{"title":"Odin J. Oyen Collection","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"very-rare-c-1920-s-reverse-painted-glass-odin-j-oyen-advertising-display-sign-with-original-gilded-frame","title":"very rare c. 1920's reverse-painted glass odin j. oyen advertising display sign with original gilded frame","description":"one of a kind, c. 1920's original and largely intact gilded frame reverse-painted advertising sign for decorator odin j. oyen, lacrosse, wi. the interior window sign was originally displayed in oyen's 507 main street location (see photograph above) in downtown la crosse. the thick plate glass framed panel features a deep burgundy background with gold leaf and foil lettering. the mitered joint gilded wood frame is original and intact. oyen decorating firm traces its roots to company funder odin j. oyen, who arrived in the city of la crosse, wisconsin at the suggestion of ori sorensen (of sorensen and davis contractors) in february of 1888. the opportunity in la crosse for a painter and interior decorator was seemingly  unlimited during around this time period in the late 19th century. the upper midwest building boom of the 1880's and 1890's was well underway - fueled in part by the immense profits generated from the lumber industry. wealthy lumber barons across wisconsin and minnesota were rapidly building large mansions that often required extravagant interior decoration. at the same time, newly-built churches (and many existing ones) were undergoing interior remodeling, including scenic and symboic wall murals, stenciling and other design appplications. additionally, courthouses and other civic buildings were being constructed to serve the new communities formed from immigrants and travelers moving west for new employment opportunities. recognizing the need for a wide clientele, odin j. oyen quickly became involved in bidding on several contracts for these large public buildings, residences, churches and even movie theaters throughout the upper midwest. as his design firm rapidly grew to national prominence, oyen found it necessary to devote more of his time to the business aspects of his decorating firm, which included the formation of a talented staff of artisans to execute the commissions he was securing. oyen drew on the talents of skilled european artisans migrating to america for executing several of the commissions he was awarded. around 1895, he hired his first full time artist-designer joseph erickson, who was born and trained in norway. oyen had met erickson in chicago - possibly at the world's columbian exposition, while working on one of the fair's buildings. the continued growth of the oyen firm demanded a larger and more prestigious location to conduct business. on december 1, 1895, the firm moved to 114 south fourth street, where later the firm added a third floor to the existing building to accommodate his need for additional studio space. the first floor of the extant building is now a restaurant, but the second and third floors remain largely unchanged from oyen's time. in 1902, looking for opportunities to continually broaden his business operation, oyen purchased a sign and bill-posting company, calling it the oyen-ad sign system. this newly developed ad-sign system purportedly controlled the outdoor advertising space within 500 miles of la crosse, wisc., and with it, gave oyen an additional opportunity to place his name before the public. a coca-cola contract for outdoor advertising (e.g., large advertisements were painted on the sides of buildings) provided the sign company with most of the upper midwest territory for advertisement sign boards promoting this brand. in 1903, axel edward soderberg was hired as the firm's primary artist, who would go on to execute the majority of the firm's interior installations (e.g., painted murals, etc.) throughout the early 20 century. oyen enticed soderberg away from andrews decorating company of clinton, iowa, who was his chief rival in this area. another important contract was secured around 1912, when oyen was responsible for decorating the friedman brothers and finklestein and ruben theaters (both firms had offices located in the minneapolis and st. paul). the oyen firm was for designed the interiors of these theatres beginning around 1912 through 1925. another pivotal moment occurred during the fall of 1912, when odin j.oyen firm's constructed a new building (located at 507 main street) that housed a showroom, offices and an art studio on the top floor. interestingly, odin j. oyen was heavily involved in the building's overall design, perhaps influenced by his exposure to various commercial structures popular in new york during this time period. the extant building is essentially, a composite of three different buildings odin had observed in numerous architectural record magazines. oyen's friend, the local architect percy dwight bentley, gave the design its physical form. the new oyen building, illustrated in the november 1913 western architect, is stone faced on the first story with brick above. the projecting cornice consists of a unique assemblage of green glazed terra cotta tiles and painted wood brackets. the site at 507 main street was originally purchased from wm. doerflinger and j. c. toeller for $9,000. the building's exterior facade and interior floor plans remain largely intact to this day. the oyen firm continued to prosper well into the 1920's until the death of the company's founder, who died of lung cancer on july 31, 1926. the business continued on under the name \"odin j. oyen studios\" for less than a decade under the direction of his son, leighton oyen and brother louis oyen. the depression years coupled with the untimely death of louis oyen in 1931, contributed to the decline and eventual closing of the oyen firm. the advertising piece measures 44 x 32 inches. reference only.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669041451306,"sku":"UR-8359-10","price":1500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20100906-20100906-031m_1_2.jpg?v=1759977030"},{"product_id":"series-of-three-original-late-19th-century-american-hand-painted-pine-wood-interior-decorating-trade-signs","title":"series of three original late 19th century american hand-painted pine wood interior decorating trade signs","description":"three original late 19th century hand-painted pine wood american advertising signs made for the odin j. oyen decorating firm. the signs may have been mounted on the exterior facade or perhaps within the windows of the firm's 4th street location (see above) located in downtown la crosse. although the building does remain extant, it underwent a horrific facade-ectomy during the 1960's. the signs remain in great condition, considering age (the signs had been in storage since the 1920's, only to be rediscovered in the late 1990's when the last remaining family member passed on. oyen decorating firm traces its roots to company funder odin j. oyen, who arrived in the city of la crosse, wisconsin at the suggestion of ori sorensen (of sorensen and davis contractors) in february of 1888. the opportunity in la crosse for a painter and interior decorator was seemingly  unlimited during around this time period in the late 19th century. the upper midwest building boom of the 1880's and 1890's was well underway - fueled in part by the immense profits generated from the lumber industry. wealthy lumber barons across wisconsin and minnesota were rapidly building large mansions that often required extravagant interior decoration. at the same time, newly-built churches (and many existing ones) were undergoing interior remodeling, including scenic and symboic wall murals, stenciling and other design appplications. additionally, courthouses and other civic buildings were being constructed to serve the new communities formed from immigrants and travelers moving west for new employment opportunities. recognizing the need for a wide clientele, odin j. oyen quickly became involved in bidding on several contracts for these large public buildings, residences, churches and even movie theaters throughout the upper midwest. as his design firm rapidly grew to national prominence, oyen found it necessary to devote more of his time to the business aspects of his decorating firm, which included the formation of a talented staff of artisans to execute the commissions he was securing. oyen drew on the talents of skilled european artisans migrating to america for executing several of the commissions he was awarded. around 1895, he hired his first full time artist-designer joseph erickson, who was born and trained in norway. oyen had met erickson in chicago - possibly at the world's columbian exposition, while working on one of the fair's buildings. the continued growth of the oyen firm demanded a larger and more prestigious location to conduct business. on december 1, 1895, the firm moved to 114 south fourth street, where later the firm added a third floor to the existing building to accommodate his need for additional studio space. the first floor of the extant building is now a restaurant, but the second and third floors remain largely unchanged from oyen's time. in 1902, looking for opportunities to continually broaden his business operation, oyen purchased a sign and bill-posting company, calling it the oyen-ad sign system. this newly developed ad-sign system purportedly controlled the outdoor advertising space within 500 miles of la crosse, wisc., and with it, gave oyen an additional opportunity to place his name before the public. a coca-cola contract for outdoor advertising (e.g., large advertisements were painted on the sides of buildings) provided the sign company with most of the upper midwest territory for advertisement sign boards promoting this brand. in 1903, axel edward soderberg was hired as the firm's primary artist, who would go on to execute the majority of the firm's interior installations (e.g., painted murals, etc.) throughout the early 20 century. oyen enticed soderberg away from andrews decorating company of clinton, iowa, who was his chief rival in this area. another important contract was secured around 1912, when oyen was responsible for decorating the friedman brothers and finklestein and ruben theaters (both firms had offices located in the minneapolis and st. paul). the oyen firm was for designed the interiors of these theatres beginning around 1912 through 1925. another pivotal moment occurred during the fall of 1912, when odin j.oyen firm's constructed a new building (located at 507 main street) that housed a showroom, offices and an art studio on the top floor. interestingly, odin j. oyen was heavily involved in the building's overall design, perhaps influenced by his exposure to various commercial structures popular in new york during this time period. the extant building is essentially, a composite of three different buildings odin had observed in numerous architectural record magazines. oyen's friend, the local architect percy dwight bentley, gave the design its physical form. the new oyen building, illustrated in the november 1913 western architect, is stone faced on the first story with brick above. the projecting cornice consists of a unique assemblage of green glazed terra cotta tiles and painted wood brackets. the site at 507 main street was originally purchased from wm. doerflinger and j. c. toeller for $9,000. the building's exterior facade and interior floor plans remain largely intact to this day. the oyen firm continued to prosper well into the 1920's until the death of the company's founder, who died of lung cancer on july 31, 1926. the business continued on under the name \"odin j. oyen studios\" for less than a decade under the direction of his son, leighton oyen and brother louis oyen. the depression years coupled with the untimely death of louis oyen in \u003cbr\u003e1931, contributed to the decline and eventual closing of the oyen firm.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669095616810,"sku":"UR-8741-10","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20100906-040m_2.jpg?v=1759978312"},{"product_id":"massive-alex-soderburg-hand-painted-oil-on-canvas-justice-mural-for-courthouse-building","title":"massive alex soderburg hand-painted oil on canvas \"justice\" mural for courthouse building","description":"description will be added shortly.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671003435306,"sku":"UR-20918-14","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140916-068c_2.jpg?v=1760265591"},{"product_id":"assortent-of-original-and-intact-early-20th-century-signed-oyen-firm-library-product-catalogs-and-or-reference-books","title":"assortent of original and intact early 20th century signed oyen firm library product catalogs and\/or reference books","description":"the oyen decorating firm traces its roots to company funder odin j. oyen, who arrived in the city of la crosse, wisconsin at the suggestion of ori sorensen (of sorensen and davis contractors) in february of 1888. the opportunity in la crosse for a painter and interior decorator was seemingly  unlimited during around this time period in the late 19th century. the upper midwest building boom of the 1880's and 1890's was well underway - fueled in part by the immense profits generated from the lumber industry. wealthy lumber barons across wisconsin and minnesota were rapidly building large mansions that often required extravagant interior decoration. at the same time, newly-built churches (and many existing ones) were undergoing interior remodeling, including scenic and symboic wall murals, stenciling and other design appplications. additionally, courthouses and other civic buildings were being constructed to serve the new communities formed from immigrants and travelers moving west for new employment opportunities. recognizing the need for a wide clientele, odin j. oyen quickly became involved in bidding on several contracts for these large public buildings, residences, churches and even movie theaters throughout the upper midwest. as his design firm rapidly grew to national prominence, oyen found it necessary to devote more of his time to the business aspects of his decorating firm, which included the formation of a talented staff of artisans to execute the commissions he was securing. oyen drew on the talents of skilled european artisans migrating to america for executing several of the commissions he was awarded. around 1895, he hired his first full time artist-designer joseph erickson, who was born and trained in norway. oyen had met erickson in chicago - possibly at the world's columbian exposition, while working on one of the fair's buildings. the continued growth of the oyen firm demanded a larger and more prestigious location to conduct business. on december 1, 1895, the firm moved to 114 south fourth street, where later the firm added a third floor to the existing building to accommodate his need for additional studio space. the first floor of the extant building is now a restaurant, but the second and third floors remain largely unchanged from oyen's time. in 1902, looking for opportunities to continually broaden his business operation, oyen purchased a sign and bill-posting company, calling it the oyen-ad sign system. this newly developed ad-sign system purportedly controlled the outdoor advertising space within 500 miles of la crosse, wisc., and with it, gave oyen an additional opportunity to place his name before the public. a coca-cola contract for outdoor advertising (e.g., large advertisements were painted on the sides of buildings) provided the sign company with most of the upper midwest territory for advertisement sign boards promoting this brand. in 1903, axel edward soderberg was hired as the firm's primary artist, who would go on to execute the majority of the firm's interior installations (e.g., painted murals, etc.) throughout the early 20 century. oyen enticed soderberg away from andrews decorating company of clinton, iowa, who was his chief rival in this area. another important contract was secured around 1912, when oyen was responsible for decorating the friedman brothers and finklestein and ruben theaters (both firms had offices located in the minneapolis and st. paul). the oyen firm was for designed the interiors of these theatres beginning around 1912 through 1925. another pivotal moment occurred during the fall of 1912, when odin j.oyen firm's constructed a new building (located at 507 main street) that housed a showroom, offices and an art studio on the top floor. interestingly, odin j. oyen was heavily involved in the building's overall design, perhaps influenced by his exposure to various commercial structures popular in new york during this time period. the extant building is essentially, a composite of three different buildings odin had observed in numerous architectural record magazines. oyen's friend, the local architect percy dwight bentley, gave the design its physical form. the new oyen building, illustrated in the november 1913 western architect, is stone faced on the first story with brick above. the projecting cornice consists of a unique assemblage of green glazed terra cotta tiles and painted wood brackets. the site at 507 main street was originally purchased from wm. doerflinger and j. c. toeller for $9,000. the building's exterior facade and interior floor plans remain largely intact to this day. the oyen firm continued to prosper well into the 1920's until the death of the company's founder, who died of lung cancer on july 31, 1926. the business continued on under the name \"odin j. oyen studios\" for less than a decade under the direction of his son, leighton oyen and brother louis oyen. the depression years coupled with the untimely death of louis oyen in 1931, contributed to the decline and eventual closing of the oyen firm.