Calvin J. Bowell (1870-1937), Architect

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Omaha, 1912-1916; York, 1917; and Grand Island, Nebraska, 1921-1937


Calvin J. Bowell was born in Kansas in 1870.[3] He practiced architecture in Shenandoah, Iowa, and Omaha, York, and Grand Island, Nebraska. He married Emma E. Dissenger in 1897.[[#References|[24] By the time of the 1920 U. S. Census, he was married to Bernice and they had a nine-year-old daughter.[3]

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.

Compiled Nebraska Directory Listings

Omaha, Nebraska, 1912-1916

York, Nebraska, 1917

Grand Island, 1921-1922, 1924-1927, 1929-1932, 1934-1937

Educational & Professional Associations

1900: partner in C. J. Bowell & Co., insurance and real estate, Shenandoah, Iowa.[3][8][a]

l906: architect, Shenandoah, Iowa.[7][b]

1909: partner in Independent Builders' Supply Co., Shenandoah, Iowa.[8][c]

1912: architect, 512 Brandeis Bldg, Omaha, Nebraska.[6][d]

1913: general agent, Hartford Life Insurance Company, Omaha, Nebraska.

1914-1915: District manager, Northwestern National Life Insurance Co., 594 Brandeis Bldg, Omaha, Nebraska.

1915: re-established his architectural practice, 626-8 Brandeis bldg., Omaha, Nebraska.[11][g]

1917: architect, York, Nebraska.[18][19][v]

1919-1920: architect, Grand Island, Nebraska.[3]

1921-1937: architect, Grand Island, Nebraska.

Buildings & Projects

St. Mary's Catholic Church (1909), Shenandoah, Iowa.[4][10[e]

Charles Aldrich house (1910), Shenandoah, Iowa.[5][f]

Remodeling Daily Record office (1915), 318 South 19th Street, Omaha, Nebraska.[11]

Bungalow for Frank Linnemann (1915), Military Avenue and Decatur Street, Omaha, Nebraska.[12][h]

Bungalow for Hilsing Weather Strip Co. (1915), 43rd and Burt Street, Omaha.[13][i]

Residence for M. Flanagan (1915), Stuart, Nebraska.[14][k]

Residence for H. H. Allen (1915), 41st & Harney Streets, Omaha, Nebraska.[13][j]

Elkhorn Life & Accident Assoc. Office Building (1916), Norfolk, Nebraska.[15][l]

Angora School (1916), Angora, Nebraska.[15][m]

Reifenfoph Bros. Store Building (1916), Mapleton, Iowa.[15][n]

Residence for Mrs. Mary Goodland (1916), 2147 South 34th Street, Omaha, Nebraska.[15][o]

Residence for C. B. Esteel (1916), Bridgeport, Nebraska.[15][p]

Farmers' Security Bank (1916), Maywood, Nebraska.[15][q]

Day and Night Garage for H.C. Graves (1917), York, Nebraska.[1][16][r]

Residence for C. E. Sandall (1917), York, Nebraska.[17][s]

Residence for S. Burnham (1917), York, Nebraska.[17][t]

Milford High School (1917), Milford, Nebraska.[1][18][19][u]

Additions and improvements to Milford School (1917), Milford, Nebraska.[19][u]

Reynolds School (1917), Reynolds, Nebraska.[1][20][w]

Odd Fellows Lodge Building, with stores (1917-____), Palmer, Nebraska.[1][21][x]

Garage for Way and Fisk (1917), Surprise, Nebraska.[21][y]

Chapman School (1917), Chapman, Nebraska.[22][z]

Store Building for Elsa Ury (1917), Chapman, Nebraska.[22][aa]

Bank & Office Building for W. C. Wentz Co. (1919), Aurora, Nebraska.[23][ab]

Garage (1919), Gothenburg, Nebraska.[23][ac]

Anderson House and Hatchery (1937), 1415 Howard Ave, St. Paul, Nebraska. (HW11-040)

Notes

a. The Spectator of February 1, 1900 states: "C. J. Bowell, general manager for Iowa for the Hartford Life, has resigned, and will hereafter devote his entire time to real estate and insurance in Shenandoah, Ia., having formed a partnership with Earl Sheets, under the firm name of C. J. Bowell & Co."9]

b. National Builderof March 1906 contains the announcement: "A New Architect. C. J. Bowell, Shenandoah, Iowa, has opened an office as an architect in that city. He wishes catalogues and samples form manufacturers of goods that are likely to interest the architect."[7]

c. Clay Record of 1909 includes a notice: "T. B. Wright & C. J. Bowell have formed the Independent Builders' Supply Co. at Shenandoah, Ia., and will deal in all kinds of building materials. They would be glad to receive catalogues and samples of all kinds."[8]

d. Bowell's first directory listing in Omaha, Nebraska was in 1912. Western Architect of June 1915 contains the notice: "C. J. Bowell, architect, has opened an office at Omaha, Nebraska, in the Brandeis building and desires catalogs and samples."[6]

