (1945), Hastings, Nebraska.[16][18]
Ed Steckley Aircraft Hangar (1945), Weeping Water, Nebraska.[4:53/]
Nebraska State Fairgrounds Dining Hall (1945), Lincoln, Nebraska.[4:53/]
Addition to Seventh Day Adventist Church (1945), 1020 S 15th / 4855 Prescott, Lincoln, Nebraska.[4:52/1]
Dr. Harry E. Flansburg house (1945), 2301 Lake, Lincoln, Nebraska.[4:52/1][4:107/3]
Veterans Memorial (1945), Valentine, Nebraska.[4:52/2]
Science Building (1945), Union College, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Remodel (1945), Cornhusker Hotel, 13th & M, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Gold & Company Store remodel and addition (1945), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Bryan Memorial Hospital Nurses’ Home (1945), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Housing (1945), Nebraska Army Airfield, Kearney, Nebraska.[16][18]
Nebraska State Fair Concessions Building (1946), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Nebraska State Fair Exhibit Building (1946), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Nebraska State Fair Grandstand and Stage (1946), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Music Building (1946), Union College, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Men’s Dormitory Addition (1946), Concordia College, Seward, Nebraska.[16][18]
Armory-Military & Naval Sciences Building (1946), northwest corner 14th & Vine, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska.[4:52/2][16][18]
New Port Hotel (1946), Newport.[4:52]
Osceola School Auditorium and Gymnasium (1946), Osceola, Nebraska.[4:OBO34/7]
Hastings College Science Building (1946 / 1955), Hastings, Nebraska.[4:52/1][18]
Selleck Quadrangle (1946-1955), University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska.[4:59/2][16][18] (Ellery L. Davis [11])
Baseball Grandstand (1947), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Osceola School (1947), Osceola, Nebraska.[16][18]
Gold & Company Store Building, Second Addition (1947), 1033 O St, Lincoln, Nebraska.[15 (LC13:C08-301.3)
Remodel (1947), Veterans Administration Building, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Remodel (1947), Sears & Roebuck Store, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Brown-McDonald Building (1947), Hastings, Nebraska.[4:52/]
Fairbury High School (1947), Fairbury, Nebraska.[4:20/04]
Ray Hall House (1947), Petersburg, Nebraska.[4:59/2]
Ainsworth Congregational Church (1947), Ainsworth, Nebraska.[4:52/2]
Lincoln High School Stadium (1947), Lincoln, Nebraska.[4:59/3][4:108/][4:107/2]
Luther College Campus Plan (1947), Wahoo, Nebraska.[4:107/5]
Union College Cafeteria Building (1947), Lincoln, Nebraska.[4:52/]
Union College Home Economics Building (1947), Lincoln, Nebraska.[4:52/]
Burnett Hall (1947), University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Chemical Engineering Building (1947), University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Women’s Dormitory (1947), Concordia College, Seward, Nebraska.[16][18]
Addition (1947), Love Library, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Fred S. Sidles Company Garage and Salesroom (1947), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Addition (1947), Nebraska Farmer Building, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Remodel (1947), First National Bank, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Boone County Hospital (1947-1948), Albion, Nebraska.[4:52][16][18]
Seward Memorial Hospital (1947-1951), Seward, Nebraska.[4:52][13][#Notes|[d]]]
Watson Brothers Truck Terminal (1948), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Electrical Engineering Building (1948), University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Dempster Mill Manufacturing Company, factory additions (1948), Beatrice, Nebraska.[4:52/][16][18]
Steinhart Park Pavilion (1948), Nebraska City, Nebraska.[4:53/1]
Stadium (1948), Doane College, Crete, Nebraska.[16][18]
Chapel (1948), Hastings College, Hastings, Nebraska.[16][18]
Addition (1948), Ben Simon & Sons Building, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Addition and Alterations (1948), Gold & Company Store, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Central City School (1948), Central City, Nebraska.[16][18]
Fairbury School (1948), Fairbury, Nebraska.[16][18]
Municipal Hospital (1948-1949), Crete, Nebraska.4:52/1][12][16][18]
Memorial Hospital (1949), Seward, Nebraska.[16][18]
State Ward Building (1949), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Addition (1949), Bryan Memorial Hospital, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Addition (1949), Bethany Christian Church, Lincoln, Nebraska.[4:53/1]
Herman Nelson Sciences Building (1949), Luther College, Wahoo, Nebraska.[4:52/2]
Addition (1949), North Platte Senior High School, North Platte, Nebraska.[16][18]
North Platte Junior High School (1949), 2nd & Adams, North Platte, Nebraska.[16][18] Razed.