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671004320042,"sku":"UR-20920-14","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140916-049c_2.jpg?v=1760353794"},{"product_id":"rare-all-origjnal-c-1880-s-matted-charcoal-experimental-rendering-of-intricately-designed-acanthus-leaves-by-odin-j-oyen","title":"rare all origjnal c. 1880's matted charcoal experimental rendering of intricately designed acanthus leaves by odin j. oyen","description":"the oyen decorating firm traces its roots to company founder odin j. oyen, who arrived in the city of la crosse, wisconsin at the suggestion of ori sorensen (of sorensen and davis contractors) in february of 1888. the opportunity in la crosse for a painter and interior decorator was seemingly  unlimited during around this time period in the late 19th century. the upper midwest building boom of the 1880's and 1890's was well underway - fueled in part by the immense profits generated from the lumber industry. wealthy lumber barons across wisconsin and minnesota were rapidly building large mansions that often required extravagant interior decoration. at the same time, newly-built churches (and many existing ones) were undergoing interior remodeling, including scenic and symbolic wall murals, stenciling and other design applications. additionally, courthouses and other civic buildings were being constructed to serve the new communities formed from immigrants and travelers moving west for new employment opportunities. recognizing the need for a wide clientele, odin j. oyen quickly became involved in bidding on several contracts for these large public buildings, residences, churches and even movie theaters throughout the upper midwest. as his design firm rapidly grew to national prominence, oyen found it necessary to devote more of his time to the business aspects of his decorating firm, which included the formation of a talented staff of artisans to execute the commissions he was securing. oyen drew on the talents of skilled european artisans migrating to america for executing several of the commissions he was awarded. around 1895, he hired his first full time artist-designer joseph erickson, who was born and trained in norway. oyen had met erickson in chicago - possibly at the world's columbian exposition, while working on one of the fair's buildings. the continued growth of the oyen firm demanded a larger and more prestigious location to conduct business. on december 1, 1895, the firm moved to 114 south fourth street, where later the firm added a third floor to the existing building to accommodate his need for additional studio space. the first floor of the extant building is now a restaurant, but the second and third floors remain largely unchanged from oyen's time. in 1902, looking for opportunities to continually broaden his business operation, oyen purchased a sign and bill-posting company, calling it the oyen-ad sign system. this newly developed ad-sign system purportedly controlled the outdoor advertising space within 500 miles of la crosse, wisc., and with it, gave oyen an additional opportunity to place his name before the public. a coca-cola contract for outdoor advertising (e.g., large advertisements were painted on the sides of buildings) provided the sign company with most of the upper midwest territory for advertisement sign boards promoting this brand. in 1903, axel edward soderberg was hired as the firm's primary artist, who would go on to execute the majority of the firm's interior installations (e.g., painted murals, etc.) throughout the early 20 century. oyen enticed soderberg away from andrews decorating company of clinton, iowa, who was his chief rival in this area. another important contract was secured around 1912, when oyen was responsible for decorating the friedman brothers and finklestein and ruben theaters (both firms had offices located in the minneapolis and st. paul). the oyen firm was for designed the interiors of these theaters beginning around 1912 through 1925. another pivotal moment occurred during the fall of 1912, when odin j.oyen firm's constructed a new building (located at 507 main street) that housed a showroom, offices and an art studio on the top floor. interestingly, odin j. oyen was heavily involved in the building's overall design, perhaps influenced by his exposure to various commercial structures popular in new york during this time period. the extant building is essentially, a composite of three different buildings odin had observed in numerous architectural record magazines. oyen's friend, the local architect percy dwight bentley, gave the design its physical form. the new oyen building, illustrated in the november 1913 western architect, is stone faced on the first story with brick above. the projecting cornice consists of a unique assemblage of green glazed terra cotta tiles and painted wood brackets. the site at 507 main street was originally purchased from wm. doerflinger and j. c. toeller for $9,000. the building's exterior facade and interior floor plans remain largely intact to this day. the oyen firm continued to prosper well into the 1920's until the death of the company's founder, who died of lung cancer on july 31, 1926. the business continued on under the name \"odin j. oyen studios\" for less than a decade under the direction of his son, leighton oyen and brother louis oyen. the depression years coupled with the untimely death of louis oyen in 1931, contributed to the decline and eventual closing of the oyen firm.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671004483882,"sku":"UR-20922-14","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140915-030c_2.jpg?v=1760353803"},{"product_id":"original-1912-15-altered-gelatin-silver-print-of-odin-j-oyen-s-newly-built-extant-building-front-facade-located-at-507-main-street","title":"original 1912-15 altered gelatin silver print of odin j. oyen's newly-built extant building (front facade) located at 507 main street","description":"the oyen decorating firm traces its roots to company funder odin j. oyen, who arrived in the city of la crosse, wisconsin at the suggestion of ori sorensen (of sorensen and davis contractors) in february of 1888. the opportunity in la crosse for a painter and interior decorator was seemingly  unlimited during around this time period in the late 19th century. the upper midwest building boom of the 1880's and 1890's was well underway - fueled in part by the immense profits generated from the lumber industry. wealthy lumber barons across wisconsin and minnesota were rapidly building large mansions that often required extravagant interior decoration. at the same time, newly-built churches (and many existing ones) were undergoing interior remodeling, including scenic and symboic wall murals, stenciling and other design appplications. additionally, courthouses and other civic buildings were being constructed to serve the new communities formed from immigrants and travelers moving west for new employment opportunities. recognizing the need for a wide clientele, odin j. oyen quickly became involved in bidding on several contracts for these large public buildings, residences, churches and even movie theaters throughout the upper midwest. as his design firm rapidly grew to national prominence, oyen found it necessary to devote more of his time to the business aspects of his decorating firm, which included the formation of a talented staff of artisans to execute the commissions he was securing. oyen drew on the talents of skilled european artisans migrating to america for executing several of the commissions he was awarded. around 1895, he hired his first full time artist-designer joseph erickson, who was born and trained in norway. oyen had met erickson in chicago - possibly at the world's columbian exposition, while working on one of the fair's buildings. the continued growth of the oyen firm demanded a larger and more prestigious location to conduct business. on december 1, 1895, the firm moved to 114 south fourth street, where later the firm added a third floor to the existing building to accommodate his need for additional studio space. the first floor of the extant building is now a restaurant, but the second and third floors remain largely unchanged from oyen's time. in 1902, looking for opportunities to continually broaden his business operation, oyen purchased a sign and bill-posting company, calling it the oyen-ad sign system. this newly developed ad-sign system purportedly controlled the outdoor advertising space within 500 miles of la crosse, wisc., and with it, gave oyen an additional opportunity to place his name before the public. a coca-cola contract for outdoor advertising (e.g., large advertisements were painted on the sides of buildings) provided the sign company with most of the upper midwest territory for advertisement sign boards promoting this brand. in 1903, axel edward soderberg was hired as the firm's primary artist, who would go on to execute the majority of the firm's interior installations (e.g., painted murals, etc.) throughout the early 20 century. oyen enticed soderberg away from andrews decorating company of clinton, iowa, who was his chief rival in this area. another important contract was secured around 1912, when oyen was responsible for decorating the friedman brothers and finklestein and ruben theaters (both firms had offices located in the minneapolis and st. paul). the oyen firm was for designed the interiors of these theatres beginning around 1912 through 1925. another pivotal moment occurred during the fall of 1912, when odin j.oyen firm's constructed a new building (located at 507 main street) that housed a showroom, offices and an art studio on the top floor. interestingly, odin j. oyen was heavily involved in the building's overall design, perhaps influenced by his exposure to various commercial structures popular in new york during this time period. the extant building is essentially, a composite of three different buildings odin had observed in numerous architectural record magazines. oyen's friend, the local architect percy dwight bentley, gave the design its physical form. the new oyen building, illustrated in the november 1913 western architect, is stone faced on the first story with brick above. the projecting cornice consists of a unique assemblage of green glazed terra cotta tiles and painted wood brackets. the site at 507 main street was originally purchased from wm. doerflinger and j. c. toeller for $9,000. the building's exterior facade and interior floor plans remain largely intact to this day. the oyen firm continued to prosper well into the 1920's until the death of the company's founder, who died of lung cancer on july 31, 1926. the business continued on under the name \"odin j. oyen studios\" for less than a decade under the direction of his son, leighton oyen and brother louis oyen. the depression years coupled with the untimely death of louis oyen in 1931, contributed to the decline and eventual closing of the oyen firm.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default 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generated from the lumber industry. wealthy lumber barons across wisconsin and minnesota were rapidly building large mansions that often required extravagant interior decoration. at the same time, newly-built churches (and many existing ones) were undergoing interior remodeling, including scenic and symbolic wall murals, stenciling and other design applications. additionally, courthouses and other civic buildings were being constructed to serve the new communities formed from immigrants and travelers moving west for new employment opportunities. recognizing the need for a wide clientele, odin j. oyen quickly became involved in bidding on several contracts for these large public buildings, residences, churches and even movie theaters throughout the upper midwest. as his design firm rapidly grew to national prominence, oyen found it necessary to devote more of his time to the business aspects of his decorating firm, which included the formation of a talented staff of artisans to execute the commissions he was securing. oyen drew on the talents of skilled european artisans migrating to america for executing several of the commissions he was awarded. around 1895, he hired his first full time artist-designer joseph erickson, who was born and trained in norway. oyen had met erickson in chicago - possibly at the world's columbian exposition, while working on one of the fair's buildings. the continued growth of the oyen firm demanded a larger and more prestigious location to conduct business. on december 1, 1895, the firm moved to 114 south fourth street, where later the firm added a third floor to the existing building to accommodate his need for additional studio space. the first floor of the extant building is now a restaurant, but the second and third floors remain largely unchanged from oyen's time. in 1902, looking for opportunities to continually broaden his business operation, oyen purchased a sign and bill-posting company, calling it the oyen-ad sign system. this newly developed ad-sign system purportedly controlled the outdoor advertising space within 500 miles of la crosse, wisc., and with it, gave oyen an additional opportunity to place his name before the public. a coca-cola contract for outdoor advertising (e.g., large advertisements were painted on the sides of buildings) provided the sign company with most of the upper midwest territory for advertisement sign boards promoting this brand. in 1903, axel edward soderberg was hired as the firm's primary artist, who would go on to execute the majority of the firm's interior installations (e.g., painted murals, etc.) throughout the early 20 century. oyen enticed soderberg away from andrews decorating company of clinton, iowa, who was his chief rival in this area. another important contract was secured around 1912, when oyen was responsible for decorating the friedman brothers and finklestein and ruben theaters (both firms had offices located in the minneapolis and st. paul). the oyen firm was for designed the interiors of these theaters beginning around 1912 through 1925. another pivotal moment occurred during the fall of 1912, when odin j.oyen firm's constructed a new building (located at 507 main street) that housed a showroom, offices and an art studio on the top floor. interestingly, odin j. oyen was heavily involved in the building's overall design, perhaps influenced by his exposure to various commercial structures popular in new york during this time period. the extant building is essentially, a composite of three different buildings odin had observed in numerous architectural record magazines. oyen's friend, the local architect percy dwight bentley, gave the design its physical form. the new oyen building, illustrated in the november 1913 western architect, is stone faced on the first story with brick above. the projecting cornice consists of a unique assemblage of green glazed terra cotta tiles and painted wood brackets. the site at 507 main street was originally purchased from wm. doerflinger and j. c. toeller for $9,000. the building's exterior facade and interior floor plans remain largely intact to this day. the oyen firm continued to prosper well into the 1920's until the death of the company's founder, who died of lung cancer on july 31, 1926. the business continued on under the name \"odin j. oyen studios\" for less than a decade under the direction of his son, leighton oyen and brother louis oyen. the depression years coupled with the untimely death of louis oyen in 1931, contributed to the decline and eventual closing of the oyen firm.