e. Improvement Bulletin of April 24, 1909 carries a request for sealed proposals "for the erection and completion of St. Mary's Church, in Shenandoah, Iowa, and according to the plans and specifications of C. J. Bowell, Architect, Shenandoah, Iowa..."[4]

f. Improvement Bulletin of April 23, 1910 states: "Shenandoah, Iowa.--C. J. Bowell has completed plans for Chas. Aldrich for a 2-story, 10-room house, 31x48, to be constructed of paving brick."[5]

g. American Contractor of June 5, 1915 states: "C. J. Bowell, architect, has opened an office at 626-8 Brandeis bldg., Omaha, Nebr., where he is re-establishing himself in the architectural...profession. He desires catalogs and samples."[11]

h. American Contractor of June 5, 1915 states: "Bungalow: 1 sty. & bas. 24x40. $2M. Military av. & Decatur st. Archt. C. J. Bowell...Owner Frank Linnemann, 1821 Miami st. Plans in progress. Siding, shingle rf."[11] In the August 14, 1915 edition, an announcement states the general contract was awarded to N. A. Yonker, "who desires bids on elec. wiring, ptg., plastering, mill wk."[12]

i. American Contractor of October 30, 1915 states: "Bungalow: 2 1/2 sty. & bas. 24x40. $2,500. 43d & Burt st. Archt. C. J. Bowell...Owner Hilsing Weather Strip co., 318 S. 19th st. On fdn. Gen. contr. let to L. A. Yonker...."[13]

j. American Contractor of October 30, 1915 states: "Res.: 1 1/2 sty. & bas. 24x26. $3M. 41st & Harney sts. Archt. C. J. Bowell...Owner H. H. Allen, Wellington Hotel. Plans in progress. Siding, shingle rf., cement blk. fnd."[13]

k. American Contractor of October 2, 1915 states: "Res.: 1 1/2 sty. & bas. $3,500. Stuart, Nebr. Archt. C. J. Bowell...Owner M. Flanagan, Stuart. Plans in progress. Siding & stucco, shingle rf., brk. fnd."[14]

l. American Contractor of May 27, 1916 describes an "Office Bldg.: $5,000, 1 sty & bas., 32x32. Norfolk, Nebr. Archt. C. J. Bowell, 4218 Dodge st., Omaha. Owner Elkhorn Life & Accident Assoc....Plans in progress. Brk. & stone, gravel rf., struct. iron.[15]

m. American Contractor of May 27, 1916, states: "School: $4,000. 1 sty & bas. 32x64. Angora, Nebr. Archt. C. J. Bowell...Plans in progress. Brk., gravel rf."[15]

n. American Contractor of May 27, 1916, describes a store building for Reifenfoph Bros. in Mapleton, Iowa. The cost was estimated at $3,000 for a 1.5 story, 28x30 brick and stone building.[15]

o. American Contractor of May 27, 1916 lists: Res.: $3,000. 1 1/2 sty. & bas. 28x30. 2147 S. 34th st., Omaha. Archt. C. J. Bowell...Owner Mrs. Mary Goodland, 2145 S. 34th st., Omaha. Archt. receiving bids. Brk. veneer & stucco, shingle rf."[15]

p. American Contractor of May 27, 1916 lists: Res.:$2,500. 1 1/2 sty. & bas. 28x30. Bridgeport, Nebr. Archt. C. J. Bowell...Owner C. B. Esteel, ash., Nebraska State Bank, Bridgeport. Plans in progress. Siding, shingle rf." [15]

q. American Contractor of May 27, 1916 lists: "Bank: 1 sty. & bas. 25x50. Maywood, Nebr. Archt. C. J. Bowell...Owner Farmers' Security Bank, Maywood, Gen. contr. let to Hall & Powell, Curtis, Nebr., at $8,645."[15]

r. American Contractor of September 16, 1916 lists: "York, Nebr.--Garage. $6,000. 1 sty. 50x141. Archt. C. J. Bowell. Owner H. C. Graves. Bids by archt. at once. Brk., terra cotta, comp. rfg., metal skylights, terra cotta cornice."[16]

s. American Contractor of January 6, 1917 lists: "York, Nebr. Res.: $6,000. 2 sty. 32x38. Archt. C. J. Bowell. Owner C. E. Sandall. Plans in progress; bids by archt. in early spring. Frame, brk. & stucco, 2 mantels."[17]

t. American Contractor of January 6, 1917 lists: "York, Nebr. Res.: $4,000. 2 sty. 26x36. Archt. C. J. Bowell. Owner S. Burnham. Plans in progress; bids by archt. in early spring. Brk. & stucco, shingle rf."[17]

u. American Contractor of February 17, 1917 lists "High School: $25,000. 2 sty. 60x78. Milford, Nebr. Archt. C. J. Bowell, York...Plans in progress; bids abt. April 1. Brk., comp. rf." In the May 5, 1917 edition, notice is given of two contracts being let for Milford High School (general contractor E. Rokahe [sic] of Lincoln for $27, 145 and "School (rebldg.)" contract for $5,000, also to E. Rokahr, "Wk. started."[18][19]

