Difference between revisions of "Moses N. Bair (1863-1934), Architect"

Latest revision as of 13:49, 29 March 2024

DBA: M. N. Bair

Born in Pennsylvania in April, 1863, Moses N. Bair practiced architecture for one year in Auburn, and for several years in Falls City, Nebraska before relocating to Hastings.[3] He returned to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in his final decades. Residences and commercial buildings were mainstays throughout his practice, but he also had numerous commissions for public buildings. He designed libraries for Falls City and Hiawatha, Kansas, while in southeast Nebraska. After relocating to Hastings, he designed over a half dozen more libraries, including the 1909 Aurora Public Library.[1] He also designed high schools for several Nebraska and Kansas communities. Bair died March 4, 1934, and is buried in Newberrytown, Pennsylvania.[5]

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.

A. R. McMullen House, 1904 (Courtesy photo)

Compiled Nebraska Directory Listings

Auburn, Nebraska, 1893

Falls City, Nebraska, 1894-1895, 1902-1903, 1907

Hastings, Nebraska, 1908-1913, 1915

Educational & Professional Associations

1880: Student at Cedar Hill Seminary, Rapho Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania[106]

1893: architect, Auburn, Nebraska.

1894-1907: architect, Falls City, Nebraska.[3][27][v]

1907: architect with associate Homer Fisher (1887-1949), Falls City, Nebraska.[60][69][bd]

1907-1915: architect, Hastings, Nebraska.[4][70][a][bk]

1916-1920: architect, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.[107][129][a]

Buildings & Projects

United Brethren Church, 1912 (NeSHPO)

Aurora Public Library, 1909-1910 (Nebr. Library Comm.)

Broken Bow Carnegie Library, 1914-15 (NeSHPO)

A. R. McMullen House, 1904 (P. Haynes)

Frontier Hotel (1898) for Alcova Hot Springs Co., Alcova, Wyoming.[7][b]

House for Sam Bayne (1898), Falls City, Nebraska.[8][c]

House for A. E. Maust (1899), Falls City, Nebraska.[9][d]

Plans for electric system (1899), Humboldt, Nebraska.[10][e]

Col. M. W. Harding house (1899), Humboldt, Nebraska.[11][f]

Saint Thomas Episcopal Church (1899), 1602 Harlan, Falls City, Nebraska.[12][g]

House for D. M. Taylor (1900), Morrill, Kansas.[13][h]

House for George F. Marburger (1900), Humboldt, Nebraska.[14][i]

Brick meat market (1900), Stella, Nebraska.[15][j]

School house (1900), Elk Creek, Nebraska.[16][k]

Store, lodge and flat building (1900), Dawson, Nebraska.[17][L]

Addition to his own house (1900), Falls City, Nebraska.[18][m]

Fixtures for a storeroom (1900), Falls City, Nebraska.[19][n]

Catholic church (1900), Salem, Nebraska.[20][o]

Store, lodge and office building for Samuel Wahl (1901), Falls City, Nebraska.[21][p]

House for Mrs. Jane Turner (1901), Falls City, Nebraska.[21][q]

House for John S. Crook (1901), Falls City, Nebraska.[22][r]

House for E. O. Lewis (1901), Falls City, Nebraska.[23][s]

Library and city hall building (1901), Falls City, Nebraska.[24][t]

House for Miss Margaret Steele (1901), Falls City, Nebraska. [25][u]

House for Mrs. Ruth Dennis of Falls City, Nebraska (1902), Zion, Illinois.[28][w]

House for I. M Sterns (1902), Humboldt, Nebraska.[29][x]

Remodeling opera house for F. W. Samuelson (1902), Humboldt, Nebraska.[30][y]

Wagon factory for William Goldner (1902), Falls City, Nebraska.[31][z]

Parsonage for the Methodist Episcopal society (1902), Falls City, Nebraska.[32][33][aa][ab]

House for Dan Sargeant (1902), Falls City, Nebraska.[33][ab]

House for W. H. Wigton (1902), Falls City, Nebraska.[34][ac]

House for W. A. Greenwald (1903), Falls City, Nebraska.[35][ad]

Plans for repair of Richardson County court house (1903), Falls City, Nebraska.[36][ae]

House for William Reiger (1903), Falls City, Nebraska.[37][af]

Two plate glass store fronts for N. Warren (1903), Friend, Nebraska.[38][ag]

Baptist church (1903), Friend, Nebraska.[39][ah]

Brick meat market for John Lang (1903), DuBois, Nebraska.[40][ai]

Humboldt National Bank (1904), Humboldt, Nebraska.[41][135][aj]

House, office and barn for Dr. Howard Marsh (1904), Humboldt, Nebraska.[41][135][ak]

Deutsche Gezellschaft building (1904), Falls City, Nebraska.[42][al]

Parsonage for Brethren congregation (1904), Falls City, Nebraska.[43][am]

A. R. McMullen House (1904), Wayside Stock Farm, Stella vicinity, rural Richardson County, Nebraska.[6][44][an] (RH00-355)

Brick store building (1904), Rulo, Nebraska.[45][ao]

House for Frank S. Sneathen (1904), Humboldt, Nebraska.[46][ap]

Rectory for St. Thomas (Episcopal) Parish (1904), Falls City, Nebraska.[47][aq]

Electric pumping station (1904), Sunnyside, Washington.[48][ar]

State Bank of Stella (1905), Stella, Nebraska.[49][as]

Presbyterian church (1905), Falls City, Nebraska.[50][at]

Remodeling of frame house for W. J. Cunningham (1905), Rulo, Nebraska.[51][au]

Brick school building (1905), Brock, Nebraska.[52][135][av]

School (1905), Vesta, Nebraska.[133]

Brethren church (1905), Morrill, Kansas.[53][aw]

Edgar State Bank (1905), Edgar, Nebraska.[54][ax]

House for W. T. Thompson (1906), Rockwell City, Iowa.[55][ay]

Brick school for District 19 (1906), Beaver City, Nebraska.[56][az]

Morrill Free Public Library (1906), Hiawatha, Kansas.[57][60][ba]

House for G. M. Bunker (1906), Sabetha, Kansas.[58][bb]

Holbrook Opera House (1906), Holbrook, Nebraska.[59][bc]

Carnegie Library plans (1906), Falls City, Nebraska.[135]

Superintendent of public schools Building (1906), Beaver City, Nebraska.[135]

School building (1907), Selden, Kansas.[62][65][be][bh]

Bank of Danbury (1907), Danbury, Nebraska.[63][66][bf]

Almena State Bank (1907), Almena, Kansas.[64][bg]

Brick block for stores and offices (1907), Almena, Kansas.[64][bg]

Remodeling Dr. C. H. Ziegler's house (1907), Vesta, Nebraska.[67][bi]

Opera House for X. D. Ayers (1907), Almena, Kansas.[68][bj]

Brick school house (1907), Almena, Kansas.[71][bl]

Brick bank and store building (1907), Trenton, Nebraska.[72][bm]

Opera house (1907), Friend, Nebraska.[73][bn]

Brick store and office building for S. G. Rockwell (1907), Arapahoe, Nebraska.[74][bo]

Survey, estimate, plans for Humboldt sewer systems (1907), Humboldt, Nebraska.[75][bp]

Remodeling C. H. Dietrich's house (1907), Hastings, Nebraska.[76][bq]

United Brethren Church (1907), Hastings, Nebraska.[77][br]

Dr. F. C. Babcock House (1908), Hastings, Nebraska.[78][bs]

E. A. Twidale House (1908), Hastings, Nebraska.[79][bt]

Second story for G. W. Kirby's building (1908), Galesburg, Illinois.[80][bu]

District No. 11 school house (1908), Holstein, Nebraska.[81][bv]

Willsonville High School (1908), Willsonville, Nebraska.[82][bw]

House for Charles Mousel (1908), Willsonville, Nebraska.[83][bx]

Catholic Church (1908), Kenesaw, Nebraska.[84][by]

Brick store (1908), Kenesaw, Nebraska.[85][bz]

Brick building for George Parker (1908), Kenesaw, Nebraska.[86][ca]

Ralph A. Clark – McMullen farmhouse (1908), 718 Road, Stella vicinity, Richardson County, Nebraska. (RH01-011)

Bank of Juniata (1909), Juniata, Nebraska.[87][cb]

