Moses N. Bair (1863-1934), Architect
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 settling in Hastings.[3] He designed a number of public libraries throughout central Nebraska, including the 1909 Aurora Public Library.[1] Bair died in 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.
Contents
Compiled Nebraska Directory Listings
Auburn, Nebraska, 1893
Falls City, Nebraska, 1894-1895, 1902-1903, 1907
Hastings, Nebraska, 1909-1913, 1915
Educational & Professional Associations
1893: architect, Auburn, Nebraska.
1894-1907: architect, Falls City, Nebraska.[3][27][v]
1909-1915: architect, Hastings, Nebraska.[4][a]
Buildings & Projects
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][bb]
House for Dan Sargeant (1902), Falls City, Nebraska.[33][bb]
House for W. H. Wigton (1902), Falls City, Nebraska.[34][cc]
House for W. A. Greenwald (1903), Falls City, Nebraska.[35][dd]
Plans for repair of Richardson County court house (1903), Falls City, Nebraska.[36][ee]
House for William Reiger (1903), Falls City, Nebraska.[37][ff]
Two plate glass store fronts for N. Warren (1903), Friend, Nebraska.[38][gg]
Baptist church (1903), Friend, Nebraska.[39][hh]
Brick meat market for John Lang (1903), DuBois, Nebraska.[40][ii]
Humboldt National Bank (1904), Humboldt, Nebraska.[41][jj]
House, office and barn for Dr. Howard Marsh (1904), Humboldt, Nebraska.[41][kk]
Deutsche Gezellschaft building (1904), Falls City, Nebraska.[42][LL]
Parsonage for Brethren congregation (1904), Falls City, Nebraska.[43][mm]
A. R. McMullen House (1904), Wayside Stock Farm, Stella vicinity, rural Richardson County, Nebraska.[6][44][nn] (RH00-355)
Ralph A. Clark – McMullen farmhouse (1908), 718 Road, Stella vicinity, Richardson County, Nebraska. (RH01-011)
Sutton Public Library (1909), Sutton, Nebraska.[1] (CY12-000)
Aurora Public Library (1909), SE corner 12th & J Aurora, Nebraska.[1] (HM01-207)
United Brethren Church (1912), 1103 K St. Aurora, Nebraska.[2] (HM01-168) National Register narrative
Fullerton Public Library (1913-1914), 425 4th St. Fullerton, Nebraska. (NC02-001)
Gibbon Carnegie Public Library (1912-1913), NW Corner, 2nd and La Bar Gibbon, Nebraska.[1] (BF03-018)
Shelton Carnegie Public Library (1913-1914), 313 C Street Shelton, Nebraska. [1] (BF14-024)
Broken Bow Carnegie Library (1914-1915), 255 S 10th Ave. Broken Bow, Nebraska.[1][2] (CU05-061)
Gothenburg Carnegie Public Library (1914-1916), 1104 Lake, Gothenburg, Nebraska.[1][2] (DS06-006) National Register narrative
Brenizer Public Library (1916), Merna, Nebraska.[1][26]
Notes
a. First available Hastings directory listing, 1909; last available listing, 1915. He was not listed in the 1920 directory nor the 1920 census.
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.--Same 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, boiblers [sic], 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]
bb. 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 fishish, plumbing, bath,etc. Cost $2,600. Contracts to be let Sept. 10. W. B. Alexander, pastor."[33]
cc. 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]
dd. 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]
ee. 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]
ff. 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]
gg. 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]
hh. 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 lat September 1."[39]
ii. 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]
jj. 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]
kk. 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]
LL. 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]
mm. 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]
nn. 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]
References
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. Blair,” FindAGrave.com, accessed April 24, 2013, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=bair&GSfn=moses&GSmn=n&GSbyrel=all&GSdy=1934&GSdyrel=in&GScntry=4&GSob=n&GRid=5477420&df=all&
6. “House for A. R. McMullen,” by Bair. Copies of plans and specs in site file.
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.
Page Citation
D. Murphy, Patrick Haynes, Ruben Acosta, and 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, February 12, 2015. http://www.e-nebraskahistory.org/index.php?title=Place_Makers_of_Nebraska:_The_Architects Accessed, October 31, 2024.
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