v. American Contractor of March 3, 1917 includes an advertisement: "Wanted Help--Architectural draftsman, familiar with school and church work; state age, experience, salary desired and submit samples of work. Prefer a man who can accept the position at once, and one that has had some experience in soliciting business."[19]

w. American Contractor of May 19, 1917 includes a formal request for proposals to build a "Public School Building" for Reynolds, Nebraska "in strict accordance with the plans and specifications as prepared by C. J. Bowell, Architect, 719 E. 7th St., York, Nebraska."[20]

x. American Contractor of June 2, 1917 includes a notice of a plan to build a "Lodge Hall & Bus. Bldg.: $15,000. 2 sty. & bas. 50x80. Palmer, Nebr. Archt. C. J. Bowell, York. Owner I . O. O. F. Lodge, Palmer. Brk. & stone trim, asph. rfg., struct. iron. Plans drawn."[21]

y. American Contractor of June 2, 1917 includes a notice of a plan to build a "Garage: 1 sty. & bas. 50x80. Surprise, Nebr. Archt. C. J. Bowell, York. Owner Way & Fisk, Surprise, Nebr. Brk. & stone trim, asph. rfg. Plans drawn."[21]

z. American Contractor of June 16, 1917 includes a notice of a plan to build a "School: $12,000. 2 sty. 36x58. Chapman, Nebr. Archt. C. J. Bowell, York....Bids by owner to June 29."[22]

aa. American Contractor of June 15, 1917 includes a notice of a plan to build a "Store Bldg.: $5,000. 1 sty. 25x70. Chapman, Nebr. Archt. C. J. Bowell, York. Owner Elsa Ury, Chapman. Brk. Bids by owner."[22]

ab. American Contractor of August 9, 1919 lists: "Bank & Office Building.: $30,000. 2 sty. & bas. 44x80. Aurora, Nebr. Archt. C. J. Bowell, Grand Island. Owner W. C. Wentz Co., Aurora. Brk. & stone trim. Bids by owner to Aug. 20."[23] In 1916, W. C. Wentz was president of First Saving Bank of Aurora, which had been founded in 1913, according to History of Hamilton and Clay Counties Nebraska, George L. Burr & O. O Buck, editors, Dale P. Stough, compiler, Chicago: S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1921, I:471.

ac. American Contractor of August 9, 1919 lists: "Garage: $15,000. 1 sty. 75x140. Gothenberg, Nebr. Archt. C. J. Bowell, Grand Island. Owner withheld. Brk. & terra cotta trim, comp. rf. , galv. skylight. Archt. receiving bids."[23]

References

1. “Architect Bowell Gets Much Praise,” York Daily News-Times (May 5, 1917), 6.

2. Copy of architect’s Grand Island letterhead.

3. 1900 United States Census, s. v. "Calvin J. Bowell," Shenandoah, Iowa; 1920 United States Census, s.v. “Calvin J. Bowell,” Grand Island, Hall County, Nebraska, accessed through Ancestry.com.

4. Improvement Bulletin (April 24, 1909), 36.

5. Improvement Bulletin (April 23, 1910), 32.

6. Western Architect (June 1915), 51.

7. The National Builder (March 1906), 48.

8. Clay Record (July 15, 1909), 33.

9. The Spectator (February 1, 1900), 61.

10. W. L. Kershaw, "St. Mary's Catholic Church," History of Page County, Iowa, I:200-203 (including illustration of church), Chicago: S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1909. Accessed February 6, 2016: https://books.google.com/books?id=cXkUAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q=bowell&f=false

11. American Contractor (June 12, 1915), 95.

12. American Contractor (August 14, 1915), 75.

13. American Contractor (October 30, 1915), 71a.

14. American Contractor (October 2, 1915), 94.

15. American Contractor (May 27, 1916), 79.

16. American Contractor (September 16, 1916), 32, 91.

17. American Contractor (January 6, 1917), 78-79.

18. American Contractor (February 17, 1917), 80B.

19. American Contractor (March 3, 1917), 121; (April 14, 1917), 80; (May 5, 1917), 92.

20. American Contractor (June 2, 1917), 85.

21. American Contractor (May 19, 1917), 82.

22. American Contractor (June 16, 1917), 76.

23. American Contractor (August 9, 1919), 71.

24. Ancestry.com, s. v. Calvin J. Bowell. Iowa, Select Marriages Index, 1809-1992 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc, 2014.

Page Citation

D. Murphy and E. F. Zimmer “Calvin J. Bowell (1870-1937), Architect,” in David Murphy, Edward F. Zimmer, and Lynn Meyer, comps. Place Makers of Nebraska: The Architects. Lincoln: Nebraska State Historical Society, September 9, 2014. http://www.e-nebraskahistory.org/index.php?title=Place_Makers_of_Nebraska:_The_Architects Accessed, March 28, 2024.


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