Bozeman’s best-known architect Fred Willson (1877-1956) believed that “architecture was a form of public service; to make the things of daily life beautiful.” During his career, he did just that. His architectural vocabulary stretched from Art Deco, to Mediterranean revival, and to National Park Rustic Architecture – which became known simply as ‘Parkitecture.’ This unique architectural style, perhaps for the first time in the history of American architecture, became an accessory to nature. This presentation by Richard Brown explores the origin of Parkitecture and Fred Willson’s involvement in it.

Recorded on February 21, 2019 at the Museum of the Rockies.