Mid-Century Modern Vancouver

The Historic Trust is presenting an exploration of the architecture and history of mid-twentieth century Vancouver with State Architectural Historian Michael Houser. Learn about mid-century modern architectural styles, and the builders and designers who brought them to life. Houser will highlight several notable local designers including Day W. Hilborn, Donald Stewart, Keith Bradbury, and William D. Cassady.

Houser has served as the Architectural Historian for the State of Washington for more than 20 years, and has a long record of helping building owners and the general public understand and connect with the architecture and history of their communities. Currently he manages the State and National Register programs at the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation in Olympia, as well as Washington’s unique Heritage Barn Program. Houser helped heighten public awareness of post-WWII resources by establishing the “Nifty-from-the-Last 50 Initiative,” which has documented over 300 mid-century modern buildings across the state and continues to grow. Recent projects include writing biographies of architects and building designers who practiced around the state, and a study of the late 1950s nationwide Gold Medallion Home program, which promoted the use of residential electricity.

Vancouver native Houser holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho and a Master of Science Degree in Historic Preservation from Eastern Michigan University.  Previous jobs included working as the Historic Preservation Planner for Deschutes County, OR. Earlier experience includes time at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, MI and survey work for the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana.

The program is free, but pre-registration is suggested as space is limited. The Historic Trust Speaker Series is sponsored by University Village. The photo of the 1963 Vancouver Community Library designed by William Cassady is courtesy of the City of Vancouver.