Dumas Seed Company warehouse

Last updated
Dumas Seed Company dry pea warehouse, South Facade Dumas seed company warehouse south facade.JPG
Dumas Seed Company dry pea warehouse, South Facade

The Dumas Seed Company warehouse, located in Pullman, Washington at 110 Whitman Street, is a steel pre-engineered structure that served for several decades as an agriculture storage facility for dry peas harvested from farms around the Palouse region. The warehouse served as a storage depot for a series of agricultural growers, before its conversion into an RV and boat storage facility in 2002 its current owners. Centrally located in Pullman's "Original Town Neighborhood," the structure is also central to the city's historical roots in agriculture and farming. [1]

Contents

Peas on the Palouse

Dry peas are an important rotation crop in the Palouse region, along with lentils and garbanzo beans. As a nitrogen-fixating plant, the legumes replenish the soil and enhance the area's wheat production. Farmers harvest the variety of peas planted on the Palouse after they are completely dry. The purpose of seed warehouses is to store the peas until the farmer is ready to sell them, either for a higher price or for supplemental operating funds. Local farms produce twenty-five percent of the nation's dry peas and lentil. During WW II, area farmers shipped 60 million pounds of dry peas to war-torn areas. [2] Dry peas fulfill a variety of purposes for both human and animal consumption, including Campbell's split-pea soup packets and as a supplemental ingredient for animal feed.

Edwin A. Dumas

Edwin A. Dumas purchased the seed warehouse to store dry peas in the early 1960s. [3] Dumas, a long-time resident of Pullman whose father established the first commercial apple orchard in the state of Washington, began working in the agricultural industry as a field man for the Green Giant Company after high school graduation. In 1942, Dumas began his career in pea processing, working for Klemgard Pea Processing Company in Pullman. In 1959, he purchased a competitor's seed company, Washburn-Wilson Seed Co. of Moscow, Idaho, and then the Klemgard Company in 1960. He incorporated both companies into one, establishing the Dumas Seed Company of Pullman and Moscow. Dumas was a visionary for the industry, always looking for new uses for dry peas and lentils. Among his innovations was "Ed's Bread, which he created using his own recipes, and sold at the local IGA supermarket. He also pioneered the trade of dry pea products from the Palouse to Japan. [4] With an original assessed value of $50,196, the building appraised at a value three times that when Ed Dumas sold it along with his company in 1976. [3]

Building type

The Dumas Seed Company warehouse is a Butler Building, constructed on a concrete foundation and floor with rigid-frame steel walls and roof. [3] The Butler Manufacturing Company began building structures for the agricultural industry in 1907 when it introduced the galvanized steel grain bin, opening its Galesburg, Illinois facility in 1939 to meet government demand for the storage bins during the New Deal. After considerable success with grain bin production, the company branched out into pre-engineered buildings in 1939. Although not a new concept, engineers had previously considered the application of a pre-engineered rigid frame to prefabricated buildings as not feasible due to the complicated stress calculations required. Two engineers working for the Butler Company found a way to make it work and consequently contributed by producing a pre-fabricated, pre-engineered building that assembled easily, requiring less steel and labor than previous pre-engineered buildings. Steelworkers in Butler's Galesburg facility began manufacturing steel buildings after WWII. The company manufactured the components at the factory, and then shipped them via railroad to building sites where a concrete slab served as a foundation for the on-site assemblage of the building. The Butler Manufacturing Company continues to manufacture steel pre-engineered buildings today, including other factories and pre-engineered football practice facilities, warehouses, churches, offices, and airplane hangars. [5]

Building design

The large-scale, prefabricated steel Dumas warehouse, with its lack of ornamentation and clean simple lines, reflects a modernist architectural aesthetic. Architectural historians link modernist architecture to ideas of industrial production and works of a purpose-built nature expressing the "potential of the machine to deliver a product with precision and economy." [6] : 31  The Dumas Seed Company warehouse exemplifies these attributes, and along with a build date in the early 1960s, it falls easily into the modernist category. While some may consider it an exaggeration to attribute architectural aesthetics to a warehouse, examples of earlier seed warehouses show that it was common to construct them in keeping with the architectural aesthetic of the time. For example, the B.B. Kirkland Seed and Distributing Company warehouse, built in 1916 with its tripartite exterior and frieze, common to many nineteenth and early turn-of the twentieth-century renaissance revival styles, reveals a different aesthetic than the Dumas warehouse. The lack of ornamentation and simplification of form emulated in the Dumas warehouse, often indicative of modern architecture,compares starkly with the Kirkland warehouse.

