George Awsumb

George Awsumb
Born(1880-07-20)July 20, 1880
Skien, Telemark, Norway
DiedNovember 24, 1959(1959-11-24) (aged 79)
Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
Alma materUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign
OccupationArchitect
SpouseElla Mabel (Wells) Awsumb
ChildrenWells, Georgianna & Richard
Buildings

George Awsumb (20 July 1880 – 24 November 1959) was a prominent Norwegian-American architect in the first half of the 20th century. Awsumb defined architecture as "frozen music" designed for the "man on the street". He was influenced by his early life, European travels, and prevailing architectural trends of his time. His eclectic, progressive portfolio included neoclassical, Gothic Revival, Prairie School, and International Style designs. Several buildings that Awsumb designed have been in continuous use in the American Midwest and South for over 100 years. In particular, Awsumb began a family architectural legacy that contributed to the progress and development of Memphis, Tennessee.[1]

Awsumb's most notable works are grand public buildings and places of worship. Awsumb is credited with designing "some of the most beautiful churches in the South,"[2] including Idlewild Presbyterian Church, called "the South’s Cathedral of Presbyterianism".[3] He designed several buildings which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places for their architecture, including the Dermon Building and the Baron Hirsch Synagogue in Memphis, Tennessee,[4][5] and Dorchester Academy near Midway, Georgia.[6]

  1. ^ "Awsumb Architectural Collection". memphislibrary.contentdm.oclc.org. Retrieved 2019-12-16.
  2. ^ "George Awsumb". The Tampa Tribune. November 25, 1959. p. 1. Retrieved April 19, 2018.
  3. ^ "Idlewild Presbyterian Church - Idlewild's History". idlewildchurch.org. Retrieved 2019-12-16.
  4. ^ "National Register of Historic Places Inventory--Nomination Form: Dermon Building". National Park Service. United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved April 19, 2018.
  5. ^ Van West, Carroll; Binnicker, Margaret Duncan (2004). A History of Tennessee Arts: Creating Traditions, Expanding Horizons. Knoxville, Tennessee: University of Tennessee Press. ISBN 9781572332393. OCLC 52377497.
  6. ^ Caridad de la Vega; Susan Cianci Salvatore (February 9, 2006), National Historic Landmark Nomination: Dorchester Academy Boys' Dormitory / Dorchester Center (PDF), National Park Service, archived from the original (PDF) on October 25, 2012