Bertelsen, Henry C., 1888-1963

Born in Varde, Denmark in 1888, Henry C. Bertelsen arrived in Spokane, Washington in 1905. Before coming to this city he studied art at the Chicago Institute of Fine Art. In 1914, Bertelsen was chief draftsman for Kirkland Cutter in the design of the Davenport Hotel. Other Spokane buildings which he designed in whole or in part include the Spokane Coliseum, the Inland Automobile Association Buildings, the Shrine Hospital for Crippled Children, several buildings on the Gonzaga University campus and buildings for the Sisters of the Holy Names. All of these are noted in major sections of the inventory. Bertelsen was very prominent in charitable and civic projects, e.g., the Salvation Army, Booth Memorial Hospital and the Inland Automobile Association. He was a trustee of the Fairmont Cemetery Association, and a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Inland Empire Boy Scout Council, Rotary, Spokane Club, to mention but a few. He died on August 23, 1963 and was survived by his wife Alma G. Bertelsen, who lived to the age of 93 (1888-1981). She was secretary and receptionist at her husband’s firm.

From the guide to the Henry C. Bertelsen Papers, 1906-1968, (Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture/Eastern Washington State Historical Society Joel E. Ferris Research Library and Archives)