Difference between revisions of "John R. Smith (1870-1958), Architect"

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[[File:SmithJohnR1915port.JPG|thumb|right|John R. Smith, 1915]]
 
<div style="white-space:nowrap;font-size:125%">'''Lincoln, Nebraska, 1909-1935'''</div style="white-space:nowrap;font-size:125%">
 
<div style="white-space:nowrap;font-size:125%">'''Lincoln, Nebraska, 1909-1935'''</div style="white-space:nowrap;font-size:125%">
  
[[Page under construction.]]
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'''John R. Smith''' was born May 4, 1870 in Wisconsin to Richard H. and Mary Smith.  The U. S. Census listed his father as a lead miner in 1870 and as a farmer in 1880.  The family moved in the 1880s to Pierce County, Nebraska, where John married Florence Watson on December 31, 1899.[[#References|[1]]]  John was identified as a farmer in Willow Creek, Pierce County, Nebraska in the 1900 census. Florence and John had three children, the last a daughter born in 1905, the year her mother Florence died and was interred in Pierce County. 1905 was also the first year John R. Smith was listed in a Lincoln, Nebraska city directory as a draftsman for architect '''[[James Henry Craddock (1856-1932), Architect|J. H. Craddock]].''' Smith was a draftsman for a Lincoln millwork company in 1906 and 1907, then in 1908 was a draftsman for '''[[Ferdinand Comstock Fiske (1856-1930), Architect|F. C. Fiske]]''' in the Lincoln office of [[Fiske & Dieman, Architects|Fiske & Dieman.]] He married Rose Inez (''nee'' Wilson) Sheetz in 1908 and in 1909 began to be listed as an architect in University Place (now Lincoln), Nebraska.[[#References|[9]]][[#Notes|[a]]]  While he continued to reside in University Place for many years, his office was in downtown Lincoln as early as 1911.  He designed residences, several schools and other public buildings in University Place and elsewhere in Nebraska, and made a specialty of church design, publishing a brochure "Modern Church Architecture" that listed 100 churches in five Midwestern states "for which we have furnished architectural services." His son Rolland practiced with him as [[John R. Smith & Son, Architects|John R. Smith & Son]] from 1921-1934.[[#References|[10]]] John Smith was a WPA administrator in Lincoln in the late 1930s, but was no longer listed in Lincoln city directories after the early 1940s. He died in Denver February 11, 1958, and was interred at Wyuka Cemetery in Lincoln.[[#References|[19]]]
 
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'''John R. Smith''' was born May 4, 1870 in Wisconsin to Richard H. and Mary Smith.  The U. S. Census listed his father as a lead miner in 1870 and as a farmer in 1880.  The family moved in the 1880s to Pierce County, Nebraska, where John married Florence Watson on December 31, 1899.[[#References|[1]]]  John was identified as a farmer in Willow Creek, Pierce County, Nebraska in the 1900 census. Florence and John had three children, the last a daughter born in 1905, the year her mother Florence died and was interred in Pierce County. 1905 was also the first year John R. Smith was listed in a Lincoln, Nebraska city directory as a draftsman for architect '''[[James Henry Craddock (1856-1932), Architect|J. H. Craddock]].''' Smith was a draftsman for a Lincoln millwork company in 1906 and 1907, then in 1908 was a draftsman in the office of '''[[Fiske & Dieman, Architects|Fiske & Dieman.]]''' He married Inez Rose Sheetz in 1908 and in 1909 began to be listed as an architect in University Place (now Lincoln), Nebraska.[[#References|[9]]][[#Notes|[a]]]  While his residence remained University Place, his office was in downtown Lincoln as early as 1911.  He designed residences, several schools and other public buildings in University Place and elsewhere in Nebraska, and made a specialty of church design, publishing a brochure "Modern Church Architecture" that listed 100 churches in five Midwestern states "for which we have furnished architectural services." His son Roland practiced with him as [[John R. Smith & Son, Architects|John R. Smith & Son]] from 1923-1935.[[#References|[10]]]  
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This page is a contribution to the publication, '''[[Place Makers of Nebraska: The Architects]]'''. See the [[Format and contents of Nebraska architect entries|format and contents]] page for more information on the compilation and page organization.
 
This page is a contribution to the publication, '''[[Place Makers of Nebraska: The Architects]]'''. See the [[Format and contents of Nebraska architect entries|format and contents]] page for more information on the compilation and page organization.
  
 
==Compiled Nebraska Directory Listings==
 
==Compiled Nebraska Directory Listings==
Lincoln, Nebraska, 1905-1918, 1920-1921, 1931, 1935
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Lincoln, Nebraska, 1905-1942
  
 
==Educational & Professional Associations==
 
==Educational & Professional Associations==
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1906-1907: draftsman, Curtis & Bartlett Millwork Company, Lincoln, Nebraska.[[#References|[10]]]
 
1906-1907: draftsman, Curtis & Bartlett Millwork Company, Lincoln, Nebraska.[[#References|[10]]]
  
1908: draftsman, [[Fiske & Dieman, Architects]], Lincoln, Nebraska.[[#References|[10]]]
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1908: draftsman, [[Ferdinand Comstock Fiske (1856-1930), Architect|Fiske & Dieman, Architects]], Lincoln, Nebraska.[[#References|[10]]]
  
1909-1910: architect, University Place, Nebraska.[[#References|[4][10]]]
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1908-1910: architect, University Place, Nebraska.[[#References|[4][10]]]
  
1911-1921: architect, Lincoln, Nebraska.[[#References|[10]]]
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1911-1934: architect, Lincoln, Nebraska.[[#References|[10]]]
  
1922-1934: architect and partner, [[John R. Smith & Son, Architects]], Lincoln, Nebraska.[[#References|[10]]]
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1921-1934: architect and partner with son Rolland H. Smith as [[John R. Smith & Son, Architects]], Lincoln, Nebraska.[[#References|[10][17]]]
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1936: deputy state administrator, W.P.A.[[#References|[10]]]
  
 
==Buildings & Projects==
 
==Buildings & Projects==
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[[Image:Madison_Prez_1913.jpg|thumb|center|upright=2.0|alt=Madison_Prez_1913.jpg|First Presbyterian Church, Madison. (''Matt Hansen Collection'')]]
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===Dated Projects, 1908-1920===
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Charles Crosthwaite residence (1908), David City, Nebraska.[[#References|[92]]]
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H. H. Rankin residence (1908), 324 E. 14th Street, University Place (now 5042 Leighton Avenue, Lincoln), Nebraska.[[#References|[93]]][[#Notes|[h]]]
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2-story school (1909), Brunswick, Nebraska.[[#References|[94]]]
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Two-story Hecht Department Store (1910), Havelock (now Lincoln), Nebraska.[[#References|[26]]]
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10-room school, $18,000 (1910), Osmond, Nebraska.[[#References|[27]]]
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Two-story school, $12,000 (1910), Schuyler, Nebraska.[[#References|[22]]]
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Two-story school (1910), Brunswick, Nebraska.[[#References|[5]]]
 
Two-story school (1910), Brunswick, Nebraska.[[#References|[5]]]
  
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Eugene Levi house (1911), 1727 D, Lincoln, Nebraska.[[#References|[3]]] (LC13:D07-361)  
 
Eugene Levi house (1911), 1727 D, Lincoln, Nebraska.[[#References|[3]]] (LC13:D07-361)  
  
Fairmont Methodist Church (1911), Fairmont, Nebraska.[[#References|[7]]]
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Fairmont Methodist Church (1911-1912), Fairmont, Nebraska.[[#References|[7][14]]]
  
 
Greybull School Building (1911), Greybull, Wyoming.[[#References|[7]]]
 
Greybull School Building (1911), Greybull, Wyoming.[[#References|[7]]]
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Residence for J.M. Wildhaber (1911), Plymouth, Nebraska.[[#References|[7]]]
 
Residence for J.M. Wildhaber (1911), Plymouth, Nebraska.[[#References|[7]]]
  
North Bend Carnegie Library (1911-1913), 140 E. 8th, North Bend, Nebraska.[[#References|[3]]] (DD09-010)  
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North Bend Carnegie Library (1911-1913), 140 E. 8th, North Bend, Nebraska. (DD09-010)  
 
