James Memorial Art Center

Introduction

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Erected in 1911, this building operated as a library until 1983 and now serves as the home of the James Memorial Art Center. During its many decades as a public library, this building served as one of the centers of the community hosting public meetings, receptions, lectures, and other events. The building is named after D. Willis James, who was a major stockholder of the Great Northern Railway. His son, Arthur, contributed funds to have this library serve as a memorial to his father. Today the building is home to the James Art Center which hosts art-related events including an annual art festival along with a variety of classes.

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The James Memorial Art Center is dedicated to promoting art and culture. It was built in 1911 and operated as a library until 1983.

Backstory and Context

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The idea for a library originated with a local group called the Women's Civic League, which was created in 1909 for such a purpose. They first tried to receive funds from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie but that attempt fell through. Instead, the League approached Arthur Willis to build a library in his father's honor. The president of the Great Northern Railway, James J. Hill, was the one who in fact suggested the idea to the League. He also supported the library financially difficulties between 1920 to 1936. As noted above, the library operated until 1983, at which point it moved to a new building. It was under threat of demolition in the early 1990s but local residents formed a group to save it in 1993. The Art Center opened some time in the coming years.

The building itself is a fine example of Beau-Arts architecture. Designed by architect R.S. Frost, notable features include a large pedimented portico with Tuscan columns, arched windows, and a dome resting atop a octagonal base. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Sources

Schweigert, Kurt. "James Memorial Library." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. November 14, 1979. https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/79001777_text.

"What We Do." The James Memorial Art Center. Accessed August 10, 2020. http://www.thejamesmemorial.org/what-we-do.

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James Memorial Art Center

Additional Information