Kimball High School (1909), Kimball, Nebraska.[88][cc]

House for A. F. Meyer (1909), Clinton, Missouri.[89][cd]

First Christian Church (1909-1910), Hastings, Nebraska.[90][93][ce]

Grand Island Storage & Forwarding Company Warehouse (1909), Grand Island, Nebraska.[90][cf]

Clay Center High School (1909), Clay Center, Nebraska.[91][94][cg]

Sutton Public Library (1909), Sutton, Nebraska.[1][92][ch] (CY12-000)

House for Mrs. M. H. Rawson (1909), Hastings, Nebraska.[95][ci]

Aurora Public Library (1909-1910), SE corner 12th & J, Aurora, Nebraska.[1][99][cn] (HM01-207)

House for Karl Begtol (1910), Hastings, Nebraska.[96][cj]

Brick church for the Presbyterian Society (1910), Beaver City, Nebraska.[96][112][ck]

Kensington High School and 6-room addition to school house (1910), Kensington, Kansas.[110][cq]

First Christian Church (1910), Hastings, Nebraska.[110][cr]

Masonic Temple (1910), Clay Center, Kansas.[110][cs]

Remodeling Plattdeutscherverein Society Building (1910), Grand Island, Nebraska.[113][ct]

Business Building for George Bartenbach (1910), Grand Island, Nebraska.[114][cu]

Mitchell High School (1910), Mitchell, Nebraska.[97][111][cm]

Design for Scottsbluff High School (1910), Scottsbluff, Nebraska.[100,134][co]

United Brethren Church (1912), 1103 K St. Aurora, Nebraska.[2] (HM01-168) National Register narrative

Gibbon Carnegie Public Library (1912-1913), NW Corner, 2nd and La Bar, Gibbon, Nebraska.[1] (BF03-018)

High School (1912), Chappell, Nebraska.[131][dl]

High School (1912), Campbell, Nebraska.[132][dm]

Hordville School (1912), Hordville, Nebraska.[136][dn]

School building (1913), Milligan, Nebraska.[117][dc]

Project for Dr. Wilson Residence (1913-1914), Nebraska City, Nebraska.[115][122][cv]

Garage for A. H. Cramer (1913), Hastings, Nebraska.[115][cw]

Interior remodeling of Citizen's Bank (1913), Fairfield, Nebraska.[115][cx]

Hampton High School (1913), Hampton, Nebraska.[115][cy]

Residence for Charles Manahan (1913), Hastings, Nebraska.[116][cz]

Project for addition to a store and office building for A. H. Cramer (1913), Hastings, Nebraska.[116][da]

Garage for C. H. Deitrich (1913), Hastings, Nebraska.[116][db]

Project for School (1913), Pauline, Nebraska.[120][121[df]

Fullerton Public Library (1913-1914), 425 4th St. Fullerton, Nebraska. (NC02-001)[119]

Shelton Carnegie Public Library (1913-1914), 313 C Street Shelton, Nebraska.[1][118][dd] (BF14-024)

Residence for George W. Smith (1913), Shelton, Nebraska. [118][de]

Office Building for Edward Falloon (1914), Falls City, Nebraska.[102]

IOOF Lodge, opera house and store building (1913-1914), Fullerton, Nebraska.[102][119

Methodist Church (1914), Chappell, Nebraska.[103]

School house for District No. 8 (1914), Shelton, Nebraska.[104]

City Hall (1914), Boelus, Nebraska.[105]

Project for Stern Bros. Department Store (1914), Hastings, Nebraska.[123][124][dh]

Bank of Holstein (1914), Holstein, Nebraska.[123][di]

Drug store for W. B. Hargelroad (1914), Holdstein, Nebraska.[125][dj]

Broken Bow Carnegie Library (1914-1915), 255 S 10th Ave. Broken Bow, Nebraska.[1][2][101] (CU05-061)

Gothenburg Carnegie Public Library (1914-1916), 1104 Lake, Gothenburg, Nebraska.[1][2][101][107] (DS06-006) National Register narrative

Brenizer Public Library (1916), Merna, Nebraska.[1][26][101]

Plans for Arcadia Carnegie Library (1916, rejected), Arcadia, Nebraska.[137][do]

Factory for C. E Bair & Son (1917), Strinestown, Pennsylvania.[108][cp]

"Ward School" and four-room addition for Harris School (1917), Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.[109][127][dk]

Notes

a. Bair's daughter Naomi was born in Pennsylvania in 1884, so his move to Nebraska apparently occurred after that date. An "M . N. Bair" was appointed as a clerk at a South Omaha polling place in 1889.[130]

Bair was in Falls City, Nebraska by 1894, according to city directories. Neither directories nor census reflect Naomi or Sadie J. Bair, her mother, residing in Nebraska with Moses. Jennie (or Jane) E. (Turner) Bair is identified as Moses' spouse in Falls City in 1900 and Hastings in 1910 and in Hastings directories through 1913.

Moses Bair announced his relocation from Falls City to Hastings in November, 1907.[bk] The first available Hastings directory listing for Bair was in 1908. He was busy enough that in 1910 he advertised repeatedly for "two or three good draftsmen at once."[cl] The last Hastings directory listing of Bair was in 1915 (when Maude M. Bair was identified as his spouse). 1915 was also the last year he had projects listed from Hastings in The American Contractor.[107]

Naomi Bair was listed in the 1910 U.S. census as a school teacher in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and Sadie J. Bair was in York, Pennsylvania, listed as a widow and a dressmaker.

In December, 1916, "M. N. Bair Architect" advertised in the Business Personals of a Harrisburg, Pennsylvania newspaper.[129] In 1918, Moses was recorded in the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania city directory, identified as an architect, with wife Sadie. In the 1920 census, Moses N. Bair, "architect" working in his "Own Office," was listed residing in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania with his wife Sadie J. Bair and daughter Naomi.

By 1921, Bair may have left the practice of architecture. The Harrisburg directories list him as a manager, manufacturer, or estimator into the 1930s. The 1930 Census lists Moses Bair as carpenter, residing in the household of his daughter Naomi Bair. Sadie (Sarah), Moses and Naomi died within 18 months of one another in 1934-1935 and are interred under a shared tombstone.[5] (Directories and censuses accessed through ancestry.com.)

b. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as: "Alcova, Wyo.--The Alcova Hot Springs Co. is having plans prepared by M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, Neb., for a Frontier hotel. It will be 44x60, two stories."[7]

c. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as: "Falls City, Neb.--Sam Bayne has had plans prepared by M. N. Bair, architect, for a dwelling. Specifications: 2-story, frame, 30x52, shingled roof, cement plaster, hot water heat, hardwood finish, etc. Cost. $2,600."[8]

d. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Falls City, Neb.--A. E. Maust has had plans prepared by M. N. Bair, architect, for a 2-story frame dwelling, 30x40, to cost $1,200. Will have yellow pine flooring and finish and one bath."[9]

e. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Humboldt, Neb.--O. A. Cooper has bought the electric machinery of the council of Falls City and will put in a plant here. He will need poles, wires, converters and lights. M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, is preparing plans for the system."[10]

f. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Humboldt, Neb.--Col. M. W. Harding has plans, prepared by M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, Neb., for a 1-story frame dwelling, 39x56, with shingled roof, plate and d. s. glass, cement plasters, hot air plant, yellow pine flooring and finish, one bath, one grate and mantel, plumbing. Cost $3,000."[11]

g. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Falls City, Neb.--The Episcopal congregation has plans, prepared by M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, for a brick church. It will be 42x70, of Omaha pressed brick, Warrensburg, Mo., stone, shingled roof, battlement stone, art glass, cement plaster, hot air heat, yellow pine flooring, oak finish, decorating, electric light, screens, 200 seatings. Cost $4,000. Contract will be let Oct. 1. Address the architect only."[12]

h. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Morrill, Kan.--D. M. Taylor, of Falls City, Neb., has had plans prepared by M. N. Bair, architect of that city, for a 2-story frame dwelling to be erected here. It will be 30x40, with shingled roof, d. s. and plate glass, Agatite plaster, furnace heat, yellow pine flooring, oak finish, one bath, electric bells, plumbing, screens, storm sash, etc. Cost, $2,500. The contract will be let Mar. 15."[13]

i. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Humboldt, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, has prepared plans for a 1-story frame dwelling, 30x44, for Geo. F. Marburger. Will have d. s. glass, Agatite plaster, hot air heat, yellow pine flooring and finish, etc. Cost $2,000. Contract will be let April 15."[14]

j. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Stella, Neb.--John Reimers & Son will erect a 1-story brick meat market, 23x80, from plans by M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, Neb. Will be of vitrified brick, with gravel roof, plate and d. s. glass, cement plaster, yellow pine flooring, steel ceiling, etc. Cost $2,000. Chas Heinemann, contractor. Cost $2,000."[15]

k. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Elk Creek, Neb.--District No. 1 has had plans prepared by M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, Neb., for a 2-story frame school house, 36x65. There will be shingled roof, d. s. glass, Baker's plaster, furnace heat, yellow pine flooring and finish, etc. Cost $4,000. The contract will be let June 30."[16]

L. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Dawson, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, Neb., for a store, lodge and flat building, 51x70, to be brick veneered. Will have Table Rock brick, native stone, gravel roof, copper cornice, plate and d. s. glass, cement plaster, furnace heat, yellow pine flooring and finish, electric bells, iron beams and columns, metal ceiling, screens, ventilators. Cost $4,000. Contract will be let August 10."[17]

m. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Falls City, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, has prepared for a 2-story frame addition, 12x36, to his own dwelling. Will have d. s. and plate glass, cement plaster, furnace, parquet flooring, cherry finish, one bath, electric bells, plumbing, storm sash, etc. Cost $1,500."[18]

n. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Falls City, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, has prepared plans for fixtures for a storeroom, 25x100. There will be a freight elevator, metal ceiling, etc."[19]

o. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Salem, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, Neb., has prepared plans for a frame church for the Catholic society. Will be 40x62, with shingled roof, art glass, cement plaster, furnace heat, yellow pine flooring and finish, decorating, ventilators, etc. Cost $2,500. Rev. Fr. H. Bex, of Falls City, Neb., is in charge."[20]

p. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Falls City, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, has prepared plans for a store, lodge and office building for Samuel Wahl. It will be 3-story, brick, 50x114. Will have Omaha pressed brick, Warrensburg, Mo., stone, asphalt roofing copper cornice, plate glass, Acme plaster, steam heat, maple and yellow pine flooring, oak and yellow pine finish, boilers, cementing, freight elevator, electric light, fire escape, one grate and mantel, iron beams and columns, mosaic work, marble, wire lath, plumbing, skylights, speaking tubes, tiling, ventilators. Cost $18,000. Contract will be let March 1."[21]

q. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Falls City, Neb.--Mrs. Jane Turner has had plans prepared by M. N. Bair, architect, for a 2-story frame dwelling, 26x36. Will have shingled roof, d. s. glass, Acme plaster, hot air heat, yellow pine flooring and finish, etc. Cost $2,000. Contract will be let about April 1."[21]

r. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Falls City, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, has plans for a 2-sotry frame dwelling, 36x44, for John S. Crook. Will have shingled roof, d. s. plate and art glass, hard plaster, hot air heat, yellow pine flooring and finish, one bath, one grate, plumbing, parquet floors, screens and storm sash. Cost $3,000. Contract will be let March 15."[22]

s. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Falls City, Neb.--Postmaster E. O. Lewis has had plans prepared by M. N. Bair, architect, for a 2-sotry frame dwelling, 28x40. Will have stone foundation, shingled roof, d. s. and plate glass, Agatite plaster, furnace heat, parquet flooring, yellow pine finish, bath, decorating, plumbing and screens. Cost, $1,600. Contract will be let about April 15."[23]

t. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Falls City, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, has plans for a library and city hall building. Will be 2-story, 37x100, of common and pressed brick, Carthage stone, gravel roof, galvanized iron cornice, d. s. and plate glass, cement plaster, vapor heat, yellow pine flooring and finish, boilers, electric bells and light, iron beams and stairs, plumbing, vaults, etc. Cost $7.700. Bids will be taken until Aug. 10."[24]

u. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Falls City, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, has plans for a 2-story frame dwelling, 38x38, for Miss Margaret Steele. Will have d. s. and plate glass, cement plaster, vapor heating, yellow pine flooring and finish, one bath, electric light, one grate and mantel, plumbing, screens, etc. Cost $3,000."[25]

v. "'Work is plenty' is the encouraging note which comes form M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, Neb." according to the Improvement Bulletin in 1902.[27]

w. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Falls City, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, of this city, has plans for a frame dwelling for Mrs. Ruth Dennis, of this city, to be erected at Zion, Ill. It will be 2-story, 42x48, with shingled roof, d.s. glass, cement plaster, hot air heat, yellow pine flooring, cypress finish, two baths, two grates, plumbing, refrigerator, screens, storm sash, etc. Cost $3,700. R. G. Wells, of Falls City, contractor."[28]

x. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Humboldt, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, Neb., has prepared plans for a 2-sotry frame dwelling, 36x41, for I. M. Sterns. Will have d.s. and plate glass, hard plaster, steam heat, yellow pine flooring, oak and pine finish, boilers, one bath, electric light, plumbing, screens, storm sash, etc. Cost $3,400."[29]

y. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Humboldt, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, Neb., has prepared plans for remodeling the opera house of F. W. Samuelson. Will have hot air heat, yellow pine finish, 500 seats, etc. E. Whitney, contractor."[30]

z. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Falls City, Neb.--Wm. Goldner has had plans prepared by M. N. Bair, architect, for a 3-story wagon factory, 50x75, brick. Will have freight elevator, iron beams, plumbing, etc. Cost $5,000. Contracts will be let May 1."[31]

aa. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Falls City, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, of this city, has prepared plans for a 2-story frame parsonage, 30x32, for the M. E. society. Will have shingled roof, d.s. and plate glass, hard plaster, hot air heat, yellow pine flooring and finish, bath, plumbing, etc. Cost $2,500. Contracts will be let Sept 1."[32]

ab. Improvement Bulletin describes two projects as "Falls City, Neb.--Dan Sargeant has had plans prepared by M. N. Bair, architect, of this city, for a 2-story frame dwelling, 26x38. Will have d.s. and plate glass, Acme plaster, hot water heat, yellow pine and parquetry flooring, oak and yellow pine finish, one bath, one grate and mantel, plumbing, etc. Cost $3,000. Contracts will be let Sept 15. The same architect has plans for a 2-story frame parsonage for the M. E. society, to be 32x32. Will have d.s. and plate glass, Ame plaster, hot air heat, yellow pine flooring and finish, plumbing, bath,etc. Cost $2,600. Contracts to be let Sept. 10. W. B. Alexander, pastor."[33]

ac. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Falls City, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, has plans for a 2-story frame dwelling, 27x28, for W. H. Wigton. Will have d.s. glass, Acme plaster, hot air heat, yellow pine flooring and finish, one bath, electric bells and light, plumbing, screens, storm sash, etc. Cost $2,000. Contracts will be let Sept 15."[34]

ad. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Falls City, Neb.--W. A. Greenwald will let the contract for a $5,000 dwelling on July 1. M. N. Bair, architect.[35]

ae. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Falls City, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, has plans for repairs to the court house. Will have common brick, d.s. and plate glass, Acme plaster, hot air heat, tiling, oak finish, iron beams, speaking tubes, vaults, etc. Contracts will be let October 1."[36]

af. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Falls City, Neb.--Wm. Reiger, register of deeds, will erect a 2-story frame dwelling, 30x50, from plans by M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City. Will have d.s., art and plate glass, Acme plaster, hot water heat, yellow pine and parquet flooring, yellow pine finish, boilers, one bath, electric lights, one grate and mantel, plumbing, screens, storm sash, etc. Cost $2,8000. Contracts will be let October 10."[37]

ag. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Friend, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, Neb., has plans for two plate glass store fronts for N. Warren."[38]

ah. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Friend, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, Neb., has plans for a frame church for the Baptist society. Will be 54x70, with art and d.s. glass, Acme plaster, hot air heat, yellow pine flooring and finish, decorating, seatings, baptistry, etc. Cost $5,000. Contracts will be let September 1."[39]

ai. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "DuBois, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, Neb., has plans for a 1-story brick meat market for John Lang. Will be 26x40, with gravel roof, brick and galvanized iron cornice, plate glass, hard wall plaster, yellow pine flooring and finish, etc. Cost $1,500."[40]