Significance

The Dumas Seed Company warehouse, given its age, is eligible for consideration for placement on the National Register of Historic Places. While this is a commonly accepted criterion for placement on the register, preservationists must also determine the building's historical and/or aesthetic significance. [7] As a recent-past structure not designed by an architect, therefore without architectural pedigree, the Dumas warehouse challenges the notion of what preservationists consider historically and/or aesthetically significant. Consideration of the building's historic significance requires what preservationist David Fixler suggests is a rethinking of "traditional notions of architectural conservation" concerning modern buildings. [6] : 32  For example, the natural weathering of the steel roof requires a value placed on what John Ruskin calls the "golden stain of time." [8] While most preservationists value the patina of a copper roof, the concept must extend to an industrial steel roof in this case. As Fixler suggests, this requires an appreciation for a different reason than aesthetic qualities. [6] : 32  The building's patina reveals the passage of time as a point of historical significance, rather than aesthetic beauty.

The National Preservation Act of 1966 (Public Law 89-665) broadened the definition of historical significance beyond national significance to include structures that had meaning for local history, whether or not they were aesthetically pleasing or architecturally significant, in order to consider historic cultural significance. [9] : 49–51  Title I of the legislation directed the secretary of the interior to create the National Register of Historic Places to include "sites, buildings, objects, districts, and structures significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, and culture" in the list of sites and properties of the past worth keeping. [9] : 5  Suggesting that preservationists concern themselves with the total heritage of the nation, the law gave credence to preserving a building such as the Dumas Seed Company warehouse because of its broader significance as a cultural venue and an expression of vernacular architecture.

With a broader definition of historical significance than previously considered by preservationists, recent-past preservationists tend to emphasize socio-cultural contexts rather than the previous criteria of age, aesthetics and pedigree. [10] Part of the "original neighborhood district" of Pullman, the Dumas Seed Company warehouse makes connections to the town's roots as a farming community. [11] It celebrates the city's origins in agriculture, the significance the railroad played in its development, and can serve to celebrate the story of the working class. Dumas himself started as a field man, then worked his way up to become owner and president of the company. Preserving the story of agriculture on the Palouse is an important part of Pullman's everyday past.

Related Research Articles

Moscow, Idaho City in northern Idaho, United States

Moscow is a city in northern Idaho along the state border with Washington, with a population of 25,435 at the 2020 census. The county seat and largest city of Latah County, Moscow is the home of the University of Idaho, the state's land-grant institution and primary research university.

Whitman County, Washington County in Washington, United States

Whitman County is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington. As of the 2020 census, the population was 47,973. The county seat is Colfax, and its largest city is Pullman.

Butler, Pennsylvania City in Pennsylvania, United States

Butler is a city and the county seat of Butler County, Pennsylvania. It is located 35 miles (56 km) north of Pittsburgh and is part of the Greater Pittsburgh region. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 13,757.

Colfax, Washington City in Washington, United States

Colfax is the county seat of Whitman County, Washington, United States. The population was 2,805 at the 2010 census. The population is estimated at 2,911 per the State of Washington Office of Financial Management in 2018 making Colfax the second largest city in Whitman County behind Pullman. It is situated amidst wheat-covered hills in a valley at the confluence of the north and south forks of the Palouse River. U.S. Route 195, which forms the town's main street, intersects with State Route 26 at the north end of town; in the past, Colfax also lay at the junction of three major railway lines. It was named after Schuyler Colfax, the vice president from 1869–73.

Pullman, Washington City in Washington, United States

Pullman is the largest city in Whitman County, located in southeastern Washington state within the Palouse region of the Pacific Northwest. The population was 29,799 at the 2010 census, and estimated to be 34,506 in 2019. Originally founded as Three Forks, the city was renamed after industrialist George Pullman in 1884.

