Lindemann, Robert, House
a.k.a. Karl Lindemann House
1.5 mi. E and 2.75 mi. N of Enderlin, Enderlin, NDThe Robert Lindemann house is one of the best-preserved examples of Queen Anne residential design in the community. The house is important in the local context (Enderlin vicinity) as it conveys a typical turn-of-the-century example of an immigrant who, after achieving success in his adopted land, emulated the trappings of high-style American society through grand architecture, extravagant materials, and fine workmanship.
Robert Theodore Lindemann was born in Farsten auf Salten, Brandenburg, Germany on November 4, 1870. He came with his parents and family to America in 1882. The family's first homestead was located in the southwest quarter of Section 24 in Pontiac Township near Enderlin, North Dakota. A few years later the parents acquired the northwest quarter of Section 24 which became the site of the nominated property. The latter site remained Lindemann's home throughout his life. The farm is now owned by his son Karl. Several buildings on the original homestead site, including the home, were built by Lindemann, though little is known of his design source or of his carpentry abilities. The first building constructed on the farm, a granary, served as the family's sleeping quarters while cooking and eating took place in a dugout on the side of the hill for the first few months. The other buildings and structures located on the farm do not meet the National Register requirements for age and/or integrity.
In his adult life, Lindemann experienced considerable financial success, becoming a prominent businessman and owning twenty-one quarters of land in the area. He started a telephone company and was instrumental in the operation of local banks - Peoples and Enderlin State Bank and also Citizen's State Bank, all of which are active today. He was president of the school board of Highland and Pontiac schools for many years.
The Robert Lindemann home exemplifies the finest remaining piece of high-style residential architecture built in the Enderlin area around the turn of the century. With only a few minor changes apparent, the house stands now as it did when built. Prominent exterior features include Queen Anne styling as exhibited by asymmetrical massing, a polygonal corner turret, and a wrap-around porch supported by paired Doric columns.
The Queen Anne design of 1913 represents a late appearance of the style during a period when national trends were following the
Arts and Crafts movement. Only in subtle detailing and interior architectural appointments is the influence of the Arts and Crafts period felt. Double-hung sash windows are broader, reflecting the modernist preference for larger window openings and greater admittance of natural light. In the interior, Victorian influences of classical columns, parquet flooring, and leaded and colored glass transoms persist alongside an Arts and Crafts-inspired fireplace mantel and copper fire screen.
At the time this home was built in 1913, there were several houses built of similar design in the immediate area. There are, however, few remaining from this period. The Lindemann residence is significant in the local context due to the unmatched integrity of both interior and exterior features. Other surviving examples of the Queen Anne style have been extensively remodeled, thereby modernizing their original appearance. One in particular located in the city of Enderlin retains its exterior Queen Anne design of corner tower and asymmetrical balance but the interior has been remodeled, reconfigured, paneling installed, and carpeting added.
The Robert Lindemann house still conveys the social aspirations of its immigrant builder, who in typical fashion, erected a dwelling that reflected national architectural trends and patterns of affluence. Today, many of Lindemann's- ten living children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren continue to make Enderlin their home and take pride in the heritage of their father /grandfather's endeavors.
The period of significance for the house is its construction in 1913.
Local significance of the building:
Robert Theodore Lindemann was born in Farsten auf Salten, Brandenburg, Germany on November 4, 1870. He came with his parents and family to America in 1882. The family's first homestead was located in the southwest quarter of Section 24 in Pontiac Township near Enderlin, North Dakota. A few years later the parents acquired the northwest quarter of Section 24 which became the site of the nominated property. The latter site remained Lindemann's home throughout his life. The farm is now owned by his son Karl. Several buildings on the original homestead site, including the home, were built by Lindemann, though little is known of his design source or of his carpentry abilities. The first building constructed on the farm, a granary, served as the family's sleeping quarters while cooking and eating took place in a dugout on the side of the hill for the first few months. The other buildings and structures located on the farm do not meet the National Register requirements for age and/or integrity.
In his adult life, Lindemann experienced considerable financial success, becoming a prominent businessman and owning twenty-one quarters of land in the area. He started a telephone company and was instrumental in the operation of local banks - Peoples and Enderlin State Bank and also Citizen's State Bank, all of which are active today. He was president of the school board of Highland and Pontiac schools for many years.
