Slifer and Abrahamson papers

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: N11

Staff Only

Scope and Content Note

The collection includes drawings (linens and blueprints) for eleven buildings in Minnesota, including seven churches.

Dates

1922-1960

Creator

Abrahamson, Frank, 1885-1972 (Person)
Slifer, Frederick, 1885-1948 (Person)

Language of Materials

English

Restrictions on Access

Available for use in the reading room. Advance notice is requested.

Restrictions on Use

There are no restrictions on the use of materials in this collection. Copies can be requested if the condition of the originals warrants it.

Biographical Note

Frederick Slifer was born in St. Paul on May 9, 1885. He received no formal training in architecture beyond attending the atelier of Emmanuel Masqueray in St. Paul, for whom he worked as a draftsman for several years. Upon the death of Masqueray in 1917, Slifer and two colleagues, Frank Abrahamson and Edwin Lundie, formed a practice to complete the commissions that were underway in the Masqueray office. They finished this business in 1919 and the firm dissolved. Slifer and Abrahamson continued in partnership until Slifer's death in 1948.

Frank Abrahamson was born in Motley, Minnesota, on September 21, 1885, and earned a B.S. in architecture from the University of Pennsylvania in 1911. He returned to St. Paul shortly afterward and entered the office of Emmanuel Masqueray. After Slifer's death, he continued to practice for a number of years. Abrahamson died in St. Paul in 1972.

Slifer and Abrahamson specialized in church architecture and were among the foremost designers in this field in St. Paul.