[https://web.archive.org/web/20160728154451/http://www.nebraskahistory.org/histpres/nebraska/dodge/DD09-010-NorthBend-CarnLib.pdf National Register narrative]
 
[https://web.archive.org/web/20160728154451/http://www.nebraskahistory.org/histpres/nebraska/dodge/DD09-010-NorthBend-CarnLib.pdf National Register narrative]
  
Theodore A. Kiesselbach House (1913), 3232 Holdrege, Lincoln, Nebraska.[[#References|[3]]] (LC13:E11-013)  
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Methodist Church (1912), North Bend, Nebraska.[[#References|[15]]]
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Theodore A. Kiesselbach House (1913), 3232 Holdrege, Lincoln, Nebraska.[[#References|[16]]] (LC13:E11-013)  
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Emma & John Wachter House (1913), 1901 Pepper Avenue, Lincoln, Nebraska.[[#References|[23]]]
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C. W. Knott House (1913), 2287 Sheldon Street, Lincoln, Nebraska.[[#References|[24]]]
  
 
First Baptist Church (1913), Broken Bow, Nebraska.[[#References|[2]]][[#Notes|[c]]]
 
First Baptist Church (1913), Broken Bow, Nebraska.[[#References|[2]]][[#Notes|[c]]]
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Welsh Congregational Church (1913), Carroll, Nebraska.[[#References|[2][13]]]
 
Welsh Congregational Church (1913), Carroll, Nebraska.[[#References|[2][13]]]
  
Lutheran Church (1913), West Point, Nebraska.[[#References|[2]]]
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M. E. (Methodist Episcopal) Church (1913), Carroll, Nebraska. SEE Methodist Church (1917), Carroll, Nebraska.
 +
 
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Lutheran Church (1913), West Point, Nebraska.[[#References|[2][31]]]
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First Methodist Episcopal Church (1913), 25th & E Streets, South Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[29]]]
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Addition to school (1913), Beemer, Nebraska.[[#References|[30]]]
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Competed for design of grade and high schools (1913), Central City, Nebraska.[[#References|[32]]][[#Notes|[d]]]
  
First United Presbyterian Church addition (1913-1914), NW corner 4th & Nebraska, Madison, Nebraska.[[#References|[2][3]]] (MD03-021)  
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[[:File:Madison_Prez_1913.jpg|'''First United Presbyterian Church (1913-1914)''']], NW corner 4th & Nebraska, Madison, Nebraska.[[#References|[2][24]]] (MD03-021)  
 
[https://web.archive.org/web/20170810185140/http://www.nebraskahistory.org/histpres/nebraska/madison/MD03-021_Fst_United_PresCh.pdf National Register narrative]
 
[https://web.archive.org/web/20170810185140/http://www.nebraskahistory.org/histpres/nebraska/madison/MD03-021_Fst_United_PresCh.pdf National Register narrative]
  
Methodist Church (1914), Windsor, Colorado.[[#References|[2]]]
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Methodist Church (1914), Windsor, Colorado.[[#References|[2][37]]]
  
University Place Carnegie Library (1915), 2820 N 48th, Lincoln, Nebraska.[[#References|[8]]]
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University Place City Hall (1914), North 48th & Baldwin Streets (now Lux Art Center), Lincoln, Nebraska.[[#References|[25][34]]]
  
Methodist Church (1915), Beatrice, Nebraska.[[#References|[2]]]
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Cottage for Mrs. Aury Pell (1914), Unadilla, Nebraska.[[#References|[35]]]
  
Methodist Church (1915), Beaver City, Nebraska.[[#References|[2]]]
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2-story school (1914), Winnetoon, Nebraska.[[#References|[36]]]
  
Methodist Church (1915), Ewing, Nebraska.[[#References|[2]]]
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2-story school (1914), Carroll, Nebraska.[[#References|[38]]]
  
Methodist Church (1915), Galt, Grundy County, Missouri.[[#References|[2]]]
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Residential remodeling for Gut Crendson (1914), University Place (now Lincoln), Nebraska.[[#References|[39]]]
  
Methodist Church (1915), Ponca, Nebraska.[[#References|[2]]]
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University Place Carnegie Library (1915), 2820 N 48th, Lincoln, Nebraska.[[#References|[8][40]]]
  
Methodist Church (1916), Louisville, Nebraska.[[#References|[2]]]
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First National Bank of Chappell (1915), Chappell, Nebraska.[[#References|[41]]]
  
Warren Methodist Church (1916), University Place (now Lincoln), Nebraska.[[#References|[2]]]
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Remodeling of and addition to Methodist Church (1915), Beatrice, Nebraska.[[#References|[2][42]]]
  
Methodist Church (1917), Allen, Nebraska.[[#References|[2]]]
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Remodeling of and addition to Methodist Church (1915), Beaver City, Nebraska.[[#References|[2][43]]]
  
Methodist Church (1917), Alma, Nebraska.[[#References|[2]]]
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Methodist Church (1915), Ewing, Nebraska.[[#References|[2][44]]]
  
Methodist Church (1917), Big Springs, Nebraska.[[#References|[2]]]
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Methodist Church (1915), Ponca, Nebraska.[[#References|[2][45]]]
  
Methodist Church (1917), Carroll, Nebraska.[[#References|[2]]]
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H. W. Hildreth bungalow (1915), Superior, Nebraska.[[#References|[46]]]
  
Methodist Church (1917), Cozad, Nebraska.[[#References|[2]]]
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2-story school (1915), Cheney, Nebraska.[[#References|[47]]]
  
Methodist Church (1917), Crawford, Nebraska.[[#References|[2]]]
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Methodist Church (1915), Galt, Grundy County, Missouri.[[#References|[2][48]]]
  
Methodist Church (1917), Holdrege, Nebraska.[[#References|[2]]]
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Warren Methodist Church (1915-1916), University Place (now Lincoln), Nebraska.[[#References|[2][49]]]
  
Methodist Church (1917), Sidney, Nebraska.[[#References|[2]]]
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Methodist Church, Bluff City, Kansas.[[#References|[2][55]]][[#Notes|[e]]]
  
Riley School (1917), State & Dudley, University Place (now Lincoln), Nebraska. (survey form)
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H. I. Babcock bungalow (1916), Chappell, Nebraska.[[#References|[50]]]
  
Methodist Church (1918), Alliance, Nebraska.[[#References|[2]]]
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Jno. Wentz residence (1916), Chappell, Nebraska.[[#References|[51]]]
  
Epworth Methodist Episcopal Church (1918), Cortland, Nebraska.[[#References|[2][12]]]
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Wm. Wentz residence (1916), Chappell, Nebraska.[[#References|[52]]]
  
Methodist Church (1918), Mullen, Nebraska.[[#References|[2]]]
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Methodist Church (1916), Louisville, Nebraska.[[#References|[2][53]]]
  
Methodist Church (1918), Nora, Nuckolls County, Nebraska.[[#References|[2]]]
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J. L. Berry residence (1916), Seward, Nebraska.[[#References|[54]]]
  
Lutheran Church (1918), Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[2]]]
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A. H. Helliger residence (1916), Plymouth, Nebraska.[[#References|[56]]]
  
Baptist Church (1920), Casper, Wyoming.[[#References|[2]]]
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Methodist Church (1916), Polk, Nebraska.[[#References|[57]]]
  
Baptist Church (1920), Douglas, Converse County, Wyoming.[[#References|[2]]]
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Methodist Church (1916), Alma, Nebraska.[[#References|[2][58]]]
  
Methodist Church (1920), Gurley, Cheyenne County, Nebraska.[[#References|[2]]]
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Van Fleet Teachers' College (1917-1918), Nebraska Wesleyan University campus, University Place (now Lincoln), Nebraska.[[#References|[20][64]]]
  
Methodist Church (1920), Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska.[[#References|[2]]]
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Methodist Church (1917), Crawford, Nebraska.[[#References|[2][59]]]
  
Methodist Church (1920), Neligh, Nebraska.[[#References|[2]]]
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2-story school (1917), Chappell, Nebraska.[[#References|[60]]]
  
Presbyterian Church (1920), Norfolk, Nebraska.[[#References|[2]]]
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2-story telephone and store building (1917), Chappell, Nebraska.[[#References|[61]]]
  
Methodist Church (1920), Pacific Junction, Iowa.[[#References|[2]]]
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Methodist Church & parsonage (1917), Sidney, Nebraska.[[#References|[2][62]]]
  