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671005204778,"sku":"UR-20925-14","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140914-063x_3.jpg?v=1760441674"},{"product_id":"early-20th-century-moutned-and-signed-oyen-polychromatic-watercolor-interior-architectural-rendering-of-courthouse","title":"early 20th century moutned and signed oyen polychromatic watercolor interior architectural rendering of courthouse","description":"the oyen decorating firm traces its roots to company founder odin j. oyen, who arrived in the city of la crosse, wisconsin at the suggestion of ori sorensen (of sorensen and davis contractors) in february of 1888. the opportunity in la crosse for a painter and interior decorator was seemingly  unlimited during around this time period in the late 19th century. the upper midwest building boom of the 1880's and 1890's was well underway - fueled in part by the immense profits generated from the lumber industry. wealthy lumber barons across wisconsin and minnesota were rapidly building large mansions that often required extravagant interior decoration. at the same time, newly-built churches (and many existing ones) were undergoing interior remodeling, including scenic and symbolic wall murals, stenciling and other design applications. additionally, courthouses and other civic buildings were being constructed to serve the new communities formed from immigrants and travelers moving west for new employment opportunities. recognizing the need for a wide clientele, odin j. oyen quickly became involved in bidding on several contracts for these large public buildings, residences, churches and even movie theaters throughout the upper midwest. as his design firm rapidly grew to national prominence, oyen found it necessary to devote more of his time to the business aspects of his decorating firm, which included the formation of a talented staff of artisans to execute the commissions he was securing. oyen drew on the talents of skilled european artisans migrating to america for executing several of the commissions he was awarded. around 1895, he hired his first full time artist-designer joseph erickson, who was born and trained in norway. oyen had met erickson in chicago - possibly at the world's columbian exposition, while working on one of the fair's buildings. the continued growth of the oyen firm demanded a larger and more prestigious location to conduct business. on december 1, 1895, the firm moved to 114 south fourth street, where later the firm added a third floor to the existing building to accommodate his need for additional studio space. the first floor of the extant building is now a restaurant, but the second and third floors remain largely unchanged from oyen's time. in 1902, looking for opportunities to continually broaden his business operation, oyen purchased a sign and bill-posting company, calling it the oyen-ad sign system. this newly developed ad-sign system purportedly controlled the outdoor advertising space within 500 miles of la crosse, wisc., and with it, gave oyen an additional opportunity to place his name before the public. a coca-cola contract for outdoor advertising (e.g., large advertisements were painted on the sides of buildings) provided the sign company with most of the upper midwest territory for advertisement sign boards promoting this brand. in 1903, axel edward soderberg was hired as the firm's primary artist, who would go on to execute the majority of the firm's interior installations (e.g., painted murals, etc.) throughout the early 20 century. oyen enticed soderberg away from andrews decorating company of clinton, iowa, who was his chief rival in this area. another important contract was secured around 1912, when oyen was responsible for decorating the friedman brothers and finklestein and ruben theaters (both firms had offices located in the minneapolis and st. paul). the oyen firm was for designed the interiors of these theatres beginning around 1912 through 1925. another pivotal moment occurred during the fall of 1912, when odin j.oyen firm's constructed a new building (located at 507 main street) that housed a showroom, offices and an art studio on the top floor. interestingly, odin j. oyen was heavily involved in the building's overall design, perhaps influenced by his exposure to various commercial structures popular in new york during this time period. the extant building is essentially, a composite of three different buildings odin had observed in numerous architectural record magazines. oyen's friend, the local architect percy dwight bentley, gave the design its physical form. the new oyen building, illustrated in the november 1913 western architect, is stone faced on the first story with brick above. the projecting cornice consists of a unique assemblage of green glazed terra cotta tiles and painted wood brackets. the site at 507 main street was originally purchased from wm. doerflinger and j. c. toeller for $9,000. the building's exterior facade and interior floor plans remain largely intact to this day. the oyen firm continued to prosper well into the 1920's until the death of the company's founder, who died of lung cancer on july 31, 1926. the business continued on under the name \"odin j. oyen studios\" for less than a decade under the direction of his son, leighton oyen and brother louis oyen. the depression years coupled with the untimely death of louis oyen in 1931, contributed to the decline and eventual closing of the oyen firm.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671005303082,"sku":"UR-20927-14","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140916-037c_2.jpg?v=1760176985"},{"product_id":"unsigned-early-20th-century-mounted-polychromatic-watercolor-interior-residential-architectural-rendering","title":"unsigned early 20th century mounted polychromatic watercolor interior residential architectural rendering","description":"description pending","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671005368618,"sku":"UR-20928-14","price":1200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140916-032c_2.jpg?v=1760176993"},{"product_id":"leighton-n-oyen-pine-wood-travel-chest-with-hasp-and-hand-painted-lettering","title":"leighton n. oyen pine wood travel chest with hasp and hand-painted lettering","description":"the oyen decorating firm traces its roots to company founder odin j. oyen, who arrived in the city of la crosse, wisconsin at the suggestion of ori sorensen (of sorensen and davis contractors) in february of 1888. the opportunity in la crosse for a painter and interior decorator was seemingly  unlimited during around this time period in the late 19th century. the upper midwest building boom of the 1880's and 1890's was well underway - fueled in part by the immense profits generated from the lumber industry. wealthy lumber barons across wisconsin and minnesota were rapidly building large mansions that often required extravagant interior decoration. at the same time, newly-built churches (and many existing ones) were undergoing interior remodeling, including scenic and symbolic wall murals, stenciling and other design applications. additionally, courthouses and other civic buildings were being constructed to serve the new communities formed from immigrants and travelers moving west for new employment opportunities. recognizing the need for a wide clientele, odin j. oyen quickly became involved in bidding on several contracts for these large public buildings, residences, churches and even movie theaters throughout the upper midwest. as his design firm rapidly grew to national prominence, oyen found it necessary to devote more of his time to the business aspects of his decorating firm, which included the formation of a talented staff of artisans to execute the commissions he was securing. oyen drew on the talents of skilled european artisans migrating to america for executing several of the commissions he was awarded. around 1895, he hired his first full time artist-designer joseph erickson, who was born and trained in norway. oyen had met erickson in chicago - possibly at the world's columbian exposition, while working on one of the fair's buildings. the continued growth of the oyen firm demanded a larger and more prestigious location to conduct business. on december 1, 1895, the firm moved to 114 south fourth street, where later the firm added a third floor to the existing building to accommodate his need for additional studio space. the first floor of the extant building is now a restaurant, but the second and third floors remain largely unchanged from oyen's time. in 1902, looking for opportunities to continually broaden his business operation, oyen purchased a sign and bill-posting company, calling it the oyen-ad sign system. this newly developed ad-sign system purportedly controlled the outdoor advertising space within 500 miles of la crosse, wisc., and with it, gave oyen an additional opportunity to place his name before the public. a coca-cola contract for outdoor advertising (e.g., large advertisements were painted on the sides of buildings) provided the sign company with most of the upper midwest territory for advertisement sign boards promoting this brand. in 1903, axel edward soderberg was hired as the firm's primary artist, who would go on to execute the majority of the firm's interior installations (e.g., painted murals, etc.) throughout the early 20 century. oyen enticed soderberg away from andrews decorating company of clinton, iowa, who was his chief rival in this area. another important contract was secured around 1912, when oyen was responsible for decorating the friedman brothers and finklestein and ruben theaters (both firms had offices located in the minneapolis and st. paul). the oyen firm was for designed the interiors of these theatres beginning around 1912 through 1925. another pivotal moment occurred during the fall of 1912, when odin j.oyen firm's constructed a new building (located at 507 main street) that housed a showroom, offices and an art studio on the top floor. interestingly, odin j. oyen was heavily involved in the building's overall design, perhaps influenced by his exposure to various commercial structures popular in new york during this time period. the extant building is essentially, a composite of three different buildings odin had observed in numerous architectural record magazines. oyen's friend, the local architect percy dwight bentley, gave the design its physical form. the new oyen building, illustrated in the november 1913 western architect, is stone faced on the first story with brick above. the projecting cornice consists of a unique assemblage of green glazed terra cotta tiles and painted wood brackets. the site at 507 main street was originally purchased from wm. doerflinger and j. c. toeller for $9,000. the building's exterior facade and interior floor plans remain largely intact to this day. the oyen firm continued to prosper well into the 1920's until the death of the company's founder, who died of lung cancer on july 31, 1926. the business continued on under the name \"odin j. oyen studios\" for less than a decade under the direction of his son, leighton oyen and brother louis oyen. the depression years coupled with the untimely death of louis oyen in 1931, contributed to the decline and eventual closing of the oyen firm. measures 32 x 19 x 12 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671005499690,"sku":"UR-20929-14","price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140915-020c_2.jpg?v=1760265614"},{"product_id":"rare-oversized-c-1890-s-original-odin-j-oyen-matted-albumen-photographic-print-of-the-the-firm-s-interior-114-s-4th-street-showroom-location","title":"rare oversized c. 1890's original odin j. oyen matted albumen photographic print of the the firm's interior 114 s. 4th street showroom location","description":"the oyen decorating firm traces its roots to company founder odin j. oyen, who arrived in the city of la crosse, wisconsin at the suggestion of ori sorensen (of sorensen and davis contractors) in february of 1888. the opportunity in la crosse for a painter and interior decorator was seemingly  unlimited during around this time period in the late 19th century. the upper midwest building boom of the 1880's and 1890's was well underway - fueled in part by the immense profits generated from the lumber industry. wealthy lumber barons across wisconsin and minnesota were rapidly building large mansions that often required extravagant interior decoration. at the same time, newly-built churches (and many existing ones) were undergoing interior remodeling, including scenic and symbolic wall murals, stenciling and other design applications. additionally, courthouses and other civic buildings were being constructed to serve the new communities formed from immigrants and travelers moving west for new employment opportunities. recognizing the need for a wide clientele, odin j. oyen quickly became involved in bidding on several contracts for these large public buildings, residences, churches and even movie theaters throughout the upper midwest. as his design firm rapidly grew to national prominence, oyen found it necessary to devote more of his time to the business aspects of his decorating firm, which included the formation of a talented staff of artisans to execute the commissions he was securing. oyen drew on the talents of skilled european artisans migrating to america for executing several of the commissions he was awarded. around 1895, he hired his first full time artist-designer joseph erickson, who was born and trained in norway. oyen had met erickson in chicago - possibly at the world's columbian exposition, while working on one of the fair's buildings. the continued growth of the oyen firm demanded a larger and more prestigious location to conduct business. on december 1, 1895, the firm moved to 114 south fourth street, where later the firm added a third floor to the existing building to accommodate his need for additional studio space. the first floor of the extant building is now a restaurant, but the second and third floors remain largely unchanged from oyen's time. in 1902, looking for opportunities to continually broaden his business operation, oyen purchased a sign and bill-posting company, calling it the oyen-ad sign system. this newly developed ad-sign system purportedly controlled the outdoor advertising space within 500 miles of la crosse, wisc., and with it, gave oyen an additional opportunity to place his name before the public. a coca-cola contract for outdoor advertising (e.g., large advertisements were painted on the sides of buildings) provided the sign company with most of the upper midwest territory for advertisement sign boards promoting this brand. in 1903, axel edward soderberg was hired as the firm's primary artist, who would go on to execute the majority of the firm's interior installations (e.g., painted murals, etc.) throughout the early 20 century. oyen enticed soderberg away from andrews decorating company of clinton, iowa, who was his chief rival in this area. another important contract was secured around 1912, when oyen was responsible for decorating the friedman brothers and finklestein and ruben theaters (both firms had offices located in the minneapolis and st. paul). the oyen firm was for designed the interiors of these theatres beginning around 1912 through 1925. another pivotal moment occurred during the fall of 1912, when odin j.oyen firm's constructed a new building (located at 507 main street) that housed a showroom, offices and an art studio on the top floor. interestingly, odin j. oyen was heavily involved in the building's overall design, perhaps influenced by his exposure to various commercial structures popular in new york during this time period. the extant building is essentially, a composite of three different buildings odin had observed in numerous architectural record magazines. oyen's friend, the local architect percy dwight bentley, gave the design its physical form. the new oyen building, illustrated in the november 1913 western architect, is stone faced on the first story with brick above. the projecting cornice consists of a unique assemblage of green glazed terra cotta tiles and painted wood brackets. the site at 507 main street was originally purchased from wm. doerflinger and j. c. toeller for $9,000. the building's exterior facade and interior floor plans remain largely intact to this day. the oyen firm continued to prosper well into the 1920's until the death of the company's founder, who died of lung cancer on july 31, 1926. the business continued on under the name \"odin j. oyen studios\" for less than a decade under the direction of his son, leighton oyen and brother louis oyen. the depression years coupled with the untimely death of louis oyen in 1931, contributed to the decline and eventual closing of the oyen firm.