aj. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Humboldt, Neb.--The Humboldt National bank has had plans prepared by M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, Neb., for a 2-story brick and stone bank and office building, 25x58. Will have native stone foundation, Table Rock brick, Cartage, Mo., stone, tin roof, galvanized iron cornice, plate, prism and d.s. glass, hard plaster, steam heat, tele [sic] and yellow pine finish, boilers, electric bells and light, metal ceiling, plumbing, tiling, vaults, etc. Cost $6,000. Contracts will be let March 1."[41]

ak. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Humboldt, Neb.--Dr. Howard Marsh has had plans prepared by M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, Neb. for a 2-story frame residence, office and barn. It will be 36x38, shingled roof, d.s. glass, hard plaster, hot air heat, yellow pine floor and finish, bath, electric light, plumbing, screens, etc. Cost $3,000. Contracts will be let March 1."[41]

al. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Falls City, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, has plans for a 1-story brick building, 50x80, for the Deutsche Gezellschaft, L. P. Wirth, Secretary. Will be of common brick, Carey roofing, d. s. glass, hard plaster, hot air heat, yellow pine flooring and finish, electric light, seatings, etc. Cost $2,000. Contracts will be let about March 1."[42]

am. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Stella, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, has plans for a 2-story parsonage for the Brethren congregation, 30x30, frame, d. s. glass, hard plaster, hot air heat, yellow pine flooring and finish, one bath, electric light, plumbing, screens, etc. Cost $2,500. Contracts will be let May 5."[43]

an. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Falls City, Neb.--A. R. [sic] McMullen has had plans prepared by M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, Neb., for a 2-story frame dwelling, 36x41, to cost $4,500. Will have d. s., plate and art glass, hard plaster, hot air heat, parquet and yellow pine flooring, birch and yellow pine finish, one bath, one grate and mantel, plumbing, screens. Cost $4,000. Contracts will be let about June 1."[44]

ao. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Rulo, Neb.--J. W. Winterbottom will erect a 1-story brick store building, 40x60, from plans by M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, Neb. Will have press brick, tin roof, galvanized iron cornice, d.s. glass, Acme plaster, yellow pine flooring and finish, iron beams and metal ceiling, screens and skylight. Cost $2,500. Bids close at one." [45]

ap. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Humboldt, Neb.--Frank S. Sneathen, cashier First National bank, has had plans prepared by M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, Neb., for a 2-story frame dwelling, 28x44. D. S., art and plate glass, hard plaster, yellow pine flooring and finish, one bath, electric bells and lighting, plumbing, refrigerator, screens, etc. Cost $2,500. Contracts will be let June 1.[46]

aq. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Falls City, Neb.--Bids will be received until August 1 for a rectory for St. Thomas Parish, from plans by M. N. Bair, architect. It will be a 2-story, 26x34, d.s. glass, hard wall plaster, hot air heat, yellow pine floors and finish, mantels, baths, plumbing. Cost $2,500."[47]

ar. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Sunnyside, Wash.--M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, Neb., has prepared plans for an electric pumping station here and is taking bids for the same. He will require a 120-hp. turbine, a dynamo, 1 1/2 miles of insulated copper wire, one motor and lifting pump, the pump to have a capacity of lifting four cubic feet of water per second 218 feet."[48]

as. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Stella, N. D. [sic, should be Neb.]--M. N. Bair, architect, Falls City, Neb., has plans for a 1-story brick building, 22x60, for the State Bank of Stella. Press brick, tin roof, brick cornice, plate and prism glass, hard plaster, metal ceiling, tile floor, oak finish, electric bells, vaults, etc. Cost $3,000. J. R. Cain, cashier. Contracts will be let about April 15."[49]

at. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Falls City, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, has plans for a brick and stone church, 46x66, for the Presbyterian congregation. Will have pressed and common brick, Carthage, Mo., stone, slate roof, brick cornice, art glass, Ivory hard plaster, steam heat, birch finish, electric bells and light, plumbing, screens, storm sash, seatings, ventilators, etc. Cost $10,000. Contracts will be let about June 1."[50]

au. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Rulo, Neb.--W. J. Cunningham will remodel his frame dwelling on plans by M. N. Bair, of Falls City, Neb. Plate, art and d.s. glass, hard plaster, hot air heat, yellow pine flooring and finish, one bath, plumbing, refrigerator, screens, etc. Cost $2,000. Bids close May 15."[51]

av. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Brock, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, Neb., has plans for a 2-story brick school building for this district. Omaha press and common brick, shingled roof, galvanized iron cornice, d. s. glass, hard plaster, steam heat, yellow pine flooring and finish, blackboards, cementing, seatings, etc. Cost $7,500. Bids close July 20."[52]

aw. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Morrill, Kan.--M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, Neb., has plans for a frame church, 33x40, for the Brethren society. Cost $3,000."[53]

ax. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Edgar, Neb.--The Edgar State Bank has plans by M. N. Bair, architect, for a 1-story brick bank building, 25x43, brick foundation, Bedford stone, tine roof, brick cornice, prism and plate glass, hard plaster, yellow pine and tile flooring, oak and yellow pine finish, electric bells and lights, iron beams, metal ceilings, metal lath, etc. Cost $4,500. W. H. Graham, contractor."[54]

ay. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, Neb., has plans for a modern 2-story frame dwelling, 26x30, for W. T. Thompson. Hollock block foundation, common brick, d. s. and plate glass, hard plaster, hot water heat, yellow pine flooring and finish, boilers, baths, electric bells and light, hollow tile, plumbing, screens, storm sash. Cost, $2,000. Contracts to be let May 20."[55]

az. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, has prepared plans for a brick school to be erected by district No. 19. It will be 2-story, 60x0, press brick, d.s. glass, hard wall plaster, yellow pine floors and finish, plumbing, steam heat. Cost, $12,000. The contract to be let June 1."[56]

ba. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Hiawatha, Kan.--R. V. Brokaw, chairman, will receive bids until 3 p.m., July 11, for the erection of a library building, on plans by M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, Neb. Check for $200."[57] For illustrations of the Neo-classical building, see "Old Hiawatha Streets".[60]

bb. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Sabetha, Kan.--M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, Neb., has plans for a 2-story frame dwelling, 26x36, for G. M. Bunker. Cost, $2,000. Furnace, bath, plumbing, yellow pine finish, etc."[58]

bc. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Holbrook, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, Neb., has plans for an opera house for the Opera House Co. It will be 1-story, frame, 40x70, concrete foundation, composition roof, d. s. glass, hard laster, hot air heat, yellow pine flooring and finish, gas fixtures, etc. It will be metal clad. Cost, $1,5000. Bids close Sept. 15."[59]

bd. Improvement Bulletin reported in 1907 that "Homer Fisher, of Auburn, Neb., has become associated with M. M. [sic] Bair, architect, of Falls City, Neb." The 1900 U. S. Census listed 12-year-old "H. D. Fisher", son of W. B. and N. H. Fisher, residing in Auburn, NE. The Hastings, NE City Directory of 1908 listed Homer V. Fisher as a draughtsman for M. N. Bair. In the 1930 U. S. Census, 42-year-old, Nebraska-born Homer V. Fisher was listed as an architect of "city school building" residing in Los Angeles, CA with his wife Loretta M. Fisher (age 37). Social Security records his birth as 1887 in Auburn and his death in 1949.[60][69]

be. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Selden, Kan.--M. N. Bair, architect, Falls City, Neb., has prepared plans for a 2-story frame school building, 34x62, for school district No. 26. Brick foundation, common brick, artificial stone, shingled roof, d. s. glass, hard plaster, steam heat, yellow pine flooring and finish, blackboards, cementing, etc. Cost, $6,000."[62]

bf. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Danbury, Neb.--The Bank of Danbury will erect a 1-story brick building, 25x50, on plans by M. N. Bair, architect, Falls City. Concrete foundation, common and paving brick, artificial stone, cement roofing, terracotta cornice, plate glass, hard plaster, steam heat, tile flooring, metal interior finish, boilers, electric bells, fireproofing, iron beams, vaults. Cost, $5,000."[63]