Methodist Church (1920), Stromsburg, Nebraska.[[#References|[2]]]
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Methodist Church (1917), Cozad, Nebraska.[[#References|[2][63]]]
  
Methodist Church (1920), Wynot, Nebraska.[[#References|[2]]]
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"Third Ward" (later Riley) School (1917), State & Dudley, University Place (now Lincoln), Nebraska. (survey form) [[#References|[21][65]]]
  
Methodist Church (1921), Mount Pleasant, Iowa.[[#References|[2]]]
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Methodist Church (1917), Holdrege, Nebraska.[[#References|[2][66]]]
  
Presbyterian Church (1922), Bayard, Nebraska.[[#References|[2]]]
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Methodist Church (1917), Allen, Nebraska.[[#References|[2][67]]]
  
Methodist Church (1922), Curtis, Nebraska.[[#References|[2]]]
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Methodist Church (1917), Belden, Nebraska.[[#References|[2][68]]]
  
Methodist Church (1922), Wauneta, Nebraska.[[#References|[2]]]
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Gymnasium & Auditorium for city of University Place (1917), University Place (now Lincoln), Nebraska.[[#References|[69]]]
  
East Side Christian Church (1923), Lincoln, Nebraska.[[#References|[2][14]]]
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Methodist Church (1917), Carroll, Nebraska.[[#References|[2][28][70]]][[#Notes|[f]]]
  
United Presbyterian Church (1927), 880 South 35th Street (at F Street), Lincoln, Nebraska.[[#References|[2][15]]]
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Carnegie Library (1917-1918), Randolph, Nebraska.[[#References|[71]]]
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Methodist Church & Parsonage (1917-1920), Big Springs, Nebraska.[[#References|[2][72]]][[#Notes|[f]]]
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2-story school (1918), Firth, Nebraska.[[#References|[73]]]
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Epworth Methodist Episcopal Church (1918), Cortland, Nebraska.[[#References|[2][12][74]]]
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Methodist Church (1918), Mullen, Nebraska.[[#References|[2][75]]]
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Methodist Church (1918-1920), Alliance, Nebraska.[[#References|[2][76]]][[#Notes|[f]]]
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Parsonage for Methodist church (1918), Waverly, Nebraska.[[#References|[77]]]
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Remodeling Westminster Presbyterian Church (1918), 23rd & Garfield Streets, Lincoln, Nebraska.[[#References|[78]]]
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Methodist Church (1918), Nora, Nuckolls County, Nebraska.[[#References|[2][79]]]
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Addition to school (1918), Walton, Nebraska.[[#References|[80]]]
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Cross Lutheran Church (1918), 3103 S. 20th Street, Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[2][33]]]
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Baptist Church (1920), Casper, Wyoming.[[#References|[2][81]]]
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Methodist Church (1920), Mitchell, Nebraska.[[#References|[82]]]
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Methodist Church (1920), Marsland, Nebraska.[[#References|[83]]]
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Baptist Church and Parsonage (1920), Douglas, Converse County, Wyoming.[[#References|[2][84]]]
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Methodist Church (1920), Stromsburg, Nebraska.[[#References|[2][85]]]
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Methodist Church (1920), Cambridge, Nebraska.[[#References|[86]]]
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Methodist Church (1920), Neligh, Nebraska.[[#References|[2][87]]]
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Design for Methodist Church (1920), Gurley, Cheyenne County, Nebraska.[[#References|[2][88]]] SEE also the Methodist Church and Community Building of 1922 listed among projects of '''[[John R. Smith & Son, Architects|John R. Smith & Son]]'''.
 +
 
 +
Methodist (?) Church (1920), Norfolk, Nebraska.[[#References|[2][89]]][[#Notes|[g]]]
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Methodist Church (1920), Wynot, Nebraska.[[#References|[2][90]]]
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Methodist Church (1920), Pacific Junction, Iowa.[[#References|[2][91]]]
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Methodist Church (1920), Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska.[[#References|[2]]]
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===Projects undertaken as John R. Smith & Son, 1921-1935===
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<blockquote>
 +
''John's son Rolland joined his father's practice as a draftsman by 1922, but as early as 1921 their office was listed as '''[[John R. Smith & Son, Architects|John R. Smith & Son.]]'''  SEE that page for projects of the office between 1921 and 1935.''
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</blockquote>
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===Undated Projects===
  
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
a. The U. S. Census of 1910 listed John Smith, architect (age 40) and his wife Rosie (36), married two years, with children Everett L. (9), Roland H. (8), Florence (5), and step-son (to John) Durwood C. Sheets (6).  The young Smiths were all born in Nebraska while Rose's son Durwood was born in Idaho.[[#References|[9]]]
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a. The U. S. Census of 1910 listed John Smith, architect (age 40) and his wife Rosie (36), married two years, with children Everett L. (9), Roland H. (8), Florence (5), and step-son (to John) Durwood C. Sheets (6).  The young Smiths were all born in Nebraska while Rose's son Durwood was born in Idaho.[[#References|[9]]] Rose Smith died in 1938 at 65 years old. John and Rose were both interred at Lincoln's Wyuka Cemetery.[[#References|[18]]]
  
b. Reference [[#References|[2]]] circa date based upon 1921 being the only year that J. R. Smith is listed in the Directories at the address indicated on the publication; it is possible the publication was issued on the occasion of the formation of Smith & Son, Architects [ed].
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b. Reference [[#References|[2]]] is an undated brochure issued by "J. R. Smith & Son, Architects" with a listed address of 138 N. Twelfth St., Lincoln, Nebraska. The 1921 Lincoln Directory lists Smith's office at that address. Later his location was described as "Peterson Building," which stood at 138 N. 12th in downtown Lincoln. Among the churches listed in the brochure are several Lincoln churches of the late 1920s, suggesting the publication may have been issued around 1930.[EFZ]
  
 
c. First Baptist Church in Broken Bow, Nebraska bears the date "1913" and "MCMXIII" on its parapets.
 
c. First Baptist Church in Broken Bow, Nebraska bears the date "1913" and "MCMXIII" on its parapets.
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d. ''American Contractor'' reported in 1913 that four Nebraska architects had submitted sketches to Central City officials for two school buildings following successful passage of a $55,000 bond issue--three from Lincoln, namely [[Berlinghof & Davis, Architects|Berlinghof & Davis]], J. R. Smith, and [[Joseph W. Salmon (1879-1957), Architect|"Salmons Architectural Co."]]; and from Omaha, [[William F. Gernandt (1872-1943), Architect|Gernandt]]. [[#References|[32]]] Belinghof & Davis won the commission.
 +
 +
e. Smith & Son's church booklet lists a Methodist church in "Bluff City, Nebraska." ''Perkey's Nebraska Place Names'' lists a Bluff City in both Gage and Garfield Counties, but neither apparently were durable settlements. Presumably instead the Smiths' church design was for Bluff City, Kansas, as was repeatedly referenced in ''American Contractor.''[[#References|[2][55]]]
 +
 +
f. ''American Contractor'' lists John Smith designing a Methodist church for Carroll, Nebraska in 1913 and again in 1917.[[#References|[28][70]]]  Perhaps the earlier church was destroyed; more likely the project was initiated in 1913 but construction was only accomplished on the later effort. Similarly, Smith was announced as designing a Methodist Church in Alliance, Nebraska in 1918, then again in 1920.[[#References|[76]]] Methodists in Big Springs, Nebraska engaged Smith for church designs in 1917 and again in 1920.[[#References|[72]]] [EFZ]
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g. The Smiths' roster of projects in ''Modern Church Architecture'' lists a Presbyterian church in Norfolk by Smith.  ''American Contractor'' instead identifies a 1920 Methodist Church in that city by Smith.[[#References|[89]]]
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h. Henry Harrison Rankin was listed in the US Census of 1910 as a real estate agent, residing at 324 E. 14th Street, University Place, in 1910. University Place addresses changed to the City of Lincoln system upon annexation in 1924, but the Lincoln directory of 1925 still provided the 324 E. 14th address.  By 1929, Rankin was listed at 5042 Leighton--Lot 12 of Block 110, University Place Addition.  He had purchased that house lot in 1908 while residing the Buffalo County, for $1,000. Apparently the house still standing (2023) at 5042 Leighton is the house Smith designed for Rankin in 1908.[EFZ]
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
1.  Ancestry.com. ''1870 United States Federal Census'' [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009. Images reproduced by FamilySearch; Ancestry.com and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ''1880 United States Federal Census'' [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2010.  
 