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671015526698,"sku":"UR-20995-14","price":2500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20141001-064c_2.jpg?v=1760265967"},{"product_id":"very-rare-and-historically-important-early-20th-century-framed-and-signed-polychromatic-watercolor-rendering-of-walt-s-restaurant-and-or-heileman-hall","title":"very rare and historically important early 20th century framed and signed polychromatic watercolor rendering of walt's restaurant and\/\/or heileman hall","description":"remarkable and historically important framed early 20th century arts \u0026amp; crafts movement architectural polychromatic watercolor rendering or sketch executed by notable la crosse, wisc. artist and commercial designer, odin j. oyen. the watercolor sketch features the interior of walt's restaurant and\/or g. heileman brewery hall (likely based on existing pictures ((or blueprints dating back to 1896) in preparation for installation of the playful figural wall murals, which includes the distinctive transom panel with old style lager beer bottle logo or emblem above the door. the german-themed murals, along with craftsman style art glass, oversized wrought iron door hinges and glowing lanterns above the seating areas are most impressive. the oversized watercolor sketch is in great overall condition, considering age. likely completed between 1912-20. aside from the brightly colored rendering, no known photographs of the interior as completed by the oyen firm exist. a truly significant art piece representing the very best craftsmanship of the oyen firm, city of la crosse architectural history and old style lager memorabilia. the oyen decorating firm traces its roots to company founder odin j. oyen, who arrived in the city of la crosse, wisconsin at the suggestion of ori sorensen (of sorensen and davis contractors) in february of 1888. the opportunity in la crosse for a painter and interior decorator was seemingly unlimited during around this time period in the late 19th century. the upper midwest building boom of the 1880's and 1890's was well underway - fueled in part by the immense profits generated from the lumber industry. wealthy lumber barons across wisconsin and minnesota were rapidly building large mansions that often required extravagant interior decoration. at the same time, newly-built churches (and many existing ones) were undergoing interior remodeling, including scenic and symbolic wall murals, stenciling and other design applications. additionally, courthouses and other civic buildings were being constructed to serve the new communities formed from immigrants and travelers moving west for new employment opportunities. recognizing the need for a wide clientele, odin j. oyen quickly became involved in bidding on several contracts for these large public buildings, residences, churches and even movie theaters throughout the upper midwest. as his design firm rapidly grew to national prominence, oyen found it necessary to devote more of his time to the business aspects of his decorating firm, which included the formation of a talented staff of artisans to execute the commissions he was securing. oyen drew on the talents of skilled european artisans migrating to america for executing several of the commissions he was awarded. around 1895, he hired his first full time artist-designer joseph erickson, who was born and trained in norway. oyen had met erickson in chicago - possibly at the world's columbian exposition, while working on one of the fair's buildings. the continued growth of the oyen firm demanded a larger and more prestigious location to conduct business. on december 1, 1895, the firm moved to 114 south fourth street, where later the firm added a third floor to the existing building to accommodate his need for additional studio space. the first floor of the extant building is now a restaurant, but the second and third floors remain largely unchanged from oyen's time. in 1902, looking for opportunities to continually broaden his business operation, oyen purchased a sign and bill-posting company, calling it the oyen-ad sign system. this newly developed ad-sign system purportedly controlled the outdoor advertising space within 500 miles of la crosse, wisc., and with it, gave oyen an additional opportunity to place his name before the public. a coca-cola contract for outdoor advertising (e.g., large advertisements were painted on the sides of buildings) provided the sign company with most of the upper midwest territory for advertisement sign boards promoting this brand. in 1903, axel edward soderberg was hired as the firm's primary artist, who would go on to execute the majority of the firm's interior installations (e.g., painted murals, etc.) throughout the early 20 century. oyen enticed soderberg away from andrews decorating company of clinton, iowa, who was his chief rival in this area. another important contract was secured around 1912, when oyen was responsible for decorating the friedman brothers and finklestein and ruben theaters (both firms had offices located in the minneapolis and st. paul). the oyen firm was for designed the interiors of these theatres beginning around 1912 through 1925. another pivotal moment occurred during the fall of 1912, when odin j.oyen firm's constructed a new building (located at 507 main street) that housed a showroom, offices and an art studio on the top floor. interestingly, odin j. oyen was heavily involved in the building's overall design, perhaps influenced by his exposure to various commercial structures popular in new york during this time period. the extant building is essentially, a composite of three different buildings odin had observed in numerous architectural record magazines. oyen's friend, the local architect percy dwight bentley, gave the design its physical form. the new oyen building, illustrated in the november 1913 western architect, is stone faced on the first story with brick above. the projecting cornice consists of a unique assemblage of green glazed terra cotta tiles and painted wood brackets. the site at 507 main street was originally purchased from wm. doerflinger and j. c. toeller for $9,000. the building's exterior facade and interior floor plans remain largely intact to this day. the oyen firm continued to prosper well into the 1920's until the death of the company's founder, who died of lung cancer on july 31, 1926. the business continued on under the name \"odin j. oyen studios\" for less than a decade under the direction of his son, leighton oyen and brother louis oyen. the depression years coupled with the untimely death of louis oyen in 1931, contributed to the decline and eventual closing of the oyen firm.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671017591082,"sku":"UR-21013-14","price":2500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20141013-049x_2.jpg?v=1760266030"},{"product_id":"large-lot-of-early-20th-century-mailed-hand-written-letters-to-and-from-oyen-family-members-pertaining-to-business-and-travel","title":"large lot of early 20th century mailed hand-written letters to and from oyen family members pertaining to business and travel","description":"the oyen decorating firm traces its roots to company founder odin j. oyen, who arrived in the city of la crosse, wisconsin at the suggestion of ori sorensen (of sorensen and davis contractors) in february of 1888. the opportunity in la crosse for a painter and interior decorator was seemingly unlimited during around this time period in the late 19th century. the upper midwest building boom of the 1880's and 1890's was well underway - fueled in part by the immense profits generated from the lumber industry. wealthy lumber barons across wisconsin and minnesota were rapidly building large mansions that often required extravagant interior decoration. at the same time, newly-built churches (and many existing ones) were undergoing interior remodeling, including scenic and symbolic wall murals, stenciling and other design applications. additionally, courthouses and other civic buildings were being constructed to serve the new communities formed from immigrants and travelers moving west for new employment opportunities. recognizing the need for a wide clientele, odin j. oyen quickly became involved in bidding on several contracts for these large public buildings, residences, churches and even movie theaters throughout the upper midwest. as his design firm rapidly grew to national prominence, oyen found it necessary to devote more of his time to the business aspects of his decorating firm, which included the formation of a talented staff of artisans to execute the commissions he was securing. oyen drew on the talents of skilled european artisans migrating to america for executing several of the commissions he was awarded. around 1895, he hired his first full time artist-designer joseph erickson, who was born and trained in norway. oyen had met erickson in chicago - possibly at the world's columbian exposition, while working on one of the fair's buildings. the continued growth of the oyen firm demanded a larger and more prestigious location to conduct business. on december 1, 1895, the firm moved to 114 south fourth street, where later the firm added a third floor to the existing building to accommodate his need for additional studio space. the first floor of the extant building is now a restaurant, but the second and third floors remain largely unchanged from oyen's time. in 1902, looking for opportunities to continually broaden his business operation, oyen purchased a sign and bill-posting company, calling it the oyen-ad sign system. this newly developed ad-sign system purportedly controlled the outdoor advertising space within 500 miles of la crosse, wisc., and with it, gave oyen an additional opportunity to place his name before the public. a coca-cola contract for outdoor advertising (e.g., large advertisements were painted on the sides of buildings) provided the sign company with most of the upper midwest territory for advertisement sign boards promoting this brand. in 1903, axel edward soderberg was hired as the firm's primary artist, who would go on to execute the majority of the firm's interior installations (e.g., painted murals, etc.) throughout the early 20 century. oyen enticed soderberg away from andrews decorating company of clinton, iowa, who was his chief rival in this area. another important contract was secured around 1912, when oyen was responsible for decorating the friedman brothers and finklestein and ruben theaters (both firms had offices located in the minneapolis and st. paul). the oyen firm was for designed the interiors of these theatres beginning around 1912 through 1925. another pivotal moment occurred during the fall of 1912, when odin j.oyen firm's constructed a new building (located at 507 main street) that housed a showroom, offices and an art studio on the top floor. interestingly, odin j. oyen was heavily involved in the building's overall design, perhaps influenced by his exposure to various commercial structures popular in new york during this time period. the extant building is essentially, a composite of three different buildings odin had observed in numerous architectural record magazines. oyen's friend, the local architect percy dwight bentley, gave the design its physical form. the new oyen building, illustrated in the november 1913 western architect, is stone faced on the first story with brick above. the projecting cornice consists of a unique assemblage of green glazed terra cotta tiles and painted wood brackets. the site at 507 main street was originally purchased from wm. doerflinger and j. c. toeller for $9,000. the building's exterior facade and interior floor plans remain largely intact to this day. the oyen firm continued to prosper well into the 1920's until the death of the company's founder, who died of lung cancer on july 31, 1926. the business continued on under the name \"odin j. oyen studios\" for less than a decade under the direction of his son, leighton oyen and brother louis oyen. the depression years coupled with the untimely death of louis oyen in 1931, contributed to the decline and eventual closing of the oyen firm.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default 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immense profits generated from the lumber industry. wealthy lumber barons across wisconsin and minnesota were rapidly building large mansions that often required extravagant interior decoration. at the same time, newly-built churches (and many existing ones) were undergoing interior remodeling, including scenic and symbolic wall murals, stenciling and other design applications. additionally, courthouses and other civic buildings were being constructed to serve the new communities formed from immigrants and travelers moving west for new employment opportunities. recognizing the need for a wide clientele, odin j. oyen quickly became involved in bidding on several contracts for these large public buildings, residences, churches and even movie theaters throughout the upper midwest. as his design firm rapidly grew to national prominence, oyen found it necessary to devote more of his time to the business aspects of his decorating firm, which included the formation of a talented staff of artisans to execute the commissions he was securing. oyen drew on the talents of skilled european artisans migrating to america for executing several of the commissions he was awarded. around 1895, he hired his first full time artist-designer joseph erickson, who was born and trained in norway. oyen had met erickson in chicago - possibly at the world's columbian exposition, while working on one of the fair's buildings. the continued growth of the oyen firm demanded a larger and more prestigious location to conduct business. on december 1, 1895, the firm moved to 114 south fourth street, where later the firm added a third floor to the existing building to accommodate his need for additional studio space. the first floor of the extant building is now a restaurant, but the second and third floors remain largely unchanged from oyen's time. in 1902, looking for opportunities to continually broaden his business operation, oyen purchased a sign and bill-posting company, calling it the oyen-ad sign system. this newly developed ad-sign system purportedly controlled the outdoor advertising space within 500 miles of la crosse, wisc., and with it, gave oyen an additional opportunity to place his name before the public. a coca-cola contract for outdoor advertising (e.g., large advertisements were painted on the sides of buildings) provided the sign company with most of the upper midwest territory for advertisement sign boards promoting this brand. in 1903, axel edward soderberg was hired as the firm's primary artist, who would go on to execute the majority of the firm's interior installations (e.g., painted murals, etc.) throughout the early 20 century. oyen enticed soderberg away from andrews decorating company of clinton, iowa, who was his chief rival in this area. another important contract was secured around 1912, when oyen was responsible for decorating the friedman brothers and finklestein and ruben theaters (both firms had offices located in the minneapolis and st. paul). the oyen firm was for designed the interiors of these theatres beginning around 1912 through 1925. another pivotal moment occurred during the fall of 1912, when odin j.oyen firm's constructed a new building (located at 507 main street) that housed a showroom, offices and an art studio on the top floor. interestingly, odin j. oyen was heavily involved in the building's overall design, perhaps influenced by his exposure to various commercial structures popular in new york during this time period. the extant building is essentially, a composite of three different buildings odin had observed in numerous architectural record magazines. oyen's friend, the local architect percy dwight bentley, gave the design its physical form. the new oyen building, illustrated in the november 1913 western architect, is stone faced on the first story with brick above. the projecting cornice consists of a unique assemblage of green glazed terra cotta tiles and painted wood brackets. the site at 507 main street was originally purchased from wm. doerflinger and j. c. toeller for $9,000. the building's exterior facade and interior floor plans remain largely intact to this day. the oyen firm continued to prosper well into the 1920's until the death of the company's founder, who died of lung cancer on july 31, 1926. the business continued on under the name \"odin j. oyen studios\" for less than a decade under the direction of his son, leighton oyen and brother louis oyen. the depression years coupled with the untimely death of louis oyen in 1931, contributed to the decline and eventual closing of the oyen firm.