bg. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Almena, Kas.--M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, Neb., has plans for a 2-story brick block for stores and offices, 50x80, for W. L. Howe and others....Cost, $12,000. Contracts will be let April 1. The same architect has plans for a 2-sotry brick bank building, 25x80, for the Almena State Bank....Cost, $8,000. Bids close April 1." [64]

bh. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Selden, Kas.--J. A. Anderson, clerk, will receive bids until 4 p.m., March 20, for the erection of a 4-room brick school building. M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, Neb. The work is officially advertised in the Improvement Bulletin." [65]

bi. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Vesta, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, has plans for remodeling Dr. C. H. Ziegler's residence and installing a hot water heating system."[67]

bj. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Almena, Kansas--X. D. Ayers has had plans prepared by M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, Neb., for a 2-story brick opera house, 51x65, to cost $12,000."[68]

bk. Improvement Bulletin in November 1907 carried a note: "M. N. Bair, of Falls City, Neb., has removed his architecture office to Hastings, Neb., where he will be located in the future."[70] That same month, a Falls City newspaper reported: "On Monday of this week M. N. Bair and wife shipped their household goods to Hastings. They left a few days later for that place, where they expect to reside in the future. This estimable couple have lived in our midst for a number of years and have made many friends who hate to see them go. Mr. Bair is an architect of more than ordinary ability and will make good wherever he goes. We commend them to the good people of Hastings, but can never quite forgive our sister city for stealing our 'Teddy Bear'."[126]

bl. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Almena, Kan.--M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, Neb., has plans for a 2-story brick school house, 36x78, for Almena school district. Concrete foundation, common and press brick, concrete stone, shingled roof, d. s. glass, hard plaster, steam heat, yellow pine flooring and finish, boiler, blackboards, iron beams, metal lath, seatings, etc. Cost, $7,000."[71]

bm. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Trenton, Neb.--F. W. Ruzicka will erect a 1-story brick bank and store builidng, 65x90, on plans by M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, Neb. Brick foundation, common brick, artificial stone, Carey's roofing, d. s. and plate glass, hard plaster, steam heat, yellow pine flooring and finish, boilers, electric bells, fireproofing, iron beams and columns, metal ceiling, screens, tiling and vaults. Cost, $5,000. Bids close July 15."[72]

bn. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Friend, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, Neb., has plans for a 1-story frame opera house, 40x100, for Frank Hacker. Cement foundation, Carey's roofing, galvanized iron cornice, d. s. glass, IXL maple flooring, yellow pine finish, electric light, scenery, etc. Cost, $5,000. Contracts will b let Aug. 15."[73]

bo. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Arapahoe, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, of Falls City, Neb., has plans for a 2-story brick store and office building, 25x75, for S. G. Rockwell, of Arapahoe. Brick foundation, Carey's roofing, d. s. and plate glass, hard plaster, yellow pine flooring and finish. Cost, $4,000."[74]

bp. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Humboldt, Neb.--M. N. Bair, of Falls City, Neb., will make a preliminary survey and estimate for a sanitary sewer system. An election will then be called to vote bonds."[75]

bq. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Hastings, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, Hastings, has plans for remodeling a 2-story frame dwelling, 44x36, for C. H. Dietrich. Hard wall plaster, d. s., plate and art glass, hot water heat, parquetry flooring, mission oak finish, boilers, one bath, cementing, decorating, gas fixtures, mantel, plumbing, refrigerator screens, storm sash, tiling, etc."[76]

br. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Hastings, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, Hastings, has plans for a brick church for the United Brethren congregation. It will be 56x75, common brick, Fort Collings stone, slate roof, galvanized iron cornice, art glass, hot air heat, yellow pine flooring and finish, decorating, electric light, gas fixtures, iron columns, seatings, etc. Cost $10,000. Rev. Nine, pastor."[77]

bs. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Hastings, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, is preparing plans for the erection of a 2-story brick residence, 36x49, for Dr. F. C. Babcock. Cost, $12,000. Brick foundation, paving, press and common brick, Colorado red stone, tile roofing, terra cotta cornice, plate glass, hard wall plaster, hot water heat, hardwood flooring and hardwood interior finish including a boiler, bath room, cementing, decorating, electric bells, grates, gas fixtures, mantels, plumbing, parquet floors, refrigerator, screens and a telephone system. Contracts will be let May 1."[78]

bt. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Hastings, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architects, is preparing plans for a 2-story brick residence, 28x38, form [sic] E. A. Twidale, to cost $3,500. Brick foundation, common and press brick, sandstone, slate roofing, metal cornice, d. s. and plate glass, hard wall plaster, hot water heat, yellow pine flooring and interior finish, boilers, bath, cementing, electric bells and lights, grate, gas fixtures, mantel, refrigerator, screens, storm sash and speaking tubes. Contracts will be let June 1."[79]

bu. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Hastings, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, of Hastings, Neb., has plans for a second story to the building of G. W. Kirby, of Galesburg, Ill., 22x100, to cost $1,800. Press and common brick, Bedford stone, gravel roof, galvanized iron cornice, d. s. glass, yellow pine flooring and finish. Bids are in."[80]

bv.Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Holstein, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, Hastings, Neb., has prepared plans for a 2-story school building, to be built in district No. 11, 34x62, brick foundation, common brick, and artificial stones, shingle roof, wood cornice, d. s. glass, hard wall plaster, yellow pine floorings and finish, blackboards, iron beams, metal or wire lath, seatings. Cost $5,500. Contract to be let June 10. W. B. Hargleroad, secretary."[81]

bw.Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Willsonville, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, Hastings, has plans for a 2-story high school building for the Willsonville school district, W. W. McGaw, secretary. It will be of common brick and artificial stone, brick foundation, shingle roof, wood cornice, d. s. glass, kallolite plaster, steam heat, yellow pine finish and floorings, boilers, blackboards, cementing, iron beams, seatings, ventilators, 57x64. Cost $12,000. Contract will be let July 12."[82]

bx.Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Willsonville, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, Hastings, has plans for a 1 1/2-story frame residence for Chas. Mousel. It will be 30x40, common brick foundation, shingle roof, wood cornice, d. s. glass, Acme plaster, furnace, yellow pine flooring and finish, bathroom, grates, mantels, plumbing and will cost about $2,500. Contract will be let July 20."[83]

by. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Kenesaw, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, Hastings, Neb., has prepared plans for a Catholic church for John Cain, to cost $4,000. It will be 38x65, brick, brick foundation, shingle roof, wood cornice, art glass, Acme plaster, hot air heating, yellow pine flooring and finish and seatings. Contracts will be let August 22."[84]

bz. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Kenesaw, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, of Hastings, Neb., has plans for a 2-story brick store, 24x80, for G. W. Wolcott. Common brick, tin roof, brick cornice, plate, prism and d. s. glass, hard plaster, hot air heat, yellow pine flooring and finish, screens, etc. Cost, $5,000. Contracts will be let Sept. 15."[85]

ca. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Kenesaw, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, Hastings, Neb., has plans for a 1-story brick building, 20x60, for George Parker, to cost $2,000. Common brick, brick foundation, Colorado sandstone, tin roofing, brick cornice, d. s., prism and plate glass, hard wall plaster, yellow pine flooring and finish, cementing, iron beams, metal ceiling, screens and tiling. Bids closed Sept. 15."[86]

cb. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Juniata, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, Hastings, Neb., has prepared plans for a 1-story brick bank building, 22x51, for the Bank of Juniata. The construction will include: Concrete foundation, press and common brick, Bedford stone, tin roof, brick cornice, plate glass, hard wall plaster, steam heat, oak flooring and interior finish, boiler, plumbing and telephone system. Cost, $4,000. Contracts to be let Jan. 15."[87]

cc. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Kimball, Neb.--C. T. Dillon, county clerk, will receive bids until 3 p.m., Feb. 15, for the erection of a county high school building, from plans by M. N. Bair, architect, Hastings, Neb. Check for $350. Separate bids will be taken for the steam heating plant. Check for $100."[88]

cd. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Hastings, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, has prepared plans for a 2-story frame residence, 32x32, for A. F. Meyer, of Clinton, Mo. The construction will include brick foundation, common brick, artificial stone, shingle roof, d. s. and plate glass, Kallolite plaster, furnace heat, yellow pine flooring and interior finish, bath room, electric lights, plumbing and screens. Cost $4,000. The contract will be let shortly."[89]

ce. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Hastings, Neb.--The congregation of the Christian church is having plans prepared by M. N. Bair, architect, Falls City, Neb., for a building to be erected next spring at a cost of $20,000."[90] And "Hastings, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, Hastings, has plans for a brick church, 80x112, for the First Christian Society...Cost $30,000. Contracts will be let Nov. 1."[93]

cf. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Grand Island, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, Hastings, Neb., has prepared plans for a 3-story brick warehouse, 32x120, the contract for which will be let Aug. 10 by the Grand Island Storage & Forwarding Co., Mat Jarvis, secretary. Cost $10,000. It will have brick foundation, common and press brick, Colorado sandstone, gravel roof, brick cornice, d. s. glass, 2-inch yellow pine flooring, freight elevators, electric dynamo and motor, and telephone system."[90]

cg. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Clay Center, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, Hastings, Neb., has prepared plans for a 2-story brick high school building, 71x72, for the board of education...Cost $20,000..."[91] For contractors and amounts, see[94].