1.  Ancestry.com. ''1870 United States Federal Census'' [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009. Images reproduced by FamilySearch; Ancestry.com and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ''1880 United States Federal Census'' [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2010.  
  
2.  J.R. Smith & Son, Architects, “Modern Church Architecture,” (Lincoln: N.P., n.d. [c1921]). (includes list of 100 churches designed by the firm)
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2.  J.R. Smith & Son, Architects, “Modern Church Architecture,” (Lincoln: N.P., n.d. [c. 1930]). (includes list of 100 churches designed by the firm)
  
3.  Listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
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3.  Listed (1980) in the National Register of Historic Places, "Mount Emerald & Capitol Additions Historic Residential District;" SEE also  City of Lincoln Building Permit 4203, issued July 20, 1911.
  
 
4.  Ancestry.com. ''1900 United States Federal Census'' [database on-line], s.v. "Florence M. Smith" (with spouse s.v. "John Smith"), Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004.
 
4.  Ancestry.com. ''1900 United States Federal Census'' [database on-line], s.v. "Florence M. Smith" (with spouse s.v. "John Smith"), Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004.
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13. "Carroll, Nebr.--Church," ''The American Contractor'' (April 19, 1913), 33.
 
13. "Carroll, Nebr.--Church," ''The American Contractor'' (April 19, 1913), 33.
  
14. City of Lincoln Building Permit #11055, issued 1923.
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14. "Methodist Dedication," ''The Fillmore Chronicle (Fairmont, Nebraska)'' (May 10, 1912), 8.
  
==Page Citation==
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15. "Local" (column 2: "J. R. Smith, the Lincoln architect who is drawing the plans for the proposed new Methodist Episcopal church..."), ''North Bend (Nebraska) Eagle'' (August 8, 1912), 5.
  
[[D. Murphy]] & [[E. F. Zimmer]], “{{PAGENAME}},” {{Template:ArchtPageCitation}} August 8, 2022.  {{Template:ArchtPageCitation2}} {{LOCALMONTHNAME}} {{LOCALDAY}}, {{CURRENTYEAR}}.
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16. Listed on the National Register of Historic Place; SEE also City of Lincoln Building Permit #5078, issued June 11, 1913.
  
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17. Ancestry.com. ''U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947,'' s.v. "Rolland H. Smith," [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.
  