Memorial Park Swimming Pool (1949), Fremont, Nebraska.[4:59/2]
Fred S. Sidles Company Fountain (1949), Lincoln, Nebraska.[4:52/]
Ralph S. Mueller Memorial Carillon Tower (1949-1951), 13th & Vine, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska.[4:59/1][4:107/3] (LC13:C09-055)
Nebraska State Historical Society (1948-1953), 1500 R St, Lincoln, Nebraska.[4][11][15][16][18][17] (LC13:D09-004) (Ellery L. Davis [11])
JC Penney Department Store (1949-1950) , NE corner 13th & O, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18] Hoffman interview Façade replaced.
Ferguson Hall (-1950), University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska. [DM]
1950s Work
Schuyler Community Hospital (before 1955), Schuyler.[13][f]
Addition (1950), Miller & Paine Store, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Kimball Elementary School (1950), Kimball, Nebraska.[16][18]
Vocational Agriculture Building (1950), Ainsworth, Nebraska.[16][18]
First National Bank (1950), 1001-1003 O, Lincoln, Nebraska.[4:OBO3/7]
Addition and Remodel, Emmanuel Lutheran Church (1951), York, Nebraska.[4:53/][16][18]
Gold & Company Store Building addition and remodel (1951), 1033 O St, Lincoln, Nebraska.[15][16][18] (LC13:C08-301.4)
Malvern Elementary School (1951), Malvern, Iowa.[16][18]
Addition (1951), Randolph Elementary School, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Men’s Dormitory (1951), Hastings College, Hastings, Nebraska.[16][18]
Gymnasium and Science Building (1951), Luther College, Wahoo, Nebraska.[16][18]
Journal Star Newspaper Plant (1952), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
W. T. Grant Building (1952), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18] (Ellery L. Davis [11])
Griswold Seed Company Warehouse (1952), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Addition (1952), Elgin National Watch Company, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Albion Elementary School (1952), Albion, Nebraska.[16][18]
Benkelman High School (1952), Benkelman, Nebraska.[16][18]
Community Hospital (1952), Burwell, Nebraska.[12][16][18]
Community Hospital (1952), Syracuse, Nebraska.[16][18]
Community Hospital (1952), Pawnee City, Nebraska.[16][18]
State Medical and Surgical Building (1952), Norfolk, Nebraska.[16][18]
KFOR-TV Studio Building (1953), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Community Hospital (1953), Schuyler, Nebraska.[16][18]
Concordia College Chapel, addition to main building (1953), Seward, Nebraska.[16][18]
Addition (1953), Holmes Elementary School, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Addition (1953), Alma High and Grade School, Alma, Nebraska.[16][18]
Addition (1953), Oxford High School, Oxford, Nebraska.[16][18]
Barracks, BOQs, and Miscellaneous (1953), Lincoln Air Force Base, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Hayes County Courthouse (1953-1954), Hayes Center, Nebraska.[4:20/03]
Woodman Accident & Life Insurance Company Building (1953-1955), 16th & K, Lincoln, Nebraska.[12][16][18][27] (LC13:D08-011)
Municipal Hospital (1954), Lexington, Nebraska.[16][18]
Addition (1954), Mary Lanning Hospital, Hastings, Nebraska.[16][18]
Gordon Elementary School (1954), Gordon, Nebraska.[16][18]
Additions to five North Platte Elementary Schools (1954), North Platte, Nebraska.[16][18][Hoffman Interview]
Midwest Life Insurance Company Home Office (1954), Lincoln, Nebraska.[12][16][18]
Union Bank (1954), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Valley Elementary School (1954), Valley, Nebraska.[16][18]
Two Broken Bow Elementary Schools (1954), Broken Bow, Nebraska.[16][18]
Women’s Dormitory (1954), Concordia College, Seward, Nebraska.[16][18]
Men’s Dormitories and Commons (1954), Union College, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Staff Dormitory (1954), Tabitha Home, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Men’s Dormitories (1954), University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Kappa Sigma (1954-1955), 519 N 16th St, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18] (LC13:D09-)
Ainsworth Elementary School (1955), Ainsworth, Nebraska.[16][18]
Southeast High School (1955), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Alliance Junior High School and Elementary School Addition (1955), Alliance, Nebraska.[16][18]
Public Schools Activities Building (1955), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Paxton Grade School (1955), Paxton, Nebraska.[16][18]
Addition (1955), Holmes Grade School, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Bellevue High School (1955), Bellevue, Nebraska.[16][18]
Fine Arts Building (1955), Hastings College, Hasting, Nebraska.[4:20/03][16][18]
Science Building (1955), Hastings College, Hastings, Nebraska.[16][18]
Community Hospital (1955), Pender, Nebraska.[16][18]
Martin Luther Home (1955), Beatrice, Nebraska.[16][18]
Storage and Service Buildings (1955), Naval Air Station, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Ellery L. Davis died in 1956, and his son, Ellery H. Davis became the Davis partner in the firm. The practice incorporated that year.