Legume Plant in the family Fabaceae

A legume is a plant in the family Fabaceae, or the fruit or seed of such a plant. When used as a dry grain, the seed is also called a pulse. Legumes are grown agriculturally, primarily for human consumption, for livestock forage and silage, and as soil-enhancing green manure. Well-known legumes include beans, soybeans, peas, chickpeas, peanuts, lentils, lupins, mesquite, carob, tamarind, alfalfa, and clover. Legumes produce a botanically unique type of fruit – a simple dry fruit that develops from a simple carpel and usually dehisces on two sides.

Mezzanine Architectural element

A mezzanine is an intermediate floor in a building which is partly open to the double-height ceilinged floor below, or which does not extend over the whole floorspace of the building, a loft with non-sloped walls. However, the term is often used loosely for the floor above the ground floor, especially where a very high-ceilinged original ground floor has been split horizontally into two floors.

Palouse Geographic region of Northwestern United States dominated by wheat-based agriculture

The Palouse is a distinct geographic region of the northwestern United States, encompassing parts of north central Idaho, southeastern Washington, and, by some definitions, parts of northeast Oregon. It is a major agricultural area, primarily producing wheat and legumes. Situated about 160 miles (260 km) north of the Oregon Trail, the region experienced rapid growth in the late 19th century.

The National Lentil Festival is an annual festival in Pullman, Washington.

Austin, Nichols and Company Warehouse United States historic place

The Austin, Nichols and Company Warehouse, also known as 184 Kent Avenue and Austin Nichols House, is a historic warehouse building on the East River between North 3rd and North 4th Streets in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York City. The structure, measuring 179 by 440 feet, was built in the Egyptian Revival style; it is one of the city's few buildings in that style. The building was designed by architect Cass Gilbert and erected by general contractor Turner Construction with the help of structural engineer Gunvald Aus.

Clayton Mark, one of the pioneer makers of steel pipe in the United States, was an industrialist in the Chicago area who founded the Mark Manufacturing Company in 1888, a firm for the fabrication and sale of water-well supplies and Clayton Mark and Company in 1900. In addition, Mark founded Marktown, a planned worker community in Northwest Indiana on the National Register of Historic Places. He was known for his philanthropy and civic contributions.

Pullman Flatiron Building

The Pullman Flatiron Building in downtown Pullman, Washington was constructed in 1904 and completed in spring 1905. Located in Whitman County, it faces Main Street and is located between Grand Avenue and the High Street plaza. It was designed by William Swain, a popular Pullman architect at the time. The two-story Flatiron was built as an office building in a triangular shape, based on the plot of land it was built on. Multiple businesses have occupied the building over its lifetime, including banks, insurance companies, and a dentist.

Red Brick Roads Neighborhood of Pullman, Washington, U.S.

The Red Brick Roads, in Pullman, Washington, are a block of NE Maple St. and a block of NE Palouse St. and together are the last remaining brick streets in the city. In 2014, the roads were listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The roads, paved in 1913, are important landmarks because they made transportation easier along the only of the city's Star routes, providing an essential connection between the Northern Pacific Railroad depot and the growing campus of Washington State College. The steepest part of the route to campus received brick paving to provide traction for horses and automobiles—particularly during the difficult winter months.

Julius Kahn (inventor) American inventor (1874–1942)

Julius Kahn was an American engineer, industrialist, and manufacturer. He was the inventor of the Kahn system, a reinforced concrete engineering technique for building construction. The Kahn system, which he patented in 1903, was used worldwide for housing, factories, offices and industrial buildings. He formed his own company, Trussed Concrete Steel Company, as a manufacturing source for his inventions. He also founded United Steel Company and was chairman of Truscon Laboratories.

Trussed Concrete Steel Company American steel company

The Trussed Concrete Steel Company was founded in 1903 by Julius Kahn, an engineer and inventor. Its headquarters were in Detroit, Michigan, and its steel factory was in Youngstown, Ohio. The long company name changed to a shortened version of "Truscon" for public relations. Julius brought his brother Albert into the company for his architectural skills. The company manufactured prefabricated products of reinforced concrete beams and steel forms for reinforced concrete floors and walls. This allowed floor plans to have longer spans than in conventional construction. The solid-slab reinforced concrete construction produced better shearing stresses. Larger walls could be built with fewer supports which meant larger exterior windows could be used for better sunlight and ventilation.