 +
18. "Rose I. ''Wilson'' Smith," ''Find a Grave'' on-line database, s.v. "Rose Smith, 1873-1938," https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/74739378/rose-i-smith,
 +
 +
19. "Deaths...Feb 11 John R Smith, Denver, Colo, age 87 (Wy[uka])," ''The Daily Reporter (Lincoln, Nebraska)'' (February 20, 1958), 3; "John R. Smith," ''Find a Grave'' on-line database, s.v. "John R. Smith," https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/74739269/john-r-smith
 +
 +
20. "A Modern School--Sketch of Building Just Recently Completed," ''The University Place (Nebraska) News'' (January 18, 1918), 1, (illustrated with perspective photo, three floor plans, and portraits of J. R. Smith and NWU Chancellor I. B. Schreckengast).
 +
 +
21. "Third Ward School" (photo), ''The University Place (Nebraska) News'' (May 17, 1918), 1.
 +
 +
22. "Schuyler, Nebr.--School...$12,000," ''American Contractor'' (May 21, 1910), 27.
 +
 +
23. City of Lincoln Building Permit #4927, issued March 17, 1913.
 +
 +
24. City of Lincoln Building Permit #5157, issued July 28, 1913.
 +
 +
25. Special edition of ''University Place (Nebraska) News'' (January 8, 1915).
 +
 +
26. "Havelock, Nebr.--Department Store...$20,000," ''American Contractor'' (May 14, 1910), 58.
 +
 +
27. "Osmond, Nebr.--School (10 rooms), $18,000," ''American Contractor'' (June 11, 1910), 24.
 +
 +
28. "Carroll, Nebr.--Church: $10,000...M. E. Society," ''American Contractor'' (July 5, 1913), 46.
 +
 +
29. "Church...$25,000. 25th & E sts., South Omaha, Nebr.," ''American Contractor'' (April 19, 1913), 93.
 +
 +
30. "School Bldg. (add.): 2 sty., $5,000," ''American Contractor'' (April 19, 1913), 93.
 +
 +
31. "Church...$15,000. West Point, Nebr....Grace Lutheran Society," ''American Contractor'' (March 1, 1913), 94.
 +
 +
32. "High & Grade Schools (2 bldgs)...$55,000...Central City, Nebr.," ''American Contractor'' (March 29, 1913), 78.
 +
 +
33. "Church: $120,000...3103 S. 20th st., Omaha...Cross Luth. Church," and "2 Res. (rem.): Ea. $1,000. 1905-1907 Spring, Omaha...Owner Cross Luth. Church," ''American Contractor'' (August 10, 1918), 55.
 +
 +
34. "City Hall & Fire Station...$15,000. University Place, Nebr.," ''American Contractor'' (May 9, 1914), 88.
 +
 +
35. "Cottage: 1 sty. & bas. $3,000. Unadilla, Nebr. ..Owner Mrs. Aury Pell," ''American Contractor'' (May 9. 1914), 88.
 +
 +
36. "Winnetoon, Nebr.--School: 2 sty...$8,000," ''American Contractor'' (May 16, 1914), 29.
 +
 +
37. "Windsor, Colo.--Church (seating 300): $15,000...M. E. Church," ''American Contractor'' (June 6, 1914), 44.
 +
 +
38. "Carroll, Nebr.--School: 2 sty...$16M," ''American Contractor'' (June 27, 1914), 22.
 +
 +
39. "Res[idence] (rem[odel]), 2 sty & bas. $2M...Owner Gut Crendenson," ''American Contractor'' (September 12, 1914), 59.
 +
 +
40. "University Place, Nebr.--Carnegie Library...$20M," ''American Contractor'' (February 6, 1915), 39.
 +
 +
41. "Chappell, Nebr.--Bank...$7M...Owners First National Bank," ''American Contractor'' (February 20, 1915), 22.
 +
 +
42. "Beatrice, Nebr.--Church (rem. & add.)...$8M," ''American Contractor'' (May 22, 1915), 24. Later entries increase budget to $10,000 and omit mentions of remodeling & addition. SEE "Beatrice, Nebr.," ''American Contractor'' (July 17, 1915), 31.
 +
 +
43. "Beaver City, Nebr.--Church (rem. & add.)...$7M," ''American Contractor'' (May 22, 1915), 24.
 +
 +
44. "Ewing, Nebr.--Church...$6M...Owner Meth. Church," ''American Contractor'' (May 29, 1915), 25.
 +
 +
45. "Church: $6M, Ponca, Nebr...Owner Meth. Church," ''American Contractor'' (July 31, 1915), 86.
 +
 +
46. "Bungalow: 1 sty & bas...$3M. Superior, Nebr...Owner H. W. Hildreth," ''American Contractor'' (July 31, 1915), 86.
 +
 +
47. "School: 2 sty. & bas...$5M. Cheneys [sic], Nebr.," ''American Contractor'' (August 7, 1915), 101.
 +
 +
48. "Church...$7M. Galt, Mo...Owner Meth. Church," ''American Contractor'' (September 25, 1915), 76.
 +
 +
49. "Lincoln, Nebr.--Church: $10,000...Warren M. E. Church," ''American Contractor'' (December 11, 1915), 21.
 +
 +
50. "Bungalow: $5,000. 1 1/2 sty. & bas...Chappell, Nebr...Owner H. I. Babcock," ''American Contractor'' (April 22, 1916), 85.
 +
 +
51. "Res.: $4,500. 1 1/2 sty. & bas....Chappell, Nebr...Owner Jno. Wentz," ''American Contractor'' (April 22, 1916), 85.
 +
 +
52. "Res.: $4,500. 1 1/2 sty. & bas....Chappell, Nebr...Owner Wm. Wentz," ''American Contractor'' (April 22, 1916), 85.
 +
 +
53. "Louisville, Nebr.--Church: $7,000...Methodist Church," ''American Contractor'' (June 3, 1916), 44.
 +
 +
54. "Res.: $3,000...Seward, Nebr....Owner J. L. Berry," ''American Contractor'' (April 8, 1916), 72h.
 +
 +
55. "Church: $5,000...Bluff City, Kans...Owner Meth. Church," ''American Contractor'' (March 4, 1916), 90.
 +
 +
56. "Res.: $3,500...Plymouth, Nebr...Owner A. H. Helliger," ''American Contractor'' (March 25, 1916), 73a.
 +
 +
57. "Church: $15,000...Polk, Nebr...Owners Meth. Church," ''American Contractor'' (July 22, 1916). 98C.
 +
 +
58. "Alma, Nebr.--Church: $10,000...Methodist Church," ''American Contractor'' (September 30, 1916), 19.
 +
 +
59. "Church: $15,000...Crawford, Nebr....Owner Meth. Church...," ''American Contractor'' (March 31, 1917), 81.
 +
 +
60. "School: $12,000. 2 sty. & bas....Chappell, Nebr.," ''American Contractor'' (March 31, 1917), 81.
 +
 +
61. "Telephone & Store Bldg.: $5,000. 2 sty. & bas....Chappell, Nebr.," ''American Contractor'' (March 31, 1917), 81.
 +
 +
62. "Church & Parsonage: $20,000. 2 sty. & bas....Sidney, Nebr....Owner Meth. Church," ''American Contractor'' (March 17, 1917), 87.
 +
 +
63. "Church: $15,000. 2 sty. & bas....Cozad, Nebr....Owner Meth. Church," ''American Contractor'' (March 17, 1917), 87.
 +
 +
64. "Teachers' Training College: $20,000...Wesleyan University Campus, University Place, Nebr.," ''American Contractor'' (January 27, 1917), 71.
 +
 +
65. "Ward School. $20,000. 2 sty. & bas....University Place, Nebr.," ''American Contractor'' (March 24, 1917), 80.
 +
 +
66. "Church: $30,000. 2 sty. & bas...Holdrege, Nebr....Owner Meth. Church," ''American Contractor'' (March 16, 1917), 78D.
 +
 +
67. "Allen, Nebr.--Church: $14,000. 2 sty. & bas....Owner Meth. Church," ''American Contractor'' (April 28, 1917), 22.
 +
 +
68. "Belden, Nebr.--Church: $12,000. 2 sty. & bas....Owner Meth. Church," ''American Contractor'' (April 28, 1917), 22.
 +
 +
69. "Gymnasium & Auditorium: $10,000. 2 sty. & bas....University pl....Owner city," ''American Contractor'' (April 28, 1917), 22
 +
 +
70. "Carroll, Nebr.--Church: $13,000. 1 sty. & bas. 50x66 Arch. J. R. Smith...Owner Meth. Church," ''American Contractor'' (July 21, 1917), 31.
 +
 +
71. "Randolph, Nebr.--Carnegie Library: $5,000," ''American Contractor'' (October 6, 1917), 44.
 +
 +
72. "Big Springs, Nebr.--Church: $12,000...Owner M. E. Church," ''American Contractor'' (November 17, 1917), 35; and "Parsonage: $3,000...Big Springs, Nebr....Owner M. E. Church," ''American Contractor'' (November 3, 1917), 74. SEE also ''Church: $30,000....Big Springs, Nebr....Owner M. E. Church," ''American Contractor'' (March 27, 1920), 81F.
 +
 +
73. "School: $18,000...Firth, Nebr.," ''American Contractor'' (February 9, 1918), 50.
 +
 +
74. "Church: $18,000...Cortland, Nebr....Owner Meth. Church," ''American Contractor'' (February 9, 1918), 50.
 +
 +
75. "Mullen, Nebr.--Church: $7,500...Meth. Church," ''American Contractor'' (March 2, 1918), 44.
 +
 +
76. "Alliance, Nebr.--Church: $35,000...Meth. Church," ''American Contractor'' (March 2, 1918), 44; SEE also ''Church: $70,000. 1 sty. & bas. 75x75. Alliance, Nebr....Owner: M. E. Cong.," ''American Contractor'' (February 7, 1920), 69.
 +
 +
77. "Parsonage: $3,500...Waverley [sic], Nebr...Owner Meth. Church," ''American Contractor'' (May 4, 1918), 81.
 +
 +
78. "Lincoln, Nebr.--Church (rem.): $6,000...Westminster Presby. Church," ''American Contractor'' (May 18, 1918), 34; listed at "23rd & Garfield st." in ''American Contractor'' (May 18, 1918), 71.
 +
 +
79. "Nora, Nebr.--Church: $7,000...Meth. Church," ''American Contractor'' (May 18, 1918), 34.
 +
 +
80. "Walton, Nebr.--School (add.)," ''American Contractor'' (July 6, 1918), 47.
 +
 +
81. "Casper, Wyo.--Church: $60,000...Owner Bapt. Cong.," ''American Contractor'' (February 7, 1922), 46.
 +
 +
82. "Church: $40,000...Mitchell, Nebr....Owner M. E. Cong.," ''American Contractor'' (February 7, 1922), 69.
 +
 +
83. "Church: $10,000...Marsland, Nebr....Owner M. E. Cong.," ''American Contractor'' (February 7, 1922), 69.
 +
 +
84. "Church: $10,000...Douglas, Wyo....Owner M. E. Cong.," and "Parsonage: $5,000...Douglas, Wyo....M. E. Cong.," ''American Contractor'' (February 7, 1922), 69.
 +
 +
85. "Church: $45,000...Stromsburg, Nebr....M. E. Cong.," ''American Contractor'' (February 14, 1920), 58.
 +
 +
86. "Church: $40,000...Cambridge, Nebr....M. E. Cong.," ''American Contractor'' (February 14, 1920), 58.
 +
 +
87. "Church: $30,000...Nelign, Nebr....M. E. Cong.," ''American Contractor'' (February 14, 1920), 58.
 +
 +
88. "Church: $20,000...Gurley, Nebr....M. E. Cong.," ''American Contractor'' (September 25, 1920), 63D.
 +
 +
89. "Church: $35,000...Norfolk, Nebr....M. E. Cong.," ''American Contractor'' (September 25, 1920), 63D.
 +
 +
90. "Church: $25,000...Wynot, Nebr....M. E. Cong.," ''American Contractor'' (September 25, 1920), 63D.
 +
 +
91. "Church: $20,000...Pacific Junction, Iowa...M. E. Cong.," ''American Contractor'' (September 25, 1920), 63D.
 +
 +
92. "David City, Neb.--J. R. Smith, architect, of University place, is preparing plans for a residence for Charles Crosthwaite," ''Improvement Bulletin'' (June 6, 1908), 32.
 +
 +
93. "University Place, Neb.--J. R. Smith has finished plans for a residence for H. H. Rankin," ''Improvement Bulletin'' (June 6, 1908), 32.
 +
 +
94. "Brunswick, Neb....school building, 2-story, 46x62. J. R. Smith, architect, University Place," ''Improvement Bulletin'' (October 16, 1909), 28.
 +
 +
==Page Citation==
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{{Template:ArchtContribute}}
 
{{Template:ArchtContribute}}

Latest revision as of 15:49, 12 April 2024

John R. Smith, 1915
Lincoln, Nebraska, 1909-1935

John R. Smith was born May 4, 1870 in Wisconsin to Richard H. and Mary Smith. The U. S. Census listed his father as a lead miner in 1870 and as a farmer in 1880. The family moved in the 1880s to Pierce County, Nebraska, where John married Florence Watson on December 31, 1899.[1] John was identified as a farmer in Willow Creek, Pierce County, Nebraska in the 1900 census. Florence and John had three children, the last a daughter born in 1905, the year her mother Florence died and was interred in Pierce County. 1905 was also the first year John R. Smith was listed in a Lincoln, Nebraska city directory as a draftsman for architect J. H. Craddock. Smith was a draftsman for a Lincoln millwork company in 1906 and 1907, then in 1908 was a draftsman for F. C. Fiske in the Lincoln office of Fiske & Dieman. He married Rose Inez (nee Wilson) Sheetz in 1908 and in 1909 began to be listed as an architect in University Place (now Lincoln), Nebraska.[9][a] While he continued to reside in University Place for many years, his office was in downtown Lincoln as early as 1911. He designed residences, several schools and other public buildings in University Place and elsewhere in Nebraska, and made a specialty of church design, publishing a brochure "Modern Church Architecture" that listed 100 churches in five Midwestern states "for which we have furnished architectural services." His son Rolland practiced with him as John R. Smith & Son from 1921-1934.[10] John Smith was a WPA administrator in Lincoln in the late 1930s, but was no longer listed in Lincoln city directories after the early 1940s. He died in Denver February 11, 1958, and was interred at Wyuka Cemetery in Lincoln.[19]