Annie Jeffrey Memorial Hospital (1956), Osceola, Nebraska.[16][18]
First Presbyterian Church (1956), Beatrice, Nebraska.[16][18]
Village Plaza (1956), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Women’s Dormitory Addition (1956), University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Park Apartments (1956), University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Meadowlane School (1956), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Security Mutual Life Insurance Building (1956-1958), 200 N Centennial Mall, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18] (LC13:D09-569)
Addition (1957), Southeast High School, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Addition (1957), Glenwood High School, Glenwood, Iowa.[16][18]
Osceola Grade School (1957), Osceola, Nebraska.[16][18]
Grade School (1957), Cozad, Nebraska.[16][18]
High School (1957), Columbus, Nebraska.[16][18]
Community Hospital (1957), Blair, Nebraska.[16][18]
Modernization (1957), Lincoln General Hospital, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Laboratory Addition (1957), Bryan Memorial Hospital, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Mennonite Hospital (1957), Beatrice, Nebraska.[16][18]
Hovland Swanson Department Store (1957), Lincoln, Nebraska.[4:20/03]
Continental National Bank Building (1957), 1201 N St., Lincoln, Nebraska.[12][16][18][22]
Associated architects, Pershing Municipal Auditorium (1956-1957), 15th & N Streets, Lincoln, Nebraska.[4:143/4][14][16][18][24][a]
Women’s Dormitory (1958), Union College, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Johnson County Hospital (1958), Tecumseh, Nebraska.[16][18]
Chase County Hospital (1958), Imperial, Nebraska.[16][18]
Addition (1958), Annie Jeffrey Memorial Hospital, Osceola, Nebraska.[16][18]
High School (1958), Chappell, Nebraska.[16][18]
Addition (1959), Grade School, Lamar, Nebraska.[16][18]
Waverly School (1959), Waverly, Nebraska.[16][18]
Men’s Dormitory Addition (1959), Union College, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Women’s Dormitory (1959), Dana College, Blair, Nebraska.[16][18]
Physical Education Building (1959), Concordia College, Seward, Nebraska.[16][18]
Addition (1959), Delta Gamma Sorority House, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Addition (1959). Veterans Hospital, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Jones National Bank (1958), Seward, Nebraska.[16][18]
Overland National Bank (1959), Grand Island, Nebraska.[16][18]
Equitable Building & Loan Company (1959), Grand Island, Nebraska.[16][18]
1960s Work
West Elementary School (1960s), Schuyler, Nebraska.[13][f]
Supermarket for Merchant’s Investment Company (1960), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Ropers Mortuary (1960), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Tecumseh Building 7 Loan (1960), Tecumseh, Nebraska.[16][18]
Bryan Memorial Hospital Expansion and Modernization (1960), Lincoln, Nebraska.[12][16][18]
Men’s Dormitory (1960), Hastings College, Hastings, Nebraska.[16][18]
High School (1960), Fremont, Nebraska.[16][18]
Addition (1960), Grade School, Wausa, Nebraska.[16][18]
High School (1961), Holdrege, Nebraska.[16][18]
Grade School (1961), Scribner, Nebraska.[16][18]
Addition (1961), Meadow Lane School, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Grade School (1961), David City, Nebraska.[16][18]
In 1962, James H. Stange and William Fenton became new partners in the firm. Stange had been employed there since 1954. Walter Wilson retired in 1965, and Howard “Pat” Darling joined as a partner in 1967.
High School Athletic Stadium (1962), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Hastings College Student Union (1962), Hastings, Nebraska.[16][18]
Nebraska State Education Association Building (1962), 515 S 14th, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18][d] Façade significantly compromised.
