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T. Charles Gaastra Architectural Drawings and Plans

 Collection
Identifier: SWA-Gaastra-Drawings

Scope and Content

The T. Charles Gaastra Architectural Drawings and Plans collection contains architectural drawings and plans for commercial buildings in the State of New Mexico, completed 1924-1937 by Gaastra and his various partners. Also included in the collection are several watercolor perspectives, a pencil perspective and ink perspective.

Specific Items include: The Wool Warehouse, Albuquerque, New Mexico (1928); Simms Professional Building, Albuquerque, New Mexico (1932); early watercolor perspectives and pencil sketches (1931); Bishop’s Lodge, Santa Fe, New Mexico (1928); Theatre Building for Jack Brandenburg, Taos, New Mexico (1937); Bernalillo County Court House, Albuquerque, New Mexico (1924).

Dates

  • 1924-1937

Creator

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Copy Restrictions

Limited duplication of CSWR material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publication or distribution.

Biographical Information

Tjalke Charles Gaastra was born in the Netherlands in 1879, and later immigrated to the mid-western United States with his family. Between the ages of 14 to 21, Gaastra worked as a hod carrier, bricklayer, and logger. From 1901-1910, he was listed as an architect in Kenosha, Wisconsin. In 1911, Gaastra received his architecture license from the state of Illinois, and worked in Chicago for seven years designing schools. He married in 1917 and moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico to work for his brother's contracting business. In 1924 Gaastra formed the firm Gaastra, Gladding, Johnson & Scoville. In 1927, the firm was renamed Gaastra, Gladding and Johnson, and existed for one year in Santa Fe. From 1929-1932, Gaastra worked with Gladding in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Gaastra received his New Mexico architecture license in 1931. From 1933-1946, Gaastra continued to live in Albuquerque, practicing with architect William E. Burk, Jr.

Gaastra utilized various styles during his career. The Neo-Classic and Prairie style influence is seen in his Midwest buildings. The California Mission-Revival Style, and the Spanish Pueblo-Revival Style are seen in his New Mexico designs.

Gaastra's important contributions were: Monte Vista Elementary School, Albuquerque, New Mexico (1930-1931); the original Bernalillo County Court House, Albuquerque, New Mexico (1923-1925); the Wool Warehouse, Albuquerque, New Mexico (1928-1929), an excellent example of the Egyptian Revival Style; Eugene Field School, Albuquerque, New Mexico (1927); The Bell Indian Trading Post, Albuquerque, New Mexico (1946); and Bishop's Lodge, Santa Fe, New Mexico (1928). The Spanish Pueblo Revival Style was utilized in the Cassel Motor Company building, Santa Fe, New Mexico (ca. 1923), as well as Carlisle Gymnasium, University of New Mexico campus, Albuquerque, New Mexico (1927-1928).

Extent

5 Drawing Sets (0.25 linear ft.)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The T. Charles Gaastra Architectural Drawings and Plans collection includes architectural drawings and plans for commercial buildings in the cities of Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Taos, New Mexico, completed between the years 1924-1937. Also included are two watercolor perspectives and a pencil sketch interior.

Related Material

Center for Regional Studies and the Center for Southwest Research Fellows presentation, Ellen Evans-Colburn.
Title
Finding Aid of the T. Charles Gaastra Architectural Drawings and Plans, 1924-1937
Status
Completed
Author
Ellen Evans-Colburn
Date
© 2007
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid is in English

Revision Statements

  • Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.

Repository Details

Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository

Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451