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

Lincoln, Nebraska, 1905-1942

Educational & Professional Associations

1905: draftsman for J. H. Craddock, architect, Lincoln, Nebraska.[10]

1906-1907: draftsman, Curtis & Bartlett Millwork Company, Lincoln, Nebraska.[10]

1908: draftsman, Fiske & Dieman, Architects, Lincoln, Nebraska.[10]

1908-1910: architect, University Place, Nebraska.[4][10]

1911-1934: architect, Lincoln, Nebraska.[10]

1921-1934: architect and partner with son Rolland H. Smith as John R. Smith & Son, Architects, Lincoln, Nebraska.[10][17]

1936: deputy state administrator, W.P.A.[10]

Buildings & Projects

Madison_Prez_1913.jpg
First Presbyterian Church, Madison. (Matt Hansen Collection)

Dated Projects, 1908-1920

Charles Crosthwaite residence (1908), David City, Nebraska.[92]

H. H. Rankin residence (1908), 324 E. 14th Street, University Place (now 5042 Leighton Avenue, Lincoln), Nebraska.[93][h]

2-story school (1909), Brunswick, Nebraska.[94]

Two-story Hecht Department Store (1910), Havelock (now Lincoln), Nebraska.[26]

10-room school, $18,000 (1910), Osmond, Nebraska.[27]

Two-story school, $12,000 (1910), Schuyler, Nebraska.[22]

Two-story school (1910), Brunswick, Nebraska.[5]

School, $10,000 (1911), Ainsworth, Nebraska.[6]

Eugene Levi house (1911), 1727 D, Lincoln, Nebraska.[3] (LC13:D07-361)

Fairmont Methodist Church (1911-1912), Fairmont, Nebraska.[7][14]

Greybull School Building (1911), Greybull, Wyoming.[7]

Residence for J.M. Wildhaber (1911), Plymouth, Nebraska.[7]

North Bend Carnegie Library (1911-1913), 140 E. 8th, North Bend, Nebraska. (DD09-010) National Register narrative

Methodist Church (1912), North Bend, Nebraska.[15]

Theodore A. Kiesselbach House (1913), 3232 Holdrege, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16] (LC13:E11-013)

Emma & John Wachter House (1913), 1901 Pepper Avenue, Lincoln, Nebraska.[23]

C. W. Knott House (1913), 2287 Sheldon Street, Lincoln, Nebraska.[24]

First Baptist Church (1913), Broken Bow, Nebraska.[2][c]

Welsh Congregational Church (1913), Carroll, Nebraska.[2][13]

M. E. (Methodist Episcopal) Church (1913), Carroll, Nebraska. SEE Methodist Church (1917), Carroll, Nebraska.

Lutheran Church (1913), West Point, Nebraska.[2][31]

First Methodist Episcopal Church (1913), 25th & E Streets, South Omaha, Nebraska.[29]

Addition to school (1913), Beemer, Nebraska.[30]

Competed for design of grade and high schools (1913), Central City, Nebraska.[32][d]

First United Presbyterian Church (1913-1914), NW corner 4th & Nebraska, Madison, Nebraska.[2][24] (MD03-021) National Register narrative

Methodist Church (1914), Windsor, Colorado.[2][37]

University Place City Hall (1914), North 48th & Baldwin Streets (now Lux Art Center), Lincoln, Nebraska.[25][34]

Cottage for Mrs. Aury Pell (1914), Unadilla, Nebraska.[35]

2-story school (1914), Winnetoon, Nebraska.[36]

2-story school (1914), Carroll, Nebraska.[38]

Residential remodeling for Gut Crendson (1914), University Place (now Lincoln), Nebraska.[39]

University Place Carnegie Library (1915), 2820 N 48th, Lincoln, Nebraska.[8][40]

First National Bank of Chappell (1915), Chappell, Nebraska.[41]

Remodeling of and addition to Methodist Church (1915), Beatrice, Nebraska.[2][42]

Remodeling of and addition to Methodist Church (1915), Beaver City, Nebraska.[2][43]

Methodist Church (1915), Ewing, Nebraska.[2][44]

Methodist Church (1915), Ponca, Nebraska.[2][45]

H. W. Hildreth bungalow (1915), Superior, Nebraska.[46]

2-story school (1915), Cheney, Nebraska.[47]

Methodist Church (1915), Galt, Grundy County, Missouri.[2][48]

Warren Methodist Church (1915-1916), University Place (now Lincoln), Nebraska.[2][49]

Methodist Church, Bluff City, Kansas.[2][55][e]

H. I. Babcock bungalow (1916), Chappell, Nebraska.[50]

Jno. Wentz residence (1916), Chappell, Nebraska.[51]

Wm. Wentz residence (1916), Chappell, Nebraska.[52]

Methodist Church (1916), Louisville, Nebraska.[2][53]

J. L. Berry residence (1916), Seward, Nebraska.[54]

A. H. Helliger residence (1916), Plymouth, Nebraska.[56]

Methodist Church (1916), Polk, Nebraska.[57]

Methodist Church (1916), Alma, Nebraska.[2][58]

Van Fleet Teachers' College (1917-1918), Nebraska Wesleyan University campus, University Place (now Lincoln), Nebraska.[20][64]

Methodist Church (1917), Crawford, Nebraska.[2][59]

2-story school (1917), Chappell, Nebraska.[60]

2-story telephone and store building (1917), Chappell, Nebraska.[61]

Methodist Church & parsonage (1917), Sidney, Nebraska.[2][62]

Methodist Church (1917), Cozad, Nebraska.[2][63]

"Third Ward" (later Riley) School (1917), State & Dudley, University Place (now Lincoln), Nebraska. (survey form) [21][65]

Methodist Church (1917), Holdrege, Nebraska.[2][66]

Methodist Church (1917), Allen, Nebraska.[2][67]

Methodist Church (1917), Belden, Nebraska.[2][68]

Gymnasium & Auditorium for city of University Place (1917), University Place (now Lincoln), Nebraska.[69]

Methodist Church (1917), Carroll, Nebraska.[2][28][70][f]

Carnegie Library (1917-1918), Randolph, Nebraska.[71]

Methodist Church & Parsonage (1917-1920), Big Springs, Nebraska.[2][72][f]

2-story school (1918), Firth, Nebraska.[73]

Epworth Methodist Episcopal Church (1918), Cortland, Nebraska.[2][12][74]

Methodist Church (1918), Mullen, Nebraska.[2][75]

Methodist Church (1918-1920), Alliance, Nebraska.[2][76][f]

Parsonage for Methodist church (1918), Waverly, Nebraska.[77]

Remodeling Westminster Presbyterian Church (1918), 23rd & Garfield Streets, Lincoln, Nebraska.[78]

Methodist Church (1918), Nora, Nuckolls County, Nebraska.[2][79]

Addition to school (1918), Walton, Nebraska.[80]

Cross Lutheran Church (1918), 3103 S. 20th Street, Omaha, Nebraska.[2][33]

Baptist Church (1920), Casper, Wyoming.[2][81]

Methodist Church (1920), Mitchell, Nebraska.[82]

Methodist Church (1920), Marsland, Nebraska.[83]

Baptist Church and Parsonage (1920), Douglas, Converse County, Wyoming.[2][84]

Methodist Church (1920), Stromsburg, Nebraska.[2][85]

Methodist Church (1920), Cambridge, Nebraska.[86]

Methodist Church (1920), Neligh, Nebraska.[2][87]

Design for Methodist Church (1920), Gurley, Cheyenne County, Nebraska.[2][88] SEE also the Methodist Church and Community Building of 1922 listed among projects of John R. Smith & Son.