Addition (1962), Lincoln Country Club, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Dorsey Labs Building (1962) , Lincoln, Nebraska.[12][13][16][18][f]
Rampark Building (1962), 12th & P, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Junior High School (1962), North Platte, Nebraska.[16][18]
Addition (1962), Junior-Senior High School (link), North Platte, Nebraska.[16][18]
Two Elementary School Buildings (1962), North Platte, Nebraska.[16][18]
Cather-Pound Dormitories (1962) , University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska.[14][16][18]
Addition (1962), Bryan Memorial Hospital, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Nebraska National Air Guard Building (1962), [Lincoln?].[16][18]
First National Bank (1961-1963), 1211 N St., Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18][21][b]
Remodel (1963), First Presbyterian Church, 17th & F, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Jeffrey Community Center (1963), Rawlins, Wyoming.[16][18]
Blair Bank (1963), Blair, Nebraska.[16][18]
First State Bank Drive-in Facility (1963), Scottsbluff, Nebraska.[16][18]
Guardian State Bank Drive-in Facility (1963-1964), Alliance, Nebraska.[13][16][18][31][f]
Schuyler Elementary School Addition (1963-1964), 200 W. 10th, Schuyler, Nebraska.[16][18][31:34-35]
Addition (1963), Saratoga School, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Niobrara Elementary School (1963), Niobrara, Nebraska.[16][18]
Addition (1963), Seward Memorial Hospital, Seward, Nebraska.[16][18]
Addition (1963), Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority House, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Universal Surety Building (1963), Lincoln, Nebraska.[13][16][18][h]
Abel and Sandoz Residential Halls (1963-1965), University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska.[12][16][18]
First National Bank Parking Deck (1964), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18][23][c]
Addition (1964), Meadow Lane School, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Addition (1964), Wausa High School, Wausa, Nebraska.[16][18]
Addition (1964), Hayes Center Grade School, Hayes Center, Nebraska.[16][18]
Barracks, BOQs, and Miscellaneous (1964), Lincoln Air Force Base, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Addition (1965), Columbus High School, Columbus, Nebraska.[16][18]
Addition (1965), Spencer School, Spencer, Nebraska.[16][18]
Wayne Senior High School (1965), Wayne, Nebraska.[16][18]
Lincoln General Hospital (1965) , Lincoln [6][12][13][16][18][d][e][f]
Seacrest Field (1965), 70th & A, Lincoln.[12]
Chapel Addition (1966), First Plymouth Congregational Church, 20th & D, Lincoln, Nebraska.[13][16][18][f] (LC13:D07-045.2)
Elks Lodge No. 80 (1966-1967), southwest corner Centennial Mall North & P St, Lincoln, Nebraska.[12][16][18]
Educators Insurance Company (1966), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Lincoln East Educational Complex / High School (1966), 1000 S. 70th St., Lincoln, Nebraska.[6][12][13][16][18][31:135][[#Notes|[d][e]
Niobrara High School (1966), Niobrara, Nebraska.[16][18]
Dormitory (1966), Nebraska Wesleyan University, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Addition (1966), Hayes Center High School, Hayes Center, Nebraska.[16][18]
Phelps County Memorial Hospital (1966), Holdrege, Nebraska.[16][18]
Tilden Housing Project (1966), Tilden, Nebraska.[16][18]
K-Mart Department Store (1967), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Sanitary Towel & Laundry Building (1967), Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Addition (1967), Overland National Bank, Grand Island, Nebraska.[16][18]
Remodel (1967), Chamber of Commerce Building, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Addition (1967), Bryan Memorial Hospital, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Oldfather Hall (1967), University of Nebraska, Lincoln.[12][16][18]
Ravenna Senior High School (1967), Ravenna, Nebraska.[16][18]
Addition (1967), Fremont Junior High School, Fremont, Nebraska. [#References|[16][18]]]
Addition (1968), University Club, 13th & P, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Addition (1968), Fillmore County Hospital, Geneva, Nebraska.[16][18]
Addition (1968), Fremont High School, Fremont, Nebraska.[16][18]
Woodman Accident & Life Insurance Company, North Addition (1968), Lincoln, Nebraska.[12][16][18]
Addition (1968), Pi Beta Phi Sorority House, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Addition (1967). Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity House, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Remodel (1966), First Presbyterian Church, 17th & F, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][18]