ch. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Sutton, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, Hastings, Neb., has prepared plans for the Carnegie library building, 1-story, 38x42, press brick, Bedford stone, slate roof, d. s. glass, hard plaster, hot water heat, yellow pine flooring and finish, tiling, etc. Cost $5,000. Bids close Aug. 2."[92]

ci. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Hastings, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, Hastings, has prepared plans for a 2-story frame residence, 25x30 for Mrs. M. H. Rawson, to cost $2,000. It will have brick foundation, common brick, shingle roof, d. s. glass, Kallolite plaster, yellow pine flooring and interior finish, and bath room."[95]

cj. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Hastings, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, has prepared plans for Karl Begtol for a 2-story frame residence, 30x33, to cost $4,000. It will have brick foundation, common brick, Bedford stone, slate roof, d. s. and plate glass, hard wall plaster, hot water heat, parquetry flooring, oak interior finish, boilers, electric bells and lights, grate, plumbing, and telephone system."[96]

ck. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Beaver City, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, Hastings, Neb., has prepared plans for C. E. Hopping, secretary, for a 1-story brick church building, 68x70, to cost $8,000. It will have concrete foundation, common brick, artificial stone, shingle roof, galvanized iron cornice, art glass, hard wall plaster, hot air heat, yellow pine flooring and interior finish, seatings and partitions." A subsequent listing identifies Bair's Beaver City design as "for the Presbyterian society"; another identified "C. E. Hopping's store" as the location receiving bids and noted that in addition to seeing plans through Bair's office, "Plans may also be seen at the Lincoln Paint & Color Co., Lincoln, Neb.; and the Midland Glass & Paint Co., Omaha."[96]

cl. Improvement Bulletin of 1910 included a "Special Notice," to wit: "Draftsmen Wanted. I need two or three good draftsmen at once. M. N. Bair, architect, Hastings, Neb."[97]

cm. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Mitchell, Neb.--The board of education...has plans from M. N. Bair, architect, Hastings, Neb., for a 2-story brick school house, 58x70, to cost $16,000. It will have concrete foundation, press and common brick, artificial stone, shingle roof, wood cornice, d. s. and plate glass, hard wall plaster, steam heat, fir flooring and interior finish, cementing, electric lights, seatings, terra cotta and tiling."[98] A subsequent listing describes the building as a high school.

cn. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Aurora, Neb.--M. N. Bair, architect, Hastings, Neb., has prepared plans for the library board...for the erection of a 1-story brick library building, 38x60, to cost $10,000. It will have brick foundation, common and pressed brick, Kettle river stone, shingle roof, wood cornice, d. s. and plate glass, hard wall plaster, steam heat, composition flooring, oak interior finish, cementing, electric bells and lights, fireproofing, iron beams and columns and plumbing."[99]

co. Improvement Bulletin describes this project as "Scotts Bluff, Neb.--The school board...will open bids June 8 for the erection of a 2-story brick high school building, 60x120, to cost $34,000. M. N. Bair, architect, Hastings, Neb...." Scottsbluff High School was not built until 1921-1923.[100,134]

cp. American Contractor describes this project as "Factory: $4,000. 1 sty. 32x90. Strinestown, Pa. Archt. M. N. Bair, 1911 Derry st., Harrisburg. Owners C. E. Bair & Son, 24 N. Fourth st., Harrisburg. Frame, slag rfg., stone fdn., metal skylight, Portland cement. Plans drawn."[108] C. E. Bair & Sons were cigar makers.

cq. American Contractor describes these projects as "High School: 2 sty, 73x73, $18,000. Kensington, Kan. Architect, M. N. Bair, Hastings....Plans completed. Press brick, stone cornice, yellow pine finish & floors." and "School (add. 6 rooms): 2 sty, 73x73, $10,000. Kensington, Kans. Architect M. N. Bair, Hastings...Plans will be copleted in about 2 weeks. Press brick, composition roof, struct. iron, pine finish, maple & pine floors, lavatories, water closets."[110]

cr. American Contractor describes this project as "Hastings, Nebr...Church: 2 sty. & bas. 105x80. $30,000. Architect M. N. Bair. Owner First Christian Congregation. Rev. R. A. Schell, pastor...Press & common brick, stone, oak & pine finish, oak, pine, cement & tile floors, struct. iron, electric fixtures, lavatories, water closets."[110]

cs. American Contractor describes this project as "Temple: 2 sty. & bas. 100x50. $12,000. Clay Center, Kans. Architect M. N. Bair, Hastings. Owner Masonic Temple Association....Plans will be completed in about two weeks...."[110]

ct. American Contractor describes this project as "Grand Island, Nebr.--Society Building (rem.): 2 sty. 60x42. $35,000. Architect M. N. Bair, Hastings, Nebr. Owner Plattdeutscherverein, Grand Island. Plans completed. Stone, iron & steel work, shingle roof, concrete floors."[113]

cu. American Contractor describes this project as "Grand Island, Nebr.--Business Building: 2 sty. 66x110. $28,000. Architect M. N. Bair, Hastings, Nebr. Owner George Bartenbach, Grand Island. Plans in progress, bids will be received until Oct. 15. Brick, tin roof, 4 skylights, yellow pine finish & floors, 15 lavatories, 15 water closets, 14 bath tubs."[114]

cv. American Contractor describes this project as "Residence: 2 sty & bas. 32x42. $12,000. Nebraska City, Nebr. Archt. M. N. Bair, Hastings. Owner Dr. S. S. Wilson, Nebraska City. Architect is taking figures; contracts will be let about March 20. Mot. fac brick, Bedford stone, oak finish, oak, cement & tile floors, gas & electric fixtures."[115] Project "Abandoned."[122]

cw.American Contractor describes this project as "Hasting, Nebr....Garage: 1 sty. & bas. 66x125. $8,000 Archt. M. N. Bair. Owner A. H. Cramer. Plans in progress. Local brick, Bedford stone trim, composition roof, cement floor, struct. iron, electric fixtures."[115]

cx.American Contractor describes this project as "Bank Bldg. (rem. interior): 2 sty. & bas. $5,000. Fairfield, Nebr. Archt. M. N. Bair, Hastings. Owner Citizens' Bank...Plans in progress. Tile floor, marble, gas & electric fixtures."[115]

cy.American Contractor describes this project as "High School: 2 sty. & bas. 57x63. $15,000. Hampton, Nebr. Archt. M. N. Bair, Hastings. Owner city of Hastings [sic]...secy. board of education, Hampton. Brick & stone. Excavating. General contract let to Mid-West Construction Co., First National Bank bldg., Lincoln, Nebr. Steam heating & plumbing to the Grand Island Contract Co., Grand Island, Nebr. General contractor desires bids on electric wiring."[115]

cz.American Contractor describes this project as "Hastings, Nebr. Residence: 2 sty. 32x32. $4,000. Archt. M. N. Bair. Owner Charles Manahan. Plans completed: owner will take bids. Frame, oak finish & floors."[116]

da.American Contractor describes this project as "Hastings, Nebr...Store & Office Bldg. (add.): 2 sty. 22x48. Archt. M. N. Bair. Owner A. H. Cramer will take figures. Gravel roof, pine finish, maple floors."[116]"Postponed indefinitely."[102]