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671032697130,"sku":"UR-21031-14","price":500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20141001-studio_2.jpg?v=1760177514"},{"product_id":"original-matted-signed-gelatin-silver-print-depicting-leading-oyen-artist-axel-edward-soderberg-positioned-on-ladder-with-brush-against-a-building-mural-in-progress","title":"original matted signed gelatin silver print depicting leading oyen artist axel edward soderberg positioned on ladder with brush against a building mural in progress","description":"the oyen decorating firm traces its roots to company founder odin j. oyen, who arrived in the city of la crosse, wisconsin at the suggestion of ori sorensen (of sorensen and davis contractors) in february of 1888. the opportunity in la crosse for a painter and interior decorator was seemingly unlimited during around this time period in the late 19th century. the upper midwest building boom of the 1880's and 1890's was well underway - fueled in part by the immense profits generated from the lumber industry. wealthy lumber barons across wisconsin and minnesota were rapidly building large mansions that often required extravagant interior decoration. at the same time, newly-built churches (and many existing ones) were undergoing interior remodeling, including scenic and symbolic wall murals, stenciling and other design applications. additionally, courthouses and other civic buildings were being constructed to serve the new communities formed from immigrants and travelers moving west for new employment opportunities. recognizing the need for a wide clientele, odin j. oyen quickly became involved in bidding on several contracts for these large public buildings, residences, churches and even movie theaters throughout the upper midwest. as his design firm rapidly grew to national prominence, oyen found it necessary to devote more of his time to the business aspects of his decorating firm, which included the formation of a talented staff of artisans to execute the commissions he was securing. oyen drew on the talents of skilled european artisans migrating to america for executing several of the commissions he was awarded. around 1895, he hired his first full time artist-designer joseph erickson, who was born and trained in norway. oyen had met erickson in chicago - possibly at the world's columbian exposition, while working on one of the fair's buildings. the continued growth of the oyen firm demanded a larger and more prestigious location to conduct business. on december 1, 1895, the firm moved to 114 south fourth street, where later the firm added a third floor to the existing building to accommodate his need for additional studio space. the first floor of the extant building is now a restaurant, but the second and third floors remain largely unchanged from oyen's time. in 1902, looking for opportunities to continually broaden his business operation, oyen purchased a sign and bill-posting company, calling it the oyen-ad sign system. this newly developed ad-sign system purportedly controlled the outdoor advertising space within 500 miles of la crosse, wisc., and with it, gave oyen an additional opportunity to place his name before the public. a coca-cola contract for outdoor advertising (e.g., large advertisements were painted on the sides of buildings) provided the sign company with most of the upper midwest territory for advertisement sign boards promoting this brand. in 1903, axel edward soderberg was hired as the firm's primary artist, who would go on to execute the majority of the firm's interior installations (e.g., painted murals, etc.) throughout the early 20 century. oyen enticed soderberg away from andrews decorating company of clinton, iowa, who was his chief rival in this area. another important contract was secured around 1912, when oyen was responsible for decorating the friedman brothers and finklestein and ruben theaters (both firms had offices located in the minneapolis and st. paul). the oyen firm was for designed the interiors of these theatres beginning around 1912 through 1925. another pivotal moment occurred during the fall of 1912, when odin j.oyen firm's constructed a new building (located at 507 main street) that housed a showroom, offices and an art studio on the top floor. interestingly, odin j. oyen was heavily involved in the building's overall design, perhaps influenced by his exposure to various commercial structures popular in new york during this time period. the extant building is essentially, a composite of three different buildings odin had observed in numerous architectural record magazines. oyen's friend, the local architect percy dwight bentley, gave the design its physical form. the new oyen building, illustrated in the november 1913 western architect, is stone faced on the first story with brick above. the projecting cornice consists of a unique assemblage of green glazed terra cotta tiles and painted wood brackets. the site at 507 main street was originally purchased from wm. doerflinger and j. c. toeller for $9,000. the building's exterior facade and interior floor plans remain largely intact to this day. the oyen firm continued to prosper well into the 1920's until the death of the company's founder, who died of lung cancer on july 31, 1926. the business continued on under the name \"odin j. oyen studios\" for less than a decade under the direction of his son, leighton oyen and brother louis oyen. the depression years coupled with the untimely death of louis oyen in 1931, contributed to the decline and eventual closing of the oyen firm.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671032795434,"sku":"UR-21032-14","price":500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20141001-artistc_2.jpg?v=1760266118"},{"product_id":"original-c-1885-88-antique-american-documented-odin-j-oyen-graphite-pencil-drawing-featuring-intricate-designed-motifs-or-patterns","title":"original c. 1885-88 antique american documented odin j. oyen graphite pencil drawing featuring intricate designed motifs or patterns","description":"notable la crosse, wisc. artist and interior decorator odin julius oyen was born on may 21, 1865, in trondhjem, norway, where his father, lars oyen, a guilder and molder by trade, owned a factory there that created decorative accessories such as mirrors and picture frames for residential settings. suffering financial difficulties with his business, odin's family left norway to begin a new life in america in 1870, where they briefly stayed in chicago before moving to madison, wisc., in 1872, which at the time, contained a large norwegian population that lent support to the oyen family as they settled in. lars spent his time in madison employed as a painter and wood finisher while raising a family. during this time odin j. spent the next eight years receiving a formal education in madison, with strong encouragement from family and his school to focus on further develop his artistic talents. when not attending school, odin oyen apprenticed with the t.a. nelson decorating firm of madison at the young age of fourteen. in 1883, odin j. enrolled at the art institute of chicago where he studied under john henry vanderpoel, author of the human figure. to make ends meet while attending the art institute, oyen continued to evolve as an artist and gained valuable experience while working for the decorating firm of s. a. maxwell, where he was involved in wallpaper treatments and frescoing in residential and commercial structures in chicago. after completing his studies at the art institute, odin j. moved to la crosse, wisc. in 1888, at the suggestion of ori sorensen of sorensen and davis, contractors. during this time, louis nelson, the son of oyen's madison employer, joined him in organizing an interior decorating business. both young men had known ori sorensen when living in madison and sought to duplicate his success in the rapidly growing city of la crosse. the building boom of the late 19th century was well underway, fueled by the immense profits generated by the city's lumber yards that created many wealthy lumber barons of commerce where building large mansions invited the need for interior decoration to reflect their financial status. the great majority of the drawings discovered in the portfolio are a reflection of oyen's evolution in drawing and\/or design during his last years in chicago.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671056159018,"sku":"UR-21269-14","price":450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20141029-039_2_d_2.jpg?v=1760178874"},{"product_id":"heavily-detailed-and-visually-distinctive-19th-century-american-odin-j-oyen-penciled-notebook-drawing-on-loose-leaf-paper","title":"heavily detailed and visually distinctive 19th century american odin j. oyen penciled notebook drawing on loose leaf paper","description":"notable la crosse, wisc. artist and interior decorator odin julius oyen was born on may 21, 1865, in trondhjem, norway, where his father, lars oyen, a guilder and molder by trade, owned a factory there that created decorative accessories such as mirrors and picture frames for residential settings. suffering financial difficulties with his business, odin's family left norway to begin a new life in america in 1870, where they briefly stayed in chicago before moving to madison, wisc., in 1872, which at the time, contained a large norwegian population that lent support to the oyen family as they settled in. lars spent his time in madison employed as a painter and wood finisher while raising a family. during this time odin j. spent the next eight years receiving a formal education in madison, with strong encouragement from family and his school to focus on further develop his artistic talents. when not attending school, odin oyen apprenticed with the t.a. nelson decorating firm of madison at the young age of fourteen. in 1883, odin j. enrolled at the art institute of chicago where he studied under john henry vanderpoel, author of the human figure. to make ends meet while attending the art institute, oyen continued to evolve as an artist and gained valuable experience while working for the decorating firm of s. a. maxwell, where he was involved in wallpaper treatments and frescoing in residential and commercial structures in chicago. after completing his studies at the art institute, odin j. moved to la crosse, wisc. in 1888, at the suggestion of ori sorensen of sorensen and davis, contractors. during this time, louis nelson, the son of oyen's madison employer, joined him in organizing an interior decorating business. both young men had known ori sorensen when living in madison and sought to duplicate his success in the rapidly growing city of la crosse. the building boom of the late 19th century was well underway, fueled by the immense profits generated by the city's lumber yards that created many wealthy lumber barons of commerce where building large mansions invited the need for interior decoration to reflect their financial status. the great majority of the drawings discovered in the portfolio are a reflection of oyen's evolution in drawing and\/or design during his last years in chicago.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671056224554,"sku":"UR-21270-14","price":425.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20141029-038_2_fn_2.jpg?v=1760178905"},{"product_id":"single-all-original-late-nineteenth-or-early-20th-century-late-oyen-figurative-charcoal-drawing-with-detailed-border-and-free-lunch-sign-against-trash-can","title":"single all original late nineteenth or early 20th century \"late oyen\" figurative charcoal drawing with detailed border and \"free lunch\" sign against trash can","description":"antique original and intact delicately rendered charcoal image of a male figure in hat and coat casting a shadow and standing near a trash can with a label reading \"free lunch.\" in the negative space to the figure's right are white and black text reading \"late \/ oyen\" and beneath a line of small ornamental squares. the image is surrounded by a delicately detailed border that runs behind the objects at the bottom edge, as in a magazine or book cover design. the atmospheric portrait in a somber gray and black palette is in good condition considering age. notable la crosse, wisc. artist and interior decorator odin julius oyen was born on may 21, 1865, in trondhjem, norway, where his father, lars oyen, a guilder and molder by trade, owned a factory there that created decorative accessories such as mirrors and picture frames for residential settings. suffering financial difficulties with his business, odin's family left norway to begin a new life in america in 1870, where they briefly stayed in chicago before moving to madison, wisc., in 1872, which at the time, contained a large norwegian population that lent support to the oyen family as they settled in. lars spent his time in madison employed as a painter and wood finisher while raising a family. during this time odin j. spent the next eight years receiving a formal education in madison, with strong encouragement from family and his school to focus on further developing his artistic talents. when not attending school, odin oyen apprenticed with the t.a. nelson decorating firm of madison at the young age of fourteen. in 1883, odin j. enrolled at the art institute of chicago where he studied under john henry vanderpoel, author of the human figure. to make ends meet while attending the art institute, oyen continued to evolve as an artist and gained valuable experience while working for the decorating firm of s. a. maxwell, where he was involved in wallpaper treatments and frescoing in residential and commercial structures in chicago. after completing his studies at the art institute, odin j. moved to la crosse, wisc. in 1888, at the suggestion of ori sorensen of sorensen and davis, contractors. during this time, louis nelson, the son of oyen's madison employer, joined him in organizing an interior decorating business. both young men had known ori sorensen when living in madison and sought to duplicate his success in the rapidly growing city of la crosse. the building boom of the late 19th century was well underway, fueled by the immense profits generated by the city's lumber yards that created many wealthy lumber barons of commerce where building large mansions invited the need for interior decoration to reflect their financial status. the great majority of the drawings discovered in the portfolio are a reflection of oyen's evolution in drawing and\/or design during his last years in chicago.