ASN Co building Heritage-listed building in New South Wales, Australia

The ASN Co building is a heritage-listed building located at 1-5 Hickson Road, The Rocks, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Completed in 1885 and built in the Pre-Federation Anglo Dutch style under the direction of William Wardell and his associate, Walter Liberty Vernon, the building served as the principal offices and warehouse for the Australasian Steam Navigation Company until the company's merger in 1887, when the Government of New South Wales acquired the land used for ordinance facilities and later as government administration offices. Since 1989 the building has been owned by the Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority and its successors. The building is currently used as an art gallery to display the works of Ken Done.

Bushells Building Building in Sydney, Australia

The Bushells Building is a heritage-listed former industrial building, warehouse and factory and now offices located at 121-127 Harrington Street in the inner city Sydney suburb of The Rocks in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by H. E. Ross & Rowe and built from 1924 to 1925 by A. C. Lewis Constructions. It is also known as part address 122-142 Gloucester Street (Bushell's). The property is owned by Property NSW, an agency of the Government of New South Wales. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002.

Old Bushells Factory Historic site in New South Wales, Australia

The Old Bushells Factory is a heritage-listed former Bushells Tea factory and warehouse, now used as shops, offices and an art gallery, located at 86-88 George Street in the inner city Sydney suburb of The Rocks in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. No. 86 was designed by Walter Liberty Vernon; and both buildings were built from 1886 to 1912. It is also known as the Old Bushells Factory and Warehouse; Bushells Place; Bushells Warehouse and Bushells Offices; and Health Commission Building (Bushell's). The property is owned by Property NSW, an agency of the Government of New South Wales. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002.

MSB Stores Complex Historic site in New South Wales, Australia

The MSB Stores Complex is a heritage-listed former warehouse and gas manufacturing plant and now offices and storage located at 2-4 Jenkins Street, in the inner city Sydney suburb of Millers Point in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was built from 1844. It is also known as Maritime Services Board Office and Store and Australian Gas Light Company Stores and Offices. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 18 April 2000.

Burns Philp Building, Sydney Historic site in New South Wales, Australia

The Burns Philp Building is a heritage-listed commercial building located at 5-11 Bridge Street in the Sydney central business district, in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by A. L. and G. McCredie and built from 1899 to 1900 by Mitchell and King. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

References

  1. ↑ Washington Department of Engineering, Subdivision Map, North Half of Section 5, City of Pullman, Washington, May 19, 1972. Pullman Grain Growers commissioned the structure as a seed warehouse to store dry peas in the late 1958-9 for the Stokely Van Camp Company.
  2. ↑ Whitman County Historical Society, "Peas and Thank-you," Moscow-Pullman Daily News, Weekend Edition, 14–15 April 2012, 3D.
  3. 1 2 3 Whitman County Assessor's Office, Warehouse Improvement Survey Record, Dumas folder.
  4. ↑ Whitman County Historical Society Archive Collection 0394, the Dumas Collection, Series B.
  5. ↑ "About Us". Butler Manufacturing. Retrieved March 11, 2012.
  6. 1 2 3 Fixler, David N. (2008). "Appropriate Means to an Appropriate End: Industry, Modernism and Preservation". APT Bulletin . 39 (4): 31–36. JSTOR   25433963.
  7. ↑ "Home". nps.gov.
  8. ↑ Ruskin, John (1880). "The Lamp of Memory". The Seven Lamps of Architecture. New York: Thomas Crowell and Co. p. 246.
  9. 1 2 Murtagh, William J. (2006). "Government and Preservation Since World War II". Keeping Time: The History and Theory of Preservation in America. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
  10. ↑ Shapiro, Kelli (2007). "From Modernism to McDonald's: Ideology, Controversy, and the Movement to Preserve the Recent Past". Journal of Architectural Education : 6. doi:10.1111/j.1531-314X.2007.00145.x. S2CID   145120221.
  11. ↑ Luedeking, Robert (2010). Images of America: Pullman. The Whitman County Historical Society. Charleston, S.C.: Arcadia Publishing. pp. 7–14.

Coordinates: 46°44′0.7″N117°10′40.2″W / 46.733528°N 117.177833°W / 46.733528; -117.177833

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.