The Robert Lindemann home exemplifies the finest remaining piece of high-style residential architecture built in the Enderlin area around the turn of the century. With only a few minor changes apparent, the house stands now as it did when built. Prominent exterior features include Queen Anne styling as exhibited by asymmetrical massing, a polygonal corner turret, and a wrap-around porch supported by paired Doric columns.
The Queen Anne design of 1913 represents a late appearance of the style during a period when national trends were following the
Arts and Crafts movement. Only in subtle detailing and interior architectural appointments is the influence of the Arts and Crafts period felt. Double-hung sash windows are broader, reflecting the modernist preference for larger window openings and greater admittance of natural light. In the interior, Victorian influences of classical columns, parquet flooring, and leaded and colored glass transoms persist alongside an Arts and Crafts-inspired fireplace mantel and copper fire screen.
At the time this home was built in 1913, there were several houses built of similar design in the immediate area. There are, however, few remaining from this period. The Lindemann residence is significant in the local context due to the unmatched integrity of both interior and exterior features. Other surviving examples of the Queen Anne style have been extensively remodeled, thereby modernizing their original appearance. One in particular located in the city of Enderlin retains its exterior Queen Anne design of corner tower and asymmetrical balance but the interior has been remodeled, reconfigured, paneling installed, and carpeting added.
The Robert Lindemann house still conveys the social aspirations of its immigrant builder, who in typical fashion, erected a dwelling that reflected national architectural trends and patterns of affluence. Today, many of Lindemann's- ten living children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren continue to make Enderlin their home and take pride in the heritage of their father /grandfather's endeavors.
The period of significance for the house is its construction in 1913.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1994.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The famous North Dakota artist, Frederic Remington, spent time in the state in the late 1800s and produced several paintings and sculptures inspired by the Western frontier and the people who lived there.
About Cass County
Cass County Timeline
Cass County, North Dakota, has a rich history that traces back to the early 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Dakota and Ojibwe peoples, who relied on the fertile soil and abundant resources of the region for their livelihoods.
The first known European settlers arrived in what is now Cass County in the mid-1800s, drawn by the promise of fertile farmland. The area soon became a hub for agricultural development, with settlers establishing numerous small towns and farming communities. In 1873, Cass County was officially created and named after territorial governor George Washington Cass.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Cass County experienced significant growth and development. New rail lines were laid, connecting the county to markets across the region and facilitating the transportation of goods. As the county and its population expanded, new industries emerged, including flour mills, lumber production, and manufacturing.
In the early 20th century, Cass County faced challenges such as drought, economic downturns, and the impact of World War I. However, the county managed to weather these challenges and continued to develop. Today, Cass County is the most populous county in North Dakota and remains a major center for agriculture, as well as a hub for education, healthcare, and industry.
The first known European settlers arrived in what is now Cass County in the mid-1800s, drawn by the promise of fertile farmland. The area soon became a hub for agricultural development, with settlers establishing numerous small towns and farming communities. In 1873, Cass County was officially created and named after territorial governor George Washington Cass.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Cass County experienced significant growth and development. New rail lines were laid, connecting the county to markets across the region and facilitating the transportation of goods. As the county and its population expanded, new industries emerged, including flour mills, lumber production, and manufacturing.
In the early 20th century, Cass County faced challenges such as drought, economic downturns, and the impact of World War I. However, the county managed to weather these challenges and continued to develop. Today, Cass County is the most populous county in North Dakota and remains a major center for agriculture, as well as a hub for education, healthcare, and industry.
Cass County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Cass County, North Dakota.
- 1804: Lewis and Clark expedition explores the area of present-day Cass County
- 1818: The region becomes part of the land acquired through the Treaty of Fort Jackson
- 1872: Cass County is established by the Dakota Territory Legislature
- 1873: The city of Fargo is founded as the county seat
- 1879: The Great Northern Railway reaches Fargo, boosting the city's growth and development
- 1881: North Dakota Agricultural College (now North Dakota State University) is established in Fargo
- 1893: The Fargo-Moorhead Flood devastates the region
- 1957: The first Interstate highway in the state, Interstate 29, is opened in Cass County
- 1974: Fargo experiences a major tornado outbreak, causing significant damage
- 1997: The Red River Flood of 1997 causes extensive flooding in the county