Methodist (?) Church (1920), Norfolk, Nebraska.[2][89][g]

Methodist Church (1920), Wynot, Nebraska.[2][90]

Methodist Church (1920), Pacific Junction, Iowa.[2][91]

Methodist Church (1920), Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska.[2]

Projects undertaken as John R. Smith & Son, 1921-1935

John's son Rolland joined his father's practice as a draftsman by 1922, but as early as 1921 their office was listed as John R. Smith & Son. SEE that page for projects of the office between 1921 and 1935.

Undated Projects

Notes

a. The U. S. Census of 1910 listed John Smith, architect (age 40) and his wife Rosie (36), married two years, with children Everett L. (9), Roland H. (8), Florence (5), and step-son (to John) Durwood C. Sheets (6). The young Smiths were all born in Nebraska while Rose's son Durwood was born in Idaho.[9] Rose Smith died in 1938 at 65 years old. John and Rose were both interred at Lincoln's Wyuka Cemetery.[18]

b. Reference [2] is an undated brochure issued by "J. R. Smith & Son, Architects" with a listed address of 138 N. Twelfth St., Lincoln, Nebraska. The 1921 Lincoln Directory lists Smith's office at that address. Later his location was described as "Peterson Building," which stood at 138 N. 12th in downtown Lincoln. Among the churches listed in the brochure are several Lincoln churches of the late 1920s, suggesting the publication may have been issued around 1930.[EFZ]

c. First Baptist Church in Broken Bow, Nebraska bears the date "1913" and "MCMXIII" on its parapets.

d. American Contractor reported in 1913 that four Nebraska architects had submitted sketches to Central City officials for two school buildings following successful passage of a $55,000 bond issue--three from Lincoln, namely Berlinghof & Davis, J. R. Smith, and "Salmons Architectural Co."; and from Omaha, Gernandt. [32] Belinghof & Davis won the commission.

e. Smith & Son's church booklet lists a Methodist church in "Bluff City, Nebraska." Perkey's Nebraska Place Names lists a Bluff City in both Gage and Garfield Counties, but neither apparently were durable settlements. Presumably instead the Smiths' church design was for Bluff City, Kansas, as was repeatedly referenced in American Contractor.[2][55]

f. American Contractor lists John Smith designing a Methodist church for Carroll, Nebraska in 1913 and again in 1917.[28][70] Perhaps the earlier church was destroyed; more likely the project was initiated in 1913 but construction was only accomplished on the later effort. Similarly, Smith was announced as designing a Methodist Church in Alliance, Nebraska in 1918, then again in 1920.[76] Methodists in Big Springs, Nebraska engaged Smith for church designs in 1917 and again in 1920.[72] [EFZ]

g. The Smiths' roster of projects in Modern Church Architecture lists a Presbyterian church in Norfolk by Smith. American Contractor instead identifies a 1920 Methodist Church in that city by Smith.[89]

h. Henry Harrison Rankin was listed in the US Census of 1910 as a real estate agent, residing at 324 E. 14th Street, University Place, in 1910. University Place addresses changed to the City of Lincoln system upon annexation in 1924, but the Lincoln directory of 1925 still provided the 324 E. 14th address. By 1929, Rankin was listed at 5042 Leighton--Lot 12 of Block 110, University Place Addition. He had purchased that house lot in 1908 while residing the Buffalo County, for $1,000. Apparently the house still standing (2023) at 5042 Leighton is the house Smith designed for Rankin in 1908.[EFZ]

References

1. Ancestry.com. 1870 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009. Images reproduced by FamilySearch; Ancestry.com and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 1880 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2010.

2. J.R. Smith & Son, Architects, “Modern Church Architecture,” (Lincoln: N.P., n.d. [c. 1930]). (includes list of 100 churches designed by the firm)

3. Listed (1980) in the National Register of Historic Places, "Mount Emerald & Capitol Additions Historic Residential District;" SEE also City of Lincoln Building Permit 4203, issued July 20, 1911.

4. Ancestry.com. 1900 United States Federal Census [database on-line], s.v. "Florence M. Smith" (with spouse s.v. "John Smith"), Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004.

5. School Board Journal (October 1909), 26.

6. School Board Journal (March 1911), 33.

7. "Lincoln, Nebraska," American Contractor 32:21 (May 27, 1911): 63.

8. Nebraska State Library Commission, card file on public library buildings.

9. Ancestry.com. 1910 United States Federal Census [database on-line],s.v. “John R. Smith” (with spouse s.v. "Rose I. Smith"), Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006.

10. Lincoln city directories.

11. Ancestry.com. Nebraska, Marriage Records, 1855-1908 [database on-line], s.v. "J. R. Smith" (1899) and "John R. Smith" (1908), Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2017;

12. "Contracts Awarded. Church: Cortland, Nebr. Archt. J. R. Smith...Owner M. E. Church, Cortland," American Contractor (March 20, 1918), 63.

13. "Carroll, Nebr.--Church," The American Contractor (April 19, 1913), 33.

14. "Methodist Dedication," The Fillmore Chronicle (Fairmont, Nebraska) (May 10, 1912), 8.

15. "Local" (column 2: "J. R. Smith, the Lincoln architect who is drawing the plans for the proposed new Methodist Episcopal church..."), North Bend (Nebraska) Eagle (August 8, 1912), 5.

16. Listed on the National Register of Historic Place; SEE also City of Lincoln Building Permit #5078, issued June 11, 1913.

17. Ancestry.com. U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947, s.v. "Rolland H. Smith," [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.

18. "Rose I. Wilson Smith," Find a Grave on-line database, s.v. "Rose Smith, 1873-1938," https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/74739378/rose-i-smith,

19. "Deaths...Feb 11 John R Smith, Denver, Colo, age 87 (Wy[uka])," The Daily Reporter (Lincoln, Nebraska) (February 20, 1958), 3; "John R. Smith," Find a Grave on-line database, s.v. "John R. Smith," https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/74739269/john-r-smith

20. "A Modern School--Sketch of Building Just Recently Completed," The University Place (Nebraska) News (January 18, 1918), 1, (illustrated with perspective photo, three floor plans, and portraits of J. R. Smith and NWU Chancellor I. B. Schreckengast).

21. "Third Ward School" (photo), The University Place (Nebraska) News (May 17, 1918), 1.

22. "Schuyler, Nebr.--School...$12,000," American Contractor (May 21, 1910), 27.

23. City of Lincoln Building Permit #4927, issued March 17, 1913.

24. City of Lincoln Building Permit #5157, issued July 28, 1913.

25. Special edition of University Place (Nebraska) News (January 8, 1915).

26. "Havelock, Nebr.--Department Store...$20,000," American Contractor (May 14, 1910), 58.

27. "Osmond, Nebr.--School (10 rooms), $18,000," American Contractor (June 11, 1910), 24.

28. "Carroll, Nebr.--Church: $10,000...M. E. Society," American Contractor (July 5, 1913), 46.

29. "Church...$25,000. 25th & E sts., South Omaha, Nebr.," American Contractor (April 19, 1913), 93.

30. "School Bldg. (add.): 2 sty., $5,000," American Contractor (April 19, 1913), 93.

31. "Church...$15,000. West Point, Nebr....Grace Lutheran Society," American Contractor (March 1, 1913), 94.

32. "High & Grade Schools (2 bldgs)...$55,000...Central City, Nebr.," American Contractor (March 29, 1913), 78.

33. "Church: $120,000...3103 S. 20th st., Omaha...Cross Luth. Church," and "2 Res. (rem.): Ea. $1,000. 1905-1907 Spring, Omaha...Owner Cross Luth. Church," American Contractor (August 10, 1918), 55.

34. "City Hall & Fire Station...$15,000. University Place, Nebr.," American Contractor (May 9, 1914), 88.

35. "Cottage: 1 sty. & bas. $3,000. Unadilla, Nebr. ..Owner Mrs. Aury Pell," American Contractor (May 9. 1914), 88.

36. "Winnetoon, Nebr.--School: 2 sty...$8,000," American Contractor (May 16, 1914), 29.

37. "Windsor, Colo.--Church (seating 300): $15,000...M. E. Church," American Contractor (June 6, 1914), 44.

38. "Carroll, Nebr.--School: 2 sty...$16M," American Contractor (June 27, 1914), 22.

39. "Res[idence] (rem[odel]), 2 sty & bas. $2M...Owner Gut Crendenson," American Contractor (September 12, 1914), 59.

40. "University Place, Nebr.--Carnegie Library...$20M," American Contractor (February 6, 1915), 39.

