Gaastra, T. Charles (Tjalke Charles).

Tjalke Charles Gaastra was born in the Netherlands in 1879, and later immigrated to the mid-western United States with his family. Between the ages of 14 to 21, Gaastra worked as a hod carrier, bricklayer and logger. From 1901-1910, he was listed as an architect in Kenosha, Wisconsin. In 1911, Gaastra received his architecture license from the state of Illinois, and worked in Chicago for seven years designing schools. He married in 1917 and moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico to work for his brother's contracting business. In 1924 Gaastra formed the firm Gaastra, Gladding, Johnson & Scoville. In 1927, the firm was renamed Gaastra, Gladding and Johnson, and existed for one year in Santa Fe. From 1929-1932, Gaastra worked with Gladding in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Gaastra received his New Mexico architecture license in 1931. From 1933-1946, Gaastra continued to live in Albuquerque, practicing with architect William E. Burk, Jr. Gaastra utilized various styles during his career. The Neo-Classic and Prairie style influence is seen in his Midwest buildings. The California Mission-Revival Style, and the Spanish Pueblo-Revival Style are seen in his New Mexico designs. Gaastra's important contributions were: Monte Vista Elementary School, Albuquerque, New Mexico (1930-1931); the original Bernalillo County Court House, Albuquerque, New Mexico (1923-1925); the Wool Warehouse, Albuquerque, New Mexico (1928-1929), an excellent example of the Egyptian Revival Style; Eugene Field School, Albuquerque, New Mexico (1927); The Bell Indian Trading Post, Albuquerque, New Mexico (1946); and Bishop's Lodge, Santa Fe, New Mexico (1928). The Spanish Pueblo Revival Style was utilized in the Cassel Motor Company building, Santa Fe, New Mexico (ca. 1923), as well as Carlisle Gymnasium, University of New Mexico campus, Albuquerque, New Mexico (1927-1928).

Tjalke Charles Gaastra was born in the Netherlands in 1879, and later immigrated to the mid-western United States with his family. Between the ages of 14 to 21, Gaastra worked as a hod carrier, bricklayer and logger. From 1901-1910, he was listed as an architect in Kenosha, Wisconsin. In 1911, Gaastra received his architecture license from the state of Illinois, and worked in Chicago for seven years designing schools. He married in 1917 and moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico to work for his brother's contracting business. In 1924 Gaastra formed the firm Gaastra, Gladding, Johnson *#38; Scoville. In 1927, the firm was renamed Gaastra, Gladding and Johnson, and existed for one year in Santa Fe. From 1929-1932, Gaastra worked with Gladding in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Gaastra received his New Mexico architecture license in 1931. From 1933-1946, Gaastra continued to live in Albuquerque, practicing with architect William E. Burk, Jr.

Gaastra utilized various styles during his career. The Neo-Classic and Prairie style influence is seen in his Midwest buildings. The California Mission-Revival Style, and the Spanish Pueblo-Revival Style are seen in his New Mexico designs.

Gaastra's important contributions were: Monte Vista Elementary School, Albuquerque, New Mexico (1930-1931); the original Bernalillo County Court House, Albuquerque, New Mexico (1923-1925); the Wool Warehouse, Albuquerque, New Mexico (1928-1929), an excellent example of the Egyptian Revival Style; Eugene Field School, Albuquerque, New Mexico (1927); The Bell Indian Trading Post, Albuquerque, New Mexico (1946); and Bishop's Lodge, Santa Fe, New Mexico (1928). The Spanish Pueblo Revival Style was utilized in the Cassel Motor Company building, Santa Fe, New Mexico (ca. 1923), as well as Carlisle Gymnasium, University of New Mexico campus, Albuquerque, New Mexico (1927-1928).