HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-06-17 City Commission Packet Materials - MP1. Fred F. Willson Proclamation
Fred F. Willson Proclamation
WHEREAS, Fred Fielding Willson was a remarkable architect whose legacy of over 1000
Montana buildings continues to influence and enrich the lives of countless people; and
WHEREAS, The lives and institutions positively impacted by Fred Willson’s architecture in the
field of education alone are impressive. Bozeman schools, including the Emerson, Irving,
Longfellow, Hawthorne and the Willson Administration Building all have the common thread
of a Fred Willson design. Buildings on the Montana State University campus, Hamilton,
Traphagen, Roberts and Herrick Halls, the Quads, Lewis & Clark, Pryor, Colter and Mullan
dorms and the original Student Union Building were designed by Willson. Although Bozeman
is at the epicenter of Willson’s projects, many cities in Montana have Fred Willson buildings
actively being used; and
WHEREAS, Bozeman was Willson’s hometown where he was educated through college at what
is now MSU, and his advanced studies include a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from Columbia
University and studies at Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. These experiences all combined to give
Willson a broad-based architectural vocabulary from rustic park architecture to Art Deco to Neo
Classical. Thus, Willson’s signature style cannot be placed in one category; and
WHEREAS, Fred Willson’s designs are eclectic, resulting in a rich variety of buildings that
contribute to the character of the City of Bozeman. The common elements running through his
designs are excellence, attention to detail, proportion, scale and an intense focus on design that
matches the needs of the people to the building’s structure and character; and
WHEREAS, Few American architects share Fred Willson’s distinction of having 25 or more of
their buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Ellen Theatre, the
Baxter Hotel, the Gallatin County Courthouse, and the former Gallatin County Jail; and
WHEREAS, Willson’s design philosophy is best expressed in his own words: “Design goes
beyond the structure and the economics. It is concerned with people, their needs, their wants,
and their happiness.” Indeed, his timeless designs, the ongoing use and the appreciation of “his
buildings” are testaments to his unique contribution to his profession and the people he served.
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, I , Carson Taylor, Mayor of the City of Bozeman
proclaim that the second week in November, 2017, be declared Fred F. Willson week to honor
and pay tribute to the hometown architect who was born in Bozeman 140 years ago - on
November 11, 1877. Willson’s ongoing legacy enriches all who have his buildings as a part of
their lives.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of
Bozeman, Montana, to be affixed this 6th day of November, 2017.
Signed and proclaimed this 6th day of November, 2017 in Bozeman, Montana.
______________________________________________
Carson Taylor
Mayor
Bozeman, Montana
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