Dormitory (1968), Dana College, Blair, Nebraska.[16][18]
Undated
Fieldhouse, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Lincoln.[14]
Gold’s “Basket Store,” Lincoln, Nebraska. [11])
Huntington School, SE corner 47th & Adams, Lincoln, Nebraska. (LC13:F12-043)
Publications & Exhibitions
Architectural Forum (August 1952). On the Seward Memorial Hospital (1947-1951), Seward.[13][16]
Batir (June 1964) [France]. On the Nebraska State Education Association Office Building (1962).[13][16][18]
The Architect & Building News (January 1965) [England].On the Nebraska State Education Association Office Building (1962).[13][16][18]
RevistaInformes de la Constraccion (June 1968) [Spain]. On the Nebraska State Education Association Office Building (1962).[13][16][18]
American Hospital Association Annual Meeting Exhibition, 1967. Lincoln General Hospital (1965), Lincoln.[13]
Architectural Record (July 1968). “Trends in hospital design: Lincoln General Hospital.”[13]
American Association of School Administrators Exhibit, 1968. On East High School (1966), Lincoln.[13][16][18]
National School Boards Association Exhibit, 1968. On East High School (1966), Lincoln.[13][16][18]
Progressive Architecture (April 1968). On East High School (1966), Lincoln.[13][16][18]
Honors & Awards
1952: Memorial Hospital, Seward: Architectural Forun (August 1952).[18]
1955: Hospital of the Month: Schuyler Community Hospital (b1955), Schuyler. Modern Hospital(May 1955).[13][16][18]
1964: Top 10 Plants of 1964: Dorsey Labs Building (1962), Lincoln. Factory: The Magazine of Manufacturing (1964) [13][16][18]
1964: Nebraska AIA Honorable Mention: Dorsey Labs Building (1962), Lincoln.[13][16][18]
1964: Nebraska AIA Design Award. Guardian State Bank Drive-in Facility (1963), Alliance.[13][18]
1964: Nebraska AIA Design Award. West Elementary School (1960s), Schuyler.[13][16][18]
1964: Nebraska AIA Design Award. Universal Surety Company Building (1963), Lincoln.[13][16][18][h]
1968: Hospital of the Month: Lincoln General Hospital (1965), Lincoln. Modern Hospital (April 1968).[13][16][18]
1968: Nebraska AIA Design Award. Lincoln General Hospital (1965), Lincoln.[13][16][18]
1969: Guild for Religious Architecture Honor Award, 30th Annual Conference on Religious Architecture, 1969. Chapel Addition (1966), First Plymouth Congregational Church, Lincoln.[13][16]
1970: Nebraska AIA Design Award, 1970. Chapel Addition (1966), First Plymouth Congregational Church, Lincoln.[13][16]
Notes
a. The design and construction of Pershing Auditorium was a collaboration of four architectural firms, working under the title of Associated Architects; these were Davis & Wilson, Schaumberg & Freeman, Hazen & Robinson, and Fritz Craig. A fifth architect, Steve Cook, was superintendent of construction.[16][24]
b. In association with lead architects, Clark & Enersen.[16][21]
c. For the First Continental Building Corporation; Davis & Wilson, Architects, Olson Construction Co., Contractor.[23]
d. This building was published in contemporary journals; see Publications & Exhibitions.
e. This building was represented in contemporary exhibitions; see Publications & Exhibitions.
f. This building was the recipient of one or more awards; see Honors & Awards.
g. This addition to Miller & Paine was a three story addition and remodel of Miller & Paine Store IV, built in 1917 to the designs of Ellery Lothrop Davis. This expansion was intended for lease to Ben Simon’s Store.
h. In association with other unnamed architects.[18]
i. The fourth-floor addition in 1926 to the Lincoln Telephone Company headquarters at 1342 M Street was estimated to cost $40,000, half of the estimated cost of constructing the three-story building in 1912. The addition was thoroughly respectful of F. C. Fiske's design for the original cornice and stepped parapet, which appears to have been reinstalled or replicated atop the taller building.
j. Lincoln Star traced the construction of the new, terracotta facade for Mayer Bros. O Street store with a series of articles and illustrations in 1925. In January, the front (north) elevation was provided, with a lengthy caption identifying "Davis & Williams [sic]" as the architect, presumably meaning Davis & Wilson. The elevation drawing closely matched that firm's drafting style of that period. On August 30, 1925, the Star announced the completion of the remodeling, accompanied by the same Macdonald studio photograph included with this page.[30]
References
1. Nebraska State Journal (January 16, 1927): 12G.
2. Nebraska State Journal (January 16, 1927): 11G.
3. “Architects in Nebraska to be Covered in Our Survey,” WPA Writers Project, RG515, subj. 611.