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671614558506,"sku":"UR-24147-16","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20160331-img_0025_2.jpg?v=1760281738"},{"product_id":"original-early-20th-century-american-polychromatic-watercolor-interior-rendering-depicting-a-tasting-room-and-or-office-for-the-joseph-hussa-brewery-with-stunning-scenic-mural","title":"original early 20th century american polychromatic watercolor interior rendering depicting a tasting room and\/or office for the joseph hussa brewery with stunning scenic mural","description":"original and intact watercolor rendering completed for joseph hussa, a czechoslovakian brewmaster trained in prague, who established the hussa brewery in bangor, wisc. during the mid-19th century. in 2008, the existing building built for the brewery throughout the 19th and 20th century were demolished. the hussa brewery drinking or sampling room, possibly located in or around the brewery's offices was designed by odin j. oyen. murals depictng historic images of the brewery were designed above the door and wood paneling or wainscoting. the polychromtatic architectural waltercolor rendering (signed) was executed by odin j. oyen. the oyen decorating firm traces its roots to company founder odin j. oyen, who arrived in the city of la crosse, wisconsin at the suggestion of ori sorensen (of sorensen and davis contractors) in february of 1888. the opportunity in la crosse for a painter and interior decorator was seemingly unlimited during around this time period in the late 19th century. the upper midwest building boom of the 1880's and 1890's was well underway - fueled in part by the immense profits generated from the lumber industry. wealthy lumber barons across wisconsin and minnesota were rapidly building large mansions that often required extravagant interior decoration. at the same time, newly-built churches (and many existing ones) were undergoing interior remodeling, including scenic and symbolic wall murals, stenciling and other design applications. additionally, courthouses and other civic buildings were being constructed to serve the new communities formed from immigrants and travelers moving west for new employment opportunities. recognizing the need for a wide clientele, odin j. oyen quickly became involved in bidding on several contracts for these large public buildings, residences, churches and even movie theaters throughout the upper midwest. as his design firm rapidly grew to national prominence, oyen found it necessary to devote more of his time to the business aspects of his decorating firm, which included the formation of a talented staff of artisans to execute the commissions he was securing. oyen drew on the talents of skilled european artisans migrating to america for executing several of the commissions he was awarded. around 1895, he hired his first full time artist-designer joseph erickson, who was born and trained in norway. oyen had met erickson in chicago - possibly at the world's columbian exposition, while working on one of the fair's buildings. the continued growth of the oyen firm demanded a larger and more prestigious location to conduct business. on december 1, 1895, the firm moved to 114 south fourth street, where later the firm added a third floor to the existing building to accommodate his need for additional studio space. the first floor of the extant building is now a restaurant, but the second and third floors remain largely unchanged from oyen's time. in 1902, looking for opportunities to continually broaden his business operation, oyen purchased a sign and bill-posting company, calling it the oyen-ad sign system. this newly developed ad-sign system purportedly controlled the outdoor advertising space within 500 miles of la crosse, wisc., and with it, gave oyen an additional opportunity to place his name before the public. a coca-cola contract for outdoor advertising (e.g., large advertisements were painted on the sides of buildings) provided the sign company with most of the upper midwest territory for advertisement sign boards promoting this brand. in 1903, axel edward soderberg was hired as the firm's primary artist, who would go on to execute the majority of the firm's interior installations (e.g., painted murals, etc.) throughout the early 20 century. oyen enticed soderberg away from andrews decorating company of clinton, iowa, who was his chief rival in this area. another important contract was secured around 1912, when oyen was responsible for decorating the friedman brothers and finklestein and ruben theaters (both firms had offices located in the minneapolis and st. paul). the oyen firm was for designed the interiors of these theatres beginning around 1912 through 1925. another pivotal moment occurred during the fall of 1912, when odin j.oyen firm's constructed a new building (located at 507 main street) that housed a showroom, offices and an art studio on the top floor. interestingly, odin j. oyen was heavily involved in the building's overall design, perhaps influenced by his exposure to various commercial structures popular in new york during this time period. the extant building is essentially, a composite of three different buildings odin had observed in numerous architectural record magazines. oyen's friend, the local architect percy dwight bentley, gave the design its physical form. the new oyen building, illustrated in the november 1913 western architect, is stone faced on the first story with brick above. the projecting cornice consists of a unique assemblage of green glazed terra cotta tiles and painted wood brackets. the site at 507 main street was originally purchased from wm. doerflinger and j. c. toeller for $9,000. the building's exterior facade and interior floor plans remain largely intact to this day. the oyen firm continued to prosper well into the 1920's until the death of the company's founder, who died of lung cancer on july 31, 1926. the business continued on under the name \"odin j. oyen studios\" for less than a decade under the direction of his son, leighton oyen and brother louis oyen. the depression years coupled with the untimely death of louis oyen in 1931, contributed to the decline and eventual closing of the oyen firm.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671958065450,"sku":"UR-27329-17","price":2500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140916-043c_1_2_2.jpg?v=1760290139"},{"product_id":"original-and-intact-c-1907-11-antique-american-arts-crafts-grueby-salesman-sample-matte-glazed-tile-belonging-to-the-odin-j-oyen-design-firm","title":"original and intact c. 1907-11 antique american arts \u0026 crafts grueby salesman sample matte glazed tile belonging to the odin j. oyen design firm","description":"early 20th century american craftsman style grueby matte glazed tile offered as a salesman sample used by the odin j. oyen design and decorating firm, located in la crosse, wisc. the glazed ceramic tile features a lightly incised \"cucumber green\" design against a \"seal\" brown background. two matching ornamental tiles are available. manufacturer markings are clear and distinct on the tile's backside. the tiles contain no traces of mortar as they were primarily for show in oyen's studio. the grueby faience company, founded in 1894, was an american ceramics company that produced a wide array of distinctive vases and tiles during america's arts and crafts movement. the company was founded in revere, massachusetts, by william henry grueby (boston 1867—new york 1925), who had been inspired by the matte glazes on french pottery and the refined simplicity of japanese ceramics he had seen at the world's columbian exposition in chicago the previous year, and the architect-designer william graves. during the company's first years, grueby produced glazed architectural terra cotta and faience tiles, which included work in the new york city subway stations. teamed with the designer george prentiss kendrick, who was responsible for the simple vase shapes, beginning in 1897\/98, and focusing primarily on art pottery vases, grueby introduced matte glazes, including the matte \"cucumber green\" that became the company's hallmark. grueby's work won two gold medals and one silver medal at the exposition universelle (paris, 1900), medals at the pan-american exposition (buffalo, 1901), and a gold medal at both the st. petersburg exhibition of ceramics (1901) and the louisiana purchase exposition (st. louis, 1904). grueby faience stood in the mainstream of arts and crafts and art nouveau design in the united states. graves and kendrick were eventually replaced by the architect addison leboutillier and henry belknap, who had worked with louis comfort tiffany. later, karl langenbeck, formerly of the rookwood pottery, would superintend design. soon grueby vases were for sale at samuel bing's shop in paris, l'art nouveau, which gave a name to the progressive art movement, and through tiffany \u0026amp; co. in new york, where tiffany studios used grueby lamp bases. gustav stickley incorporated grueby tiles in his stands and tables, shared a stand with grueby at the pan-american exposition and through his catalog offered grueby vases and lamps. grueby's work incited mass-market competition and the company went bankrupt in 1909. grueby emerged from bankruptcy and began limited production runs that included statues, pottery, and tiles until 1911. there was a fire in the manufactory in 1913, but grueby rebuilt. in 1917, the c. pardee works in perth amboy, new jersey, bought out the company's works; the grueby company closed for good in 1920. grueby faience company, which still remains better known for its art pottery, also produced glazed architectural tiles, which were impressed in molds. grueby polychrome glazed tiles can still be seen in the revetments of interborough rapid transit company subway stations in new york and making up the thirty-six original tile murals in the main lobby of scranton, pennsylvania's lackawanna train station (restored in 2007-09).","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671958130986,"sku":"UR-27330-17","price":500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140914-059c_1_2.jpg?v=1760378701"},{"product_id":"original-and-remarkably-intact-set-of-three-original-antique-american-unframed-c-1920-leighton-n-oyen-signed-graphite-pencil-drawings-of-skulls","title":"original and remarkably intact set of three original antique american unframed c. 1920 leighton n. oyen signed graphite pencil drawings of skulls","description":"the oyen decorating firm traces its roots to company founder odin j. oyen, who arrived in the city of la crosse, wisconsin at the suggestion of ori sorensen (of sorensen and davis contractors) in february of 1888. the opportunity in la crosse for a painter and interior decorator was seemingly unlimited during around this time period in the late 19th century. the upper midwest building boom of the 1880's and 1890's was well underway - fueled in part by the immense profits generated from the lumber industry. wealthy lumber barons across wisconsin and minnesota were rapidly building large mansions that often required extravagant interior decoration. at the same time, newly-built churches (and many existing ones) were undergoing interior remodeling, including scenic and symbolic wall murals, stenciling and other design applications. additionally, courthouses and other civic buildings were being constructed to serve the new communities formed from immigrants and travelers moving west for new employment opportunities. recognizing the need for a wide clientele, odin j. oyen quickly became involved in bidding on several contracts for these large public buildings, residences, churches and even movie theaters throughout the upper midwest. as his design firm rapidly grew to national prominence, oyen found it necessary to devote more of his time to the business aspects of his decorating firm, which included the formation of a talented staff of artisans to execute the commissions he was securing. oyen drew on the talents of skilled european artisans migrating to america for executing several of the commissions he was awarded. around 1895, he hired his first full time artist-designer joseph erickson, who was born and trained in norway. oyen had met erickson in chicago - possibly at the world's columbian exposition, while working on one of the fair's buildings. the continued growth of the oyen firm demanded a larger and more prestigious location to conduct business. on december 1, 1895, the firm moved to 114 south fourth street, where later the firm added a third floor to the existing building to accommodate his need for additional studio space. the first floor of the extant building is now a restaurant, but the second and third floors remain largely unchanged from oyen's time. in 1902, looking for opportunities to continually broaden his business operation, oyen purchased a sign and bill-posting company, calling it the oyen-ad sign system. this newly developed ad-sign system purportedly controlled the outdoor advertising space within 500 miles of la crosse, wisc., and with it, gave oyen an additional opportunity to place his name before the public. a coca-cola contract for outdoor advertising (e.g., large advertisements were painted on the sides of buildings) provided the sign company with most of the upper midwest territory for advertisement sign boards promoting this brand. in 1903, axel edward soderberg was hired as the firm's primary artist, who would go on to execute the majority of the firm's interior installations (e.g., painted murals, etc.) throughout the early 20 century. oyen enticed soderberg away from andrews decorating company of clinton, iowa, who was his chief rival in this area. another important contract was secured around 1912, when oyen was responsible for decorating the friedman brothers and finklestein and ruben theaters (both firms had offices located in the minneapolis and st. paul). the oyen firm was for designed the interiors of these theatres beginning around 1912 through 1925. another pivotal moment occurred during the fall of 1912, when odin j.oyen firm's constructed a new building (located at 507 main street) that housed a showroom, offices and an art studio on the top floor. interestingly, odin j. oyen was heavily involved in the building's overall design, perhaps influenced by his exposure to various commercial structures popular in new york during this time period. the extant building is essentially, a composite of three different buildings odin had observed in numerous architectural record magazines. oyen's friend, the local architect percy dwight bentley, gave the design its physical form. the new oyen building, illustrated in the november 1913 western architect, is stone faced on the first story with brick above. the projecting cornice consists of a unique assemblage of green glazed terra cotta tiles and painted wood brackets. the site at 507 main street was originally purchased from wm. doerflinger and j. c. toeller for $9,000. the building's exterior facade and interior floor plans remain largely intact to this day. the oyen firm continued to prosper well into the 1920's until the death of the company's founder, who died of lung cancer on july 31, 1926. the business continued on under the name \"odin j. oyen studios\" for less than a decade under the direction of his son, leighton oyen and brother louis oyen. the depression years coupled with the untimely death of louis oyen in 1931, contributed to the decline and eventual closing of the oyen firm.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50672009838890,"sku":"UR-27696-18","price":995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140917-049c_1_2.jpg?v=1760380328"},{"product_id":"mid-to-late-19th-century-lars-oyen-odin-j-oyen-s-father-heavily-worn-traveling-wood-steamer-trunk-with-hand-painted-opposed-name-in-bold-white-lettering","title":"mid to late 19th century lars oyen (odin j. oyen's father) heavily worn traveling wood steamer trunk with hand-painted opposed name in bold white lettering","description":"\u003cp\u003ethe oyen decorating firm traces its roots to company founder odin j. oyen, who arrived in the city of la crosse, wisconsin at the suggestion of ori sorensen (of sorensen and davis contractors) in february of 1888. the opportunity in la crosse for a painter and interior decorator was seemingly unlimited during around this time period in the late 19th century. the upper midwest building boom of the 1880's and 1890's was well underway - fueled in part by the immense profits generated from the lumber industry. wealthy lumber barons across wisconsin and minnesota were rapidly building large mansions that often required extravagant interior decoration. at the same time, newly-built churches (and many existing ones) were undergoing interior remodeling, including scenic and symbolic wall murals, stenciling and other design applications. additionally, courthouses and other civic buildings were being constructed to serve the new communities formed from immigrants and travelers moving west for new employment opportunities. recognizing the need for a wide clientele, odin j. oyen quickly became involved in bidding on several contracts for these large public buildings, residences, churches and even movie theaters throughout the upper midwest. as his design firm rapidly grew to national prominence, oyen found it necessary to devote more of his time to the business aspects of his decorating firm, which included the formation of a talented staff of artisans to execute the commissions he was securing. oyen drew on the talents of skilled european artisans migrating to america for executing several of the commissions he was awarded. around 1895, he hired his first full time artist-designer joseph erickson, who was born and trained in norway. oyen had met erickson in chicago - possibly at the world's columbian exposition, while working on one of the fair's buildings. the continued growth of the oyen firm demanded a larger and more prestigious location to conduct business. on december 1, 1895, the firm moved to 114 south fourth street, where later the firm added a third floor to the existing building to accommodate his need for additional studio space. the