National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Basil H. and Frances Jacobson House

Dennis, Michelle

A National Register of Historic Places Registration form for the Basil H. and Frances Jacobson House. Narrative Description Summary Paragraph: "The Basil H. and Frances Jacobson House (hereafter referred to as the Jacobson House) is a single-family dwelling located in Vermillion, Clay County, South Dakota. It was designed by architect John Normile, who was the Building Editor of the Better Homes & Garden magazine for more than 30 years. The plans for the home were purchased through the Better Homes & Gardens house plans service and the house was constructed in 1968. It is an example of a mid-century modern style of architecture referred to as the Contemporary style." Statement of Significance Summary Paragraph: "The Jacobson House is significant as an intact example of mid-century modern architecture referred to as the Contemporary style. As of this writing, it is the only confirmed example of a house constructed from plans purchased through the home plans division of Better Homes & Gardens in Vermillion. In addition to its significance as an example of this style and as an example of a Better Homes & Gardens plan, it is significant in that the plan was designed by architect John Normile, who served as the Building Editor of the Better Homes & Gardens home plans division for more than 30 years. The house is the only documented example in South Dakota designed by Normile. The house is eligible under Criterion C and is significant at the local level. The period of significance is 1968, the year in which it was constructed." Project funding was provided in part by a Historic Preservation Fund grant to the South Dakota State Historical Society, administered by the State, Tribal, Local Plans and Grants division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior (grant number P21AF10630).

National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Basil H. and Frances Jacobson House

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