4. Davis Fenton Stange Darling Collection, Nebraska State Historical Society, RG3748.AM.
5. Lincoln Art Glass Works Collection, Nebraska State Historical Society, MS4033.
6. Butch Mabin. “Davis Design has been shaping Lincoln since adolescence,” Lincoln Journal Star (March 2, 2003): 30M.
7. “Ellery Davis, Longtime Local Architect, Dies At Age of 69,” Lincoln Star (March 22, 1956): 6:1.
8. “Lincoln Architect New AIA Fellow,” Sunday World-Herald (April 12, 1953): 14F:1.
9. “Architect W. F. Wilson Dies At 77,” Lincoln Star (June 29, 1970): 11:4, 11:7.
10. Kaspar, Thomas. Personal communication with D. Murphy, 3.14.2003.
11. Bill Hoffman, in Ed Zimmer email to D. Murphy, March 31, 2003.
12. Stange, Jim. “Davis Design: Design Excellence since 1912,” Preservation Association of Lincoln, Brown Bag Lecture Series, Museum of Nebraska History, Lincoln, May 13, 2003.
13. Carl Stuart, “Davis/Fenton/Stange/Darling,” Arch@UNL #5 (Spring 1976): 4-5.
14. Boellstorff, Leslie, “Questions about Stange’s not-so-trivial life spark campaign,” Lincoln Journal-Star (November 16, 1986): 2E.
15. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
16. D | F | S | D, Architects | Engineers. [Lincoln: D | F | S | D, ca. 1971]
17. “Minutes of Nebraska State Historical Society Executive Board Meeting,” February 16, 1949. Nebraska State Historical Society, RG14, sg.9, s.1, box 31.
18. D | F | S | D: Davis Fenton Stange Darling. [Lincoln: D | F | S | D, ca. 1975]
19. City of Lincoln Building Permit 29264, January 23, 1939, $35,000 (5 story remodeling).
20. City of Lincoln Building Permit 29985, May 12, 1939, $157,000 (8 stories). The drawings are labeled, “New Building Unit No. 5 for Miller & Paine Inc.”
21. City of Lincoln, Building Permit 82564, November 11, 1962. “Clark & Enersen / Davis & Wilson.”
22. City of Lincoln, Building Permit 70922, May 29, 1957.
23. City of Lincoln, Building Permit 86247, February 24, 1964.
24. Del Snodgrass, "More Than 15 Firms Had Major Part in Building Structure," Lincoln Sunday Journal and Star (March 10, 1957): 2-E.
25. City of Lincoln Building Permit #19283, January 10, 1930, $125,000. Davis & Wilson, Architects, Olson Construction Company, Contractors.
26. Karen A. Steinauer, "John A. Cullen House," National Register of Historic Places Registration Form. Lincoln: Draft, April 30, 2010.
27. “Woodman Insurance Firm Dedicates New Home Office,” Lincoln Journal Star (October 16, 1955): 1, 2.
28. C. J. Schepers, “Root of architectural success is retired master draftsman,” Lincoln Journal-Star (April 12, 1992): 2J.
29. City of Lincoln Building Permit #15660, July 23, 1926, $40,000. Davis & Wilson, Architects.
30. Lincoln Star: "Striking New Front to Be Constructed for Mayer Bros. Co. Store," (January 25, 1925), 2; "Construction of New Mayer Bros. Front to Start," (April 28, 1925), 7; "10 Years of Progress--Mayer Bros. Store," (August 30, 1925, 7.
31. Steve Eveans, et. al., New Architecture in Nebraska, from the Nebraska Society of Architects & the American Institute of Architects (Omaha, Nebraska: 1977).
32. City of Lincoln Building Permit #21118, July 10, 1933, $9,000. Davis & Wilson, Architects.
Other Sources
Zimmer, Edward F. “Davis and Wilson,” in David J. Wishart, ed. Encyclopedia of the Great Plains. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, for the Center for Great Plains Studies, 2004, 75-76. Online, accessed February 22, 2013. http://plainshumanities.unl.edu/encyclopedia/doc/egp.arc.015
Page Citation
D. Murphy & E. F. Zimmer, “Davis & Wilson, Architects,” in David Murphy, Edward F. Zimmer, and Lynn Meyer, comps. Place Makers of Nebraska: The Architects. Lincoln: Nebraska State Historical Society, August 22, 2018. http://www.e-nebraskahistory.org/index.php?title=Place_Makers_of_Nebraska:_The_Architects Accessed, October 31, 2024.
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