41. "Chappell, Nebr.--Bank...$7M...Owners First National Bank," American Contractor (February 20, 1915), 22.

42. "Beatrice, Nebr.--Church (rem. & add.)...$8M," American Contractor (May 22, 1915), 24. Later entries increase budget to $10,000 and omit mentions of remodeling & addition. SEE "Beatrice, Nebr.," American Contractor (July 17, 1915), 31.

43. "Beaver City, Nebr.--Church (rem. & add.)...$7M," American Contractor (May 22, 1915), 24.

44. "Ewing, Nebr.--Church...$6M...Owner Meth. Church," American Contractor (May 29, 1915), 25.

45. "Church: $6M, Ponca, Nebr...Owner Meth. Church," American Contractor (July 31, 1915), 86.

46. "Bungalow: 1 sty & bas...$3M. Superior, Nebr...Owner H. W. Hildreth," American Contractor (July 31, 1915), 86.

47. "School: 2 sty. & bas...$5M. Cheneys [sic], Nebr.," American Contractor (August 7, 1915), 101.

48. "Church...$7M. Galt, Mo...Owner Meth. Church," American Contractor (September 25, 1915), 76.

49. "Lincoln, Nebr.--Church: $10,000...Warren M. E. Church," American Contractor (December 11, 1915), 21.

50. "Bungalow: $5,000. 1 1/2 sty. & bas...Chappell, Nebr...Owner H. I. Babcock," American Contractor (April 22, 1916), 85.

51. "Res.: $4,500. 1 1/2 sty. & bas....Chappell, Nebr...Owner Jno. Wentz," American Contractor (April 22, 1916), 85.

52. "Res.: $4,500. 1 1/2 sty. & bas....Chappell, Nebr...Owner Wm. Wentz," American Contractor (April 22, 1916), 85.

53. "Louisville, Nebr.--Church: $7,000...Methodist Church," American Contractor (June 3, 1916), 44.

54. "Res.: $3,000...Seward, Nebr....Owner J. L. Berry," American Contractor (April 8, 1916), 72h.

55. "Church: $5,000...Bluff City, Kans...Owner Meth. Church," American Contractor (March 4, 1916), 90.

56. "Res.: $3,500...Plymouth, Nebr...Owner A. H. Helliger," American Contractor (March 25, 1916), 73a.

57. "Church: $15,000...Polk, Nebr...Owners Meth. Church," American Contractor (July 22, 1916). 98C.

58. "Alma, Nebr.--Church: $10,000...Methodist Church," American Contractor (September 30, 1916), 19.

59. "Church: $15,000...Crawford, Nebr....Owner Meth. Church...," American Contractor (March 31, 1917), 81.

60. "School: $12,000. 2 sty. & bas....Chappell, Nebr.," American Contractor (March 31, 1917), 81.

61. "Telephone & Store Bldg.: $5,000. 2 sty. & bas....Chappell, Nebr.," American Contractor (March 31, 1917), 81.

62. "Church & Parsonage: $20,000. 2 sty. & bas....Sidney, Nebr....Owner Meth. Church," American Contractor (March 17, 1917), 87.

63. "Church: $15,000. 2 sty. & bas....Cozad, Nebr....Owner Meth. Church," American Contractor (March 17, 1917), 87.

64. "Teachers' Training College: $20,000...Wesleyan University Campus, University Place, Nebr.," American Contractor (January 27, 1917), 71.

65. "Ward School. $20,000. 2 sty. & bas....University Place, Nebr.," American Contractor (March 24, 1917), 80.

66. "Church: $30,000. 2 sty. & bas...Holdrege, Nebr....Owner Meth. Church," American Contractor (March 16, 1917), 78D.

67. "Allen, Nebr.--Church: $14,000. 2 sty. & bas....Owner Meth. Church," American Contractor (April 28, 1917), 22.

68. "Belden, Nebr.--Church: $12,000. 2 sty. & bas....Owner Meth. Church," American Contractor (April 28, 1917), 22.

69. "Gymnasium & Auditorium: $10,000. 2 sty. & bas....University pl....Owner city," American Contractor (April 28, 1917), 22

70. "Carroll, Nebr.--Church: $13,000. 1 sty. & bas. 50x66 Arch. J. R. Smith...Owner Meth. Church," American Contractor (July 21, 1917), 31.

71. "Randolph, Nebr.--Carnegie Library: $5,000," American Contractor (October 6, 1917), 44.

72. "Big Springs, Nebr.--Church: $12,000...Owner M. E. Church," American Contractor (November 17, 1917), 35; and "Parsonage: $3,000...Big Springs, Nebr....Owner M. E. Church," American Contractor (November 3, 1917), 74. SEE also Church: $30,000....Big Springs, Nebr....Owner M. E. Church," American Contractor (March 27, 1920), 81F.

73. "School: $18,000...Firth, Nebr.," American Contractor (February 9, 1918), 50.

74. "Church: $18,000...Cortland, Nebr....Owner Meth. Church," American Contractor (February 9, 1918), 50.

75. "Mullen, Nebr.--Church: $7,500...Meth. Church," American Contractor (March 2, 1918), 44.

76. "Alliance, Nebr.--Church: $35,000...Meth. Church," American Contractor (March 2, 1918), 44; SEE also Church: $70,000. 1 sty. & bas. 75x75. Alliance, Nebr....Owner: M. E. Cong.," American Contractor (February 7, 1920), 69.

77. "Parsonage: $3,500...Waverley [sic], Nebr...Owner Meth. Church," American Contractor (May 4, 1918), 81.

78. "Lincoln, Nebr.--Church (rem.): $6,000...Westminster Presby. Church," American Contractor (May 18, 1918), 34; listed at "23rd & Garfield st." in American Contractor (May 18, 1918), 71.

79. "Nora, Nebr.--Church: $7,000...Meth. Church," American Contractor (May 18, 1918), 34.

80. "Walton, Nebr.--School (add.)," American Contractor (July 6, 1918), 47.

81. "Casper, Wyo.--Church: $60,000...Owner Bapt. Cong.," American Contractor (February 7, 1922), 46.

82. "Church: $40,000...Mitchell, Nebr....Owner M. E. Cong.," American Contractor (February 7, 1922), 69.

83. "Church: $10,000...Marsland, Nebr....Owner M. E. Cong.," American Contractor (February 7, 1922), 69.

84. "Church: $10,000...Douglas, Wyo....Owner M. E. Cong.," and "Parsonage: $5,000...Douglas, Wyo....M. E. Cong.," American Contractor (February 7, 1922), 69.

85. "Church: $45,000...Stromsburg, Nebr....M. E. Cong.," American Contractor (February 14, 1920), 58.

86. "Church: $40,000...Cambridge, Nebr....M. E. Cong.," American Contractor (February 14, 1920), 58.

87. "Church: $30,000...Nelign, Nebr....M. E. Cong.," American Contractor (February 14, 1920), 58.

88. "Church: $20,000...Gurley, Nebr....M. E. Cong.," American Contractor (September 25, 1920), 63D.

89. "Church: $35,000...Norfolk, Nebr....M. E. Cong.," American Contractor (September 25, 1920), 63D.

90. "Church: $25,000...Wynot, Nebr....M. E. Cong.," American Contractor (September 25, 1920), 63D.

91. "Church: $20,000...Pacific Junction, Iowa...M. E. Cong.," American Contractor (September 25, 1920), 63D.

92. "David City, Neb.--J. R. Smith, architect, of University place, is preparing plans for a residence for Charles Crosthwaite," Improvement Bulletin (June 6, 1908), 32.

93. "University Place, Neb.--J. R. Smith has finished plans for a residence for H. H. Rankin," Improvement Bulletin (June 6, 1908), 32.

94. "Brunswick, Neb....school building, 2-story, 46x62. J. R. Smith, architect, University Place," Improvement Bulletin (October 16, 1909), 28.

Page Citation

D. Murphy & E. F. Zimmer, “John R. Smith (1870-1958), Architect,” in David Murphy, Edward F. Zimmer, and Lynn Meyer, comps. Place Makers of Nebraska: The Architects. Lincoln: Nebraska State Historical Society, April 12, 2024. http://www.e-nebraskahistory.org/index.php?title=Place_Makers_of_Nebraska:_The_Architects Accessed, April 28, 2024.

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