db.American Contractor describes this project as "Hastings, Nebr... Garage: 1 sty. 22x22. Archt. M. N. Bair. Owner C. H. Deitrich. Press brick. General contract let to Elgin Gilbreth.[116]

dc.American Contractor describes this project as "Milligan, Nebr.--School Bldg.: Archt. M. N. Bair, Hastings, Nebr. Owner city of Milligan, care board of education, Milligan. General contract let to the Midwest Construction Co., Lincoln, Nebr., at $15,474. Heating to F. B. Gage, Fairbury, Nebr. at $2,225."[117]

dd.American Contractor describes this project as "Shelton, Nebr.--Carnegie Library: 1 sty. 30x50. $l9,000. Shelton. Archt. M. N. Bair, Hastings, Nebr. Owner city of Shelton, care library board. Bids will be received until July 28. Brick, wood cornice, oak finish & floors."[118]

de.American Contractor describes this project as "Shelton, Nebr.--Residence: 2 sty. 30x40. $l8,000. Shelton. Archt. M. N. Bair, Hastings, Nebr. Owner George W. Smith, Shelton. Bids will be received until July 21. Shingle roof, oak finish & floors, wood cornice."[118]

df.American Contractor describes this project as "School: 2 sty. 44x49. $6,000. Pauline, Nebr. Archt. M. N. Bair...Shingle roof, wood cornice, yellow pine finish & floors."[120] "Project dropped."[121]

dg.American Contractor describes this project as "Water Works Plant (add.): 1 sty. About $1,600. Benson, Nebr. Archt. M. N. Bair, Hastings, has completed plans for an addition to water works plant for Benson...Brick, tar & gravel roofing, cement floor.[120]

dh.American Contractor describes this project as "Hastings, Nebr....Dept. Store Bldg.: 3 sty. & bas. 44x120. $25M. Archt. M. N. Bair. Owner Stern Bros. Archt & owner will take bids abt. 12 o'clock noon, Aug. 11...Face & common brick, terra cotta front & trim, tar & gravel rf., galv. iron skylight & cornice, struc. iron."[123] "Postponed."[124]

di.American Contractor describes this project as "Bank: 1 sty., 25x50. $25M. Archt. M. N. Bair, Hastings. Owner Bank of Holstein...Plans abt. finished. Face & common brk., terra cotta trim, tar & gravel rfg., struc. iron, terra cotta cornice."[123] "Work started by day labor; owner in charge."[124]

dj.American Contractor describes this project as "Holstein, Nebr.--Drug Store: 2 sty. 25x75. $3,300. Archt M. N. Bair, Hastings, Nebr. Owner W. B. Hargelroad, Holstein, will take bids. Frpf., gravel rf., archt iron.." In April 1915, that same publication listed "Hastings, Nebr....Store Bldg.: 2ty. 7 bas. Holstein, Nebr. Archt. W. A. Bradley & Co., Exchange National Bank bldg., Hastings. Owner W. A. Hargleroad, Holstein, will take bids. Brk. & conc., comp. rf, struct iron."[125] This project's shift from Bair to Bradley & Co. coincides with the cessation of reports of Bair projects from Hastings, and may mark his departure from Hastings.

dk. The Harrisburg Telegraphreported: "Mr. Bair's plan for the Harris annex is also unique as the new structure with four rooms will be erected as a separate unit with only a short passageway to connect it with the present school. This plan was considered the best one submitted because of the additional light afforded all the rooms. Mr. Bair was chosen unanimously."[128]

dl. American School Board Journal of January 1912 reports: "Nebraska...Chappell--Archt. M. N. Bair, Hastings, has plans for 2-story high school; $14,000. Bids will be received until Feb. 15."[131]

dm. American School Board Journal of 1912 reports: "Nebraska...Campbell--Archt. M. N. Bair, Hastings, let contact for school; $13,500."[132]

dn. American School Board Journal of July 1912 reports: "Nebraska...Hordville--Figures received for one-story school, $6,000. M. N. Bair, Archt., Hastings."[136]

do. Bair's plans were rejected and a design by Lincoln architects Fiske & Meginnis was ultimately built.[137]

References

The bulk of Bair's projects herein identified were found in "Improvement Bulletin," which was published in Minneapolis, MN under various titles from the early 1890s until the 1940s. Volumes 17 (1897) through 40 (1910) are available on-line through Hathi Trust Digital Library (Hathitrust.org). Earlier and later editions of this source probably identify further Bair projects but have not yet been examined.

1. State Library Commission files

2. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

3. 1900 United States Census, s.v. “Moses N. Bair,” Falls City, Richardson County, Nebraska, accessed through HeritageQuestOnline.com.

4. 1910 United States Census, s.v. “Moses N. Bair,” Hastings, Adams County, Nebraska, accessed through HeritageQuestOnline.com.

5. “Moses N. Bair,” FindAGrave.com, accessed January 2, 2016, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=pv&GRid=143871309&PIpi=118211028 M. N. Bair's gravestone also records the death of his wife Sarah Jane Bair (b. May 15, 1862 to Jacob and Eliza Fink-d. Jan. 27, 1934) five weeks before him, and the death of his daughter Naomi P. Bair (March 16, 1884-June 16, 1935) the next year.

6. “House for A. R. McMullen,” by Bair. Copies of plans and specs in site file, Historic Preservation Office, Nebraska State Historical Society.

7. Improvement Bulletin (February 5, 1898), 14.

8. Improvement Bulletin (March 19, 1898), 16.

9. Improvement Bulletin (June 3, 1899), 20.

10. Improvement Bulletin (July 15, 1899), 18.

11. Improvement Bulletin (August 26, 1899), 16.

12. Improvement Bulletin (September 30, 1899), 15.

13. Improvement Bulletin (March 10, 1900), 19.

14. Improvement Bulletin (March 31, 1900), 18.

15. Improvement Bulletin (April 21, 1900), 21.

16. Improvement Bulletin (June 2, 1900), 15.

17. Improvement Bulletin (August 4, 1900), 16.

18. Improvement Bulletin (August 18, 1900), 20.

19. Improvement Bulletin (September 1, 1900), 18.

20. Improvement Bulletin (September 22, 1900), 15.

21. Improvement Bulletin (January 19, 1901), 16.

22. Improvement Bulletin (January 26, 1901), 18.

23. Improvement Bulletin (February 16, 1901), 20.

24. Improvement Bulletin (July 13, 1901), 19.

25. Improvement Bulletin (August 17, 1901), 22.

26. "Nebraska Public Library Founding Dates/Carnegie or other building constructed," Nebraska Library Commission, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/history/libraryfoundingdates.aspx Accessed December 29, 2015.

27. "Among the Architects," Improvement Bulletin (January 25, 1902), 14.

28. Improvement Bulletin (January 25, 1902), 20.

29. Improvement Bulletin (February 8, 1902), 20.

30. Improvement Bulletin (April 5, 1902), 19.

31. Improvement Bulletin (April 12, 1902), 26.

32. Improvement Bulletin (August 23, 1902), 19.

33. Improvement Bulletin (August 30, 1902), 18.

34. Improvement Bulletin (September 6, 1902), 21.

35. Improvement Bulletin (June 20, 1903), 20.

36. Improvement Bulletin (July 25, 1903), 19.

37. Improvement Bulletin (August 1, 1903), 24.

38. Improvement Bulletin (August 8, 1903), 19.

39. Improvement Bulletin (August 22, 1903), 17.

40. Improvement Bulletin (October 10, 1903), 20.

41. Improvement Bulletin (January 16, 1904), 18.

42. Improvement Bulletin (February 20, 1904), 22.

43. Improvement Bulletin (April 30, 1904), 24.

44. Improvement Bulletin (May 7, 1904), 24.

45. Improvement Bulletin (May 14, 1904), 23.

46. Improvement Bulletin (May 21, 1904), 22.

47. Improvement Bulletin (July 23, 1904), 20.

48. Improvement Bulletin (December 10, 1904), 23.

49. Improvement Bulletin (February 4, 1905), 22; (February 25, 1905) 20.

50. Improvement Bulletin (February 11, 1905), 19.

51. Improvement Bulletin (May 6, 1905), 27.

52. Improvement Bulletin (June 24, 1905), 20.

53. Improvement Bulletin (August 5, 1905), 28.

54. Improvement Bulletin (October 21, 1905), 28.

55. Improvement Bulletin (May 5, 1906), 28.

56. Improvement Bulletin (May 19, 1906), 20.

57. Improvement Bulletin (July 7, 1906), 26.

58. Improvement Bulletin (July 21, 1906), 22.

59. Improvement Bulletin (August 11, 1906), 25.

60. Marty Schuetz, compiler, "Hiawatha Kansas--Late 1800's to Early 1900's Photographs: The Morrill Free Public Library," http://hiawathapics.com/oldhiawathastreets.html Accessed January 1, 2016.

61. Improvement Bulletin (January 26, 1907), 52; (February 2, 1907), 52.

62. Improvement Bulletin (February 16, 1907), 19.

63. Improvement Bulletin (February 16, 1907), 20; (March 23, 1907), 22, 32.

64. Improvement Bulletin (March 9, 1907), 21; (April 6, 1907), 24.

65. Improvement Bulletin (March 16, 1907), 21, 32.

66. Improvement Bulletin (April 27, 1907), 20; (May 4, 1907), 25. Contract awarded to A. S. Ennis of McCook, NE for $4,500.

67. Improvement Bulletin (April 27, 1907), 22.

68. Improvement Bulletin (April 27, 1907), 23.

69. U. S. Census, 1900 and 1930; Hastings City Directory, 1908; death notice for Homer V. Fisher, Los Angeles Times, Dec. 17 & 18, 1949, husband of Lauretta Fisher and father of Ruth Foreman; U.S.Social Security Applications and Claims index: Homer Fisher, b. 23 June 1887 in Auburn, Nebraska; died 15 December 1949. All accessed through ancestry.com.

70. Improvement Bulletin (November 23, 1907), 14.

71. Improvement Bulletin (June 8, 1907), 24.

72. Improvement Bulletin (July 6, 1907), 24; and (September 28, 1907), 22 (noting "E. Rokahr, of Lincoln, has the contract for the erection...").

73. Improvement Bulletin (August 3, 1907), 25.

74. Improvement Bulletin (August 17, 1907), 22.

75. Improvement Bulletin (September 14, 1907), 24; (September 26, 1907), 24. Latter refers to Bair as "engineer" and notes the amount of proposed bonds as $6,000.

76. Improvement Bulletin (November 23, 1907), 20.

77. Improvement Bulletin (December 7, 1907), 20.

78. Improvement Bulletin (March 28, 1908), 24.

79. Improvement Bulletin (April 18, 1908), 28.

80. Improvement Bulletin (May 2, 1908), 28.

81. Improvement Bulletin (May 23, 1908), 24.

82. Improvement Bulletin (June 27, 1908), 25.

83. Improvement Bulletin (July 18, 1908), 28.

84. Improvement Bulletin (August 15, 1908), 27.

85. Improvement Bulletin (September 5, 1908), 26.

86. Improvement Bulletin (September 19, 1908), 24.

87. Improvement Bulletin (January 2, 1909), 24.

88. Improvement Bulletin (February 6, 1909), 28.

89. Improvement Bulletin (March 6, 1909), 28.

90. Improvement Bulletin (August 7, 1909), 28.

91. Improvement Bulletin (July 3, 1909), 24; (July 17, 1909), 22.

92. Improvement Bulletin (July 17, 1909), 25.

93. Improvement Bulletin (July 24, 1909), 27; (April 16, 1910), 28.

94. Improvement Bulletin (July 31, 1909), 24.

95. Improvement Bulletin (September 4, 1909), 26.

96. Improvement Bulletin (February 5, 1910), 27; (March 19, 1910), 27; (April 9, 1910), 32.

97. Improvement Bulletin (January 29, 1910), 38; (February 5, 1910), 37; (February 12, 1910), 42.

98. Improvement Bulletin (February 5, 1910), 28-29; (March 12, 1910), 32.

99. Improvement Bulletin (February 19, 1910), 27.

100. Improvement Bulletin (May 7, 1910), 29; (May 14, 1910), 30.

101. Report of the State Librarian for 1914-1916, State of Nebraska: York Blank Book Co., 1917, 8. https://books.google.com/books?id=_PxBAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA74&lpg=PA74&dq=%22M.+N.+Bair%22&source=bl&ots=J0ONZAmeq7&sig=hs0MRaCFK5Q3E09SvgYDfxCLo9s&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjY36i3p4_KAhWJRSYKHTctD38Q6AEIUzAN#v=onepage&q=Bair&f=false Accessed 3 January 2016.

102. American Contractor (May 2, 1914), 115.

103. American Contractor (May 30, 1914), 25; (July 25, 1914), 24 ("Bids received; in abeyance."); (October 17, 1914), 27 ("Archt. and owner taking new bids."); (April 3, 1915), 103 ("Work started." Hastings contractor.)

104. American Contractor (June 13, 1914), 23.

105. American Contractor (June 27, 1914), 19.

106. 1880 U. S. Census lists Moses Bair twice, with his parents Manasa and Mary L. Bair in York, Pennsylvania (but listed "at school") and as a boarding student at Cedar Hill Seminary in Rapho Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Accessed through ancestry.com.

107. American Contractor (April 24, 1915), 77. The latest Bair project from Hastings listed in this journal is the Gothenburg (Nebraska) Carnegie Library.

108. American Contractor (May 19, 1917), 61.

109. American Contractor (July 21, 1917), 29 & 52; (August 18, 1917), 51 (listing the addition at Front & Paxton Streets).

110. American Contractor (June 11, 1910), 64.

111. American Contractor (April 9, 1910), 24.

112. American Contractor (May 14, 1910), 25.

113. American Contractor (August 20, 1910), 26.

114. American Contractor (September 17, 1910), 37.

115. American Contractor (March 1, 1913), 95.

116. American Contractor (May 31, 1913), 80.

117. American Contractor (April 5, 1913), 107.

118. American Contractor (June 28, 1913), 87.

119. American Contractor (July 5, 1913), 102.

120. American Contractor (August 23, 1913), 83.

121. American Contractor (September 27, 1913), 21.

122. American Contractor (June 13, 1914), 84.

123. American Contractor (July 25, 1914), 84.

124. American Contractor (September 5, 1914), 93.

125. American Contractor (December 12, 1914), 58; (April 3, 1915), 103.

126. "Move to Hastings," Falls City Tribune (November 8, 1907), 1.

127. "Approve Harris Annex Plans. School Board Passes on Specifications Prepared by Architect Bair," Harrisburg (PA) Telegraph (August 4, 1917), 10.

128. "Name Floyd and Bair Architects. Chosen by School Board for Open Air School and Harris Annex Work," Harrisburg (PA) Telegraph (July 10, 1917), 7.

129. "Business Personals...M. N. BAIR ARCHITECT 1911 Derry Street Bell Phone 842J", Harrisburg (PA) Telegraph (December 1, 1916), 23.

130. Omaha Daily Bee (November 5, 1889), 5.

131. American School Board Journal (January 1912), 51.

132. American School Board Journal (April 1912), 59.

133. American School Board Journal (October, 1905), 26.

134. Website for Bluffs Middle School (formerly Scottsbluff High School). Accessed March 29, 2016: http://www.sbps.net/education/school/school.php?sectionid=2039

135. Patrick Hayes, Known Projects [of M.N. Bair] MS. Nebraska State Historic Preservation Office, (n.d.).

136. American School Board Journal (July 1912), 61.

137. Oliver B. Pollack, A State of Readers: Nebraska's Carnegie Libraries (Lincoln, Nebraska: J. & L. Lee Co., 2005), 27-28. See also 32 (re Aurora), 40 (Broken Bow), 67 (Fullerton), 71 (Gibbon), 73 (Gothenberg), 138 (Shelton), 153 (Sutton).

138. "Business Buildings...Trenton, Neb.," Improvement Bulletin (September 28, 1907), 22 (E. Rokahr, of Lincoln, has the contract for the erection...).

Page Citation

E. F. Zimmer, “Moses N. Bair (1863-1934), Architect,” in David Murphy, Edward F. Zimmer, and Lynn Meyer, comps. Place Makers of Nebraska: The Architects. Lincoln: Nebraska State Historical Society, March 29, 2024. http://www.e-nebraskahistory.org/index.php?title=Place_Makers_of_Nebraska:_The_Architects Accessed, November 22, 2024.

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