first floor of the extant building is now a restaurant, but the second and third floors remain largely unchanged from oyen's time. in 1902, looking for opportunities to continually broaden his business operation, oyen purchased a sign and bill-posting company, calling it the oyen-ad sign system. this newly developed ad-sign system purportedly controlled the outdoor advertising space within 500 miles of la crosse, wisc., and with it, gave oyen an additional opportunity to place his name before the public. a coca-cola contract for outdoor advertising (e.g., large advertisements were painted on the sides of buildings) provided the sign company with most of the upper midwest territory for advertisement sign boards promoting this brand. in 1903, axel edward soderberg was hired as the firm's primary artist, who would go on to execute the majority of the firm's interior installations (e.g., painted murals, etc.) throughout the early 20 century. oyen enticed soderberg away from andrews decorating company of clinton, iowa, who was his chief rival in this area. another important contract was secured around 1912, when oyen was responsible for decorating the friedman brothers and finklestein and ruben theaters (both firms had offices located in the minneapolis and st. paul). the oyen firm was for designed the interiors of these theaters beginning around 1912 through 1925. another pivotal moment occurred during the fall of 1912, when odin j.oyen firm's constructed a new building (located at 507 main street) that housed a showroom, offices and an art studio on the top floor. interestingly, odin j. oyen was heavily involved in the building's overall design, perhaps influenced by his exposure to various commercial structures popular in new york during this time period. the extant building is essentially, a composite of three different buildings odin had observed in numerous architectural record magazines. oyen's friend, the local architect percy dwight bentley, gave the design its physical form. the new oyen building, illustrated in the november 1913 western architect, is stone faced on the first story with brick above. the projecting cornice consists of a unique assemblage of green glazed terra cotta tiles and painted wood brackets. the site at 507 main street was originally purchased from wm. doerflinger and j. c. toeller for $9,000. the building's exterior facade and interior floor plans remain largely intact to this day. the oyen firm continued to prosper well into the 1920's until the death of the company's founder, who died of lung cancer on july 31, 1926. the business continued on under the name \"odin j. oyen studios\" for less than a decade under the direction of his son, leighton oyen and brother louis oyen. the depression years coupled with the untimely death of louis oyen in 1931, contributed to the decline and eventual closing of the oyen firm. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50672319430954,"sku":"UR-29784-18","price":3500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20181107-4v0a0327x.jpg?v=1760205945"},{"product_id":"early-20th-century-framed-and-matted-odin-j-oyen-hand-painted-unsigned-polychrome-watercolor-advertisement","title":"early 20th century framed and matted odin j. oyen hand-painted unsigned polychrome watercolor advertisement","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"product.info.description\" class=\"data item content\" data-role=\"content\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"product attribute description\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"value\"\u003every rare single-sided framed and matted hand-painted polychrome watercolor executed by an artisan (possibly odin. j. oyen) for the prominent oyen decorator supply firm located in la crosse, wisc. the watercolor was made on matboard, with pencil markings and other characteristics or visual cues indicating this piece to be more of a \"rough draft' in preparation for the completed piece. the unsigned painting features a woman in dress relaxing in a chair surrounded by furnished articles. the firm's name is prominently positioned in the right corner. the oyen decorating firm traces its roots to company founder odin j. oyen, who arrived in the city of la crosse, wisconsin at the suggestion of ori sorensen (of sorensen and davis contractors) in february of 1888. the opportunity in la crosse for a painter and interior decorator was seemingly unlimited during around this time period in the late 19th century. the upper midwest building boom of the 1880's and 1890's was well underway - fueled in part by the immense profits generated from the lumber industry. wealthy lumber barons across wisconsin and minnesota were rapidly building large mansions that often required extravagant interior decoration. at the same time, newly-built churches (and many existing ones) were undergoing interior remodeling, including scenic and symbolic wall murals, stenciling and other design applications. additionally, courthouses and other civic buildings were being constructed to serve the new communities formed from immigrants and travelers moving west for new employment opportunities. recognizing the need for a wide clientele, odin j. oyen quickly became involved in bidding on several contracts for these large public buildings, residences, churches and even movie theaters throughout the upper midwest. as his design firm rapidly grew to national prominence, oyen found it necessary to devote more of his time to the business aspects of his decorating firm, which included the formation of a talented staff of artisans to execute the commissions he was securing. oyen drew on the talents of skilled european artisans migrating to america for executing several of the commissions he was awarded. around 1895, he hired his first full time artist-designer joseph erickson, who was born and trained in norway. oyen had met erickson in chicago - possibly at the world's columbian exposition, while working on one of the fair's buildings. the continued growth of the oyen firm demanded a larger and more prestigious location to conduct business. on december 1, 1895, the firm moved to 114 south fourth street, where later the firm added a third floor to the existing building to accommodate his need for additional studio space. the first floor of the extant building is now a restaurant, but the second and third floors remain largely unchanged from oyen's time. in 1902, looking for opportunities to continually broaden his business operation, oyen purchased a sign and bill-posting company, calling it the oyen-ad sign system. this newly developed ad-sign system purportedly controlled the outdoor advertising space within 500 miles of la crosse, wisc., and with it, gave oyen an additional opportunity to place his name before the public. a coca-cola contract for outdoor advertising (e.g., large advertisements were painted on the sides of buildings) provided the sign company with most of the upper midwest territory for advertisement sign boards promoting this brand. in 1903, axel edward soderberg was hired as the firm's primary artist, who would go on to execute the majority of the firm's interior installations (e.g., painted murals, etc.) throughout the early 20 century. oyen enticed soderberg away from andrews decorating company of clinton, iowa, who was his chief rival in this area. another important contract was secured around 1912, when oyen was responsible for decorating the friedman brothers and finklestein and ruben theaters (both firms had offices located in the minneapolis and st. paul). the oyen firm was for designed the interiors of these theaters beginning around 1912 through 1925. another pivotal moment occurred during the fall of 1912, when odin j.oyen firm's constructed a new building (located at 507 main street) that housed a showroom, offices and an art studio on the top floor. interestingly, odin j. oyen was heavily involved in the building's overall design, perhaps influenced by his exposure to various commercial structures popular in new york during this time period. the extant building is essentially, a composite of three different buildings odin had observed in numerous architectural record magazines. oyen's friend, the local architect percy dwight bentley, gave the design its physical form. the new oyen building, illustrated in the november 1913 western architect, is stone faced on the first story with brick above. the projecting cornice consists of a unique assemblage of green glazed terra cotta tiles and painted wood brackets. the site at 507 main street was originally purchased from wm. doerflinger and j. c. toeller for $9,000. the building's exterior facade and interior floor plans remain largely intact to this day. the oyen firm continued to prosper well into the 1920's until the death of the company's founder, who died of lung cancer on july 31, 1926. the business continued on under the name \"odin j. oyen studios\" for less than a decade under the direction of his son, leighton oyen and brother louis oyen. the depression years coupled with the untimely death of louis oyen in 1931, contributed to the decline and eventual closing of the oyen firm. \u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50672672014634,"sku":"UR-31718-20","price":550.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20200615-4v0a8060.jpg?v=1760300761"},{"product_id":"original-nicely-worn-and-weathered-leighton-oyen-s-personal-travel-steamer-trunk-with-white-stenciled-name","title":"original nicely worn and weathered leighton oyen's personal travel steamer trunk with white stenciled name","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"product.info.description\" class=\"data item content\" data-role=\"content\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"product attribute description\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"value\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ethe oyen decorating firm traces its roots to company founder odin j. oyen, who arrived in the city of la crosse, wisconsin at the suggestion of ori sorensen (of sorensen and davis contractors) in february of 1888. the opportunity in la crosse for a painter and interior decorator was seemingly unlimited during around this time period in the late 19th century. the upper midwest building boom of the 1880's and 1890's was well underway - fueled in part by the immense profits generated from the lumber industry. wealthy lumber barons across wisconsin and minnesota were rapidly building large mansions that often required extravagant interior decoration. at the same time, newly-built churches (and many existing ones) were undergoing interior remodeling, including scenic and symbolic wall murals, stenciling and other design applications. additionally, courthouses and other civic buildings were being constructed to serve the new communities formed from immigrants and travelers moving west for new employment opportunities. recognizing the need for a wide clientele, odin j. oyen quickly became involved in bidding on several contracts for these large public buildings, residences, churches and even movie theaters throughout the upper midwest. as his design firm rapidly grew to national prominence, oyen found it necessary to devote more of his time to the business aspects of his decorating firm, which included the formation of a talented staff of artisans to execute the commissions he was securing. oyen drew on the talents of skilled european artisans migrating to america for executing several of the commissions he was awarded. around 1895, he hired his first full time artist-designer joseph erickson, who was born and trained in norway. oyen had met erickson in chicago - possibly at the world's columbian exposition, while working on one of the fair's buildings. the continued growth of the oyen firm demanded a larger and more prestigious location to conduct business. on december 1, 1895, the firm moved to 114 south fourth street, where later the firm added a third floor to the existing building to accommodate his need for additional studio space. the first floor of the extant building is now a restaurant, but the second and third floors remain largely unchanged from oyen's time. in 1902, looking for opportunities to continually broaden his business operation, oyen purchased a sign and bill-posting company, calling it the oyen-ad sign system. this newly developed ad-sign system purportedly controlled the outdoor advertising space within 500 miles of la crosse, wisc., and with it, gave oyen an additional opportunity to place his name before the public. a coca-cola contract for outdoor advertising (e.g., large advertisements were painted on the sides of buildings) provided the sign company with most of the upper midwest territory for advertisement sign boards promoting this brand. in 1903, axel edward soderberg was hired as the firm's primary artist, who would go on to execute the majority of the firm's interior installations (e.g., painted murals, etc.) throughout the early 20 century. oyen enticed soderberg away from andrews decorating company of clinton, iowa, who was his chief rival in this area. another important contract was secured around 1912, when oyen was responsible for decorating the friedman brothers and finklestein and ruben theaters (both firms had offices located in the minneapolis and st. paul). the oyen firm was for designed the interiors of these theaters beginning around 1912 through 1925. another pivotal moment occurred during the fall of 1912, when odin j.oyen firm's constructed a new building (located at 507 main street) that housed a showroom, offices and an art studio on the top floor. interestingly, odin j. oyen was heavily involved in the building's overall design, perhaps influenced by his exposure to various commercial structures popular in new york during this time period. the extant building is essentially, a composite of three different buildings odin had observed in numerous architectural record magazines. oyen's friend, the local architect percy dwight bentley, gave the design its physical form. the new oyen building, illustrated in the november 1913 western architect, is stone faced on the first story with brick above. the projecting cornice consists of a unique assemblage of green glazed terra cotta tiles and painted wood brackets. the site at 507 main street was originally purchased from wm. doerflinger and j. c. toeller for $9,000. the building's exterior facade and interior floor plans remain largely intact to this day. the oyen firm continued to prosper well into the 1920's until the death of the company's founder, who died of lung cancer on july 31, 1926. the business continued on under the name \"odin j. oyen studios\" for less than a decade under the direction of his son, leighton oyen and brother louis oyen. the depression years coupled with the untimely death of louis oyen in 1931, contributed to the decline and eventual closing of the oyen firm. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50672678732074,"sku":"UR-31754-20","price":1500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20200702-4v0a8360_1.jpg?v=1760300919"},{"product_id":"original-early-20th-century-historically-important-odin-j-oyen-signed-detailed-oversized-watercolor-rendering-of-a-courthouse-interior","title":"original early 20th century historically important odin j. oyen signed detailed oversized watercolor rendering of a courthouse interior","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"value\"\u003ethe polychromatic architectural watercolor rendering (signed) was executed by odin j. oyen. the oyen decorating firm traces its roots to company founder odin j. oyen, who arrived in the city of la crosse, wisconsin at the suggestion of ori sorensen (of sorensen and davis contractors) in february of 1888. the opportunity in la crosse for a painter and interior decorator was seemingly unlimited during around this time period in the late 19th century. the upper midwest building boom of the 1880's and 1890's was well underway - fueled in part by the immense profits generated from the lumber industry. wealthy lumber barons across wisconsin and minnesota were rapidly building large mansions that often required extravagant interior decoration. at the same time, newly-built churches (and many existing ones) were undergoing interior remodeling, including scenic and symbolic wall murals, stenciling and other design applications. additionally, courthouses and other civic buildings were being constructed to serve the new communities formed from immigrants and travelers moving west for new employment opportunities. recognizing the need for a wide clientele, odin j. oyen quickly became involved in bidding on several contracts for these large public buildings, residences, churches and even movie theaters throughout the upper midwest. as his design firm rapidly grew to national prominence, oyen found it necessary to devote more of his time to the business aspects of his decorating firm, which included the formation of a talented staff of artisans to execute the commissions he was securing. oyen drew on the talents of skilled european artisans migrating to america for executing several of the commissions he was awarded. around 1895, he hired his first full time artist-designer joseph erickson, who was born and trained in norway. oyen had met erickson in chicago - possibly at the world's columbian exposition, while working on one of the fair's buildings. the continued growth of the oyen firm demanded a larger and more prestigious location to conduct business. on december 1, 1895, the firm moved to 114 south fourth street, where later the firm added a third floor to the existing building to accommodate his need for additional studio space. the first floor of the extant building is now a restaurant, but the second and third floors remain largely unchanged from oyen's time. in 1902, looking for opportunities to continually broaden his business operation, oyen purchased a sign and bill-posting company, calling it the oyen-ad sign system. this newly developed ad-sign system purportedly controlled the outdoor advertising space within 500 miles of la crosse, wisc., and with it, gave oyen an additional opportunity to place his name before the public. a coca-cola contract for outdoor advertising (e.g., large advertisements were painted on the sides of buildings) provided the sign company with most of the upper midwest territory for advertisement sign boards promoting this brand. in 1903, axel edward soderberg was hired as the firm's primary artist, who would go on to execute the majority of the firm's interior installations (e.g., painted murals, etc.) throughout the early 20 century. oyen enticed soderberg away from andrews decorating company of clinton, iowa, who was his chief rival in this area. another important contract was secured around 1912, when oyen was responsible for decorating the friedman brothers and finklestein and ruben theaters (both firms had offices located in the minneapolis and st. paul). the oyen firm was for designed the interiors of these theatres beginning around 1912 through 1925. another pivotal moment occurred during the fall of 1912, when odin j.oyen firm's constructed a new building (located at 507 main street) that housed a showroom, offices and an art studio on the top floor. interestingly, odin j. oyen was heavily involved in the building's overall design, perhaps influenced by his exposure to various commercial structures popular in new york during this time period. the extant building is essentially, a composite of three different buildings odin had observed in numerous architectural record magazines. oyen's friend, the local architect percy dwight bentley, gave the design its physical form. the new oyen building, illustrated in the november 1913 western architect, is stone faced on the first story with brick above. the projecting cornice consists of a unique assemblage of green glazed terra cotta tiles and painted wood brackets. the site at 507 main street was originally purchased from wm. doerflinger and j. c. toeller for $9,000. the building's exterior facade and interior floor plans remain largely intact to this day. the oyen firm continued to prosper well into the 1920's until the death of the company's founder, who died of lung cancer on july 31, 1926. the business continued on under the name \"odin j. oyen studios\" for less than a decade under the direction of his son, leighton oyen and brother louis oyen. the depression years coupled with the untimely death of louis oyen in 1931, contributed to the decline and eventual closing of the oyen firm.\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50672799908138,"sku":"UR-32600-21","price":850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20210114-4v0a4857_1.jpg?v=1760479037"},{"product_id":"original-highly-sought-after-richly-colored-early-20th-century-odin-j-oyen-watercolor-rendering-for-a-church","title":"original highly sought after richly colored early 20th century odin j. oyen watercolor rendering for a church","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"value\"\u003esingle polychromatic architectural watercolor rendering (signed) executed by odin j. oyen. the oyen decorating firm traces its roots to company founder odin j. oyen, who arrived in the city of la crosse, wisconsin at the suggestion of ori sorensen (of sorensen and davis contractors) in february of 1888. the opportunity in la crosse for a painter and interior decorator was seemingly unlimited during around this time period in the late 19th century. the upper midwest building boom of the 1880's and 1890's was well underway - fueled in part by the immense profits generated from the lumber industry. wealthy lumber barons across wisconsin and minnesota were rapidly building large mansions that often required extravagant interior decoration. at the same time, newly-built churches (and many existing ones) were undergoing interior remodeling, including scenic and symbolic wall murals, stenciling and other design applications. additionally, courthouses and other civic buildings were being constructed to serve the new communities formed from immigrants and travelers moving west for new employment opportunities. recognizing the need for a wide clientele, odin j. oyen quickly became involved in bidding on several contracts for these large public buildings, residences, churches and even movie theaters throughout the upper midwest. as his design firm rapidly grew to national prominence, oyen found it necessary to devote more of his time to the business aspects of his decorating firm, which included the formation of a talented staff of artisans to execute the commissions he was securing. oyen drew on the talents of skilled european artisans migrating to america for executing several of the commissions he was awarded. around 1895, he hired his first full time artist-designer joseph erickson, who was born and trained in norway. oyen had met erickson in chicago - possibly at the world's columbian exposition, while working on one of the fair's buildings. the continued growth of the oyen firm demanded a larger and more prestigious location to conduct business. on december 1, 1895, the firm moved to 114 south fourth street, where later the firm added a third floor to the existing building to accommodate his need for additional studio space. the first floor of the extant building is now a restaurant, but the second and third floors remain largely unchanged from oyen's time. in 1902, looking for opportunities to continually broaden his business operation, oyen purchased a sign and bill-posting company, calling it the oyen-ad sign system. this newly developed ad-sign system purportedly controlled the outdoor advertising space within 500 miles of la crosse, wisc., and with it, gave oyen an additional opportunity to place his name before the public. a coca-cola contract for outdoor advertising (e.g., large advertisements were painted on the sides of buildings) provided the sign company with most of the upper midwest territory for advertisement sign boards promoting this brand. in 1903, axel edward soderberg was hired as the firm's primary artist, who would go on to execute the majority of the firm's interior installations (e.g., painted murals, etc.) throughout the early 20 century. oyen enticed soderberg away from andrews decorating company of clinton, iowa, who was his chief rival in this area. another important contract was secured around 1912, when oyen was responsible for decorating the friedman brothers and finklestein and ruben theaters (both firms had offices located in the minneapolis and st. paul). the oyen firm was for designed the interiors of these theatres beginning around 1912 through 1925. another pivotal moment occurred during the fall of 1912, when odin j.oyen firm's constructed a new building (located at 507 main street) that housed a showroom, offices and an art studio on the top floor. interestingly, odin j. oyen was heavily involved in the building's overall design, perhaps influenced by his exposure to various commercial structures popular in new york during this time period. the extant building is essentially, a composite of three different buildings odin had observed in numerous architectural record magazines. oyen's friend, the local architect percy dwight bentley, gave the design its physical form. the new oyen building, illustrated in the november 1913 western architect, is stone faced on the first story with brick above. the projecting cornice consists of a unique assemblage of green glazed terra cotta tiles and painted wood brackets. the site at 507 main street was originally purchased from wm. doerflinger and j. c. toeller for $9,000. the building's exterior facade and interior floor plans remain largely intact to this day. the oyen firm continued to prosper well into the 1920's until the death of the company's founder, who died of lung cancer on july 31, 1926. the business continued on under the name \"odin j. oyen studios\" for less than a decade under the direction of his son, leighton oyen and brother louis oyen. the depression years coupled with the untimely death of louis oyen in 1931, contributed to the decline and eventual closing of the oyen firm.\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50672799973674,"sku":"UR-32601-21","price":895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20210114-4v0a4851.jpg?v=1760214126"},{"product_id":"early-20th-century-original-and-largely-intact-oversized-odin-j-oyen-watercolor-rendering-of-an-interior-courthouse","title":"early 20th century original and largely intact oversized odin j. oyen watercolor rendering of an interior courthouse","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"value\"\u003epolychromatic architectural watercolor rendering (signed) executed by odin j. oyen. the oyen decorating firm traces its roots to company founder odin j. oyen, who arrived in the city of la crosse, wisconsin at the suggestion of ori sorensen (of sorensen and davis contractors) in february of 1888. the opportunity in la crosse for a painter and interior decorator was seemingly unlimited during around this time period in the late 19th century. the upper midwest building boom of the 1880's and 1890's was well underway - fueled in part by the immense profits generated from the lumber industry. wealthy lumber barons across wisconsin and minnesota were rapidly building large mansions that often required extravagant interior decoration. at the same time, newly-built churches (and many existing ones) were undergoing interior remodeling, including scenic and symbolic wall murals, stenciling and other design applications. additionally, courthouses and other civic buildings were being constructed to serve the new communities formed from immigrants and travelers moving west for new employment opportunities. recognizing the need for a wide clientele, odin j. oyen quickly became involved in bidding on several contracts for these large public buildings, residences, churches and even movie theaters throughout the upper midwest. as his design firm rapidly grew to national prominence, oyen found it necessary to devote more of his time to the business aspects of his decorating firm, which included the formation of a talented staff of artisans to execute the commissions he was securing. oyen drew on the talents of skilled european artisans migrating to america for executing several of the commissions he was awarded. around 1895, he hired his first full time artist-designer joseph erickson, who was born and trained in norway. oyen had met erickson in chicago - possibly at the world's columbian exposition, while working on one of the fair's buildings. the continued growth of the oyen firm demanded a larger and more prestigious location to conduct business. on december 1, 1895, the firm moved to 114 south fourth street, where later the firm added a third floor to the existing building to accommodate his need for additional studio space. the first floor of the extant building is now a restaurant, but the second and third floors remain largely unchanged from oyen's time. in 1902, looking for opportunities to continually broaden his business operation, oyen purchased a sign and bill-posting company, calling it the oyen-ad sign system. this newly developed ad-sign system purportedly controlled the outdoor advertising space within 500 miles of la crosse, wisc., and with it, gave oyen an additional opportunity to place his name before the public. a coca-cola contract for outdoor advertising (e.g., large advertisements were painted on the sides of buildings) provided the sign company with most of the upper midwest territory for advertisement sign boards promoting this brand. in 1903, axel edward soderberg was hired as the firm's primary artist, who would go on to execute the majority of the firm's interior installations (e.g., painted murals, etc.) throughout the early 20 century. oyen enticed soderberg away from andrews decorating company of clinton, iowa, who was his chief rival in this area. another important contract was secured around 1912, when oyen was responsible for decorating the friedman brothers and finklestein and ruben theaters (both firms had offices located in the minneapolis and st. paul). the oyen firm was for designed the interiors of these theatres beginning around 1912 through 1925. another pivotal moment occurred during the fall of 1912, when odin j.oyen firm's constructed a new building (located at 507 main street) that housed a showroom, offices and an art studio on the top floor. interestingly, odin j. oyen was heavily involved in the building's overall design, perhaps influenced by his exposure to various commercial structures popular in new york during this time period. the extant building is essentially, a composite of three different buildings odin had observed in numerous architectural record magazines. oyen's friend, the local architect percy dwight bentley, gave the design its physical form. the new oyen building, illustrated in the november 1913 western architect, is stone faced on the first story with brick above. the projecting cornice consists of a unique assemblage of green glazed terra cotta tiles and painted wood brackets. the site at 507 main street was originally purchased from wm. doerflinger and j. c. toeller for $9,000. the building's exterior facade and interior floor plans remain largely intact to this day. the oyen firm continued to prosper well into the 1920's until the death of the company's founder, who died of lung cancer on july 31, 1926. the business continued on under the name \"odin j. oyen studios\" for less than a decade under the direction of his son, leighton oyen and brother louis oyen. the depression years coupled with the untimely death of louis oyen in 1931, contributed to the decline and eventual closing of the oyen firm. possibly interior of la crosse county courthouse. \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50672800268586,"sku":"UR-32602-21","price":775.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20210114-4v0a4853.jpg?v=1760214142"},{"product_id":"original-early-20th-century-odin-j-oyen-signed-oversized-watercolor-rendering-of-an-interior-courtroom","title":"original early 20th century odin j. oyen-signed oversized watercolor rendering of an interior courtroom","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"value\"\u003ethe polychromatic architectural watercolor rendering (signed) was executed by odin j. oyen. the oyen decorating firm traces its roots to company founder odin j. oyen, who arrived in the city of la crosse, wisconsin at the suggestion of ori sorensen (of sorensen and davis contractors) in february of 1888. the opportunity in la crosse for a painter and interior decorator was seemingly unlimited during around this time period in the late 19th century. the upper midwest building boom of the 1880's and 1890's was well underway - fueled in part by the immense profits generated from the lumber industry. wealthy lumber barons across wisconsin and minnesota were rapidly building large mansions that often required extravagant interior decoration. at the same time, newly-built churches (and many existing ones) were undergoing interior remodeling, including scenic and symbolic wall murals, stenciling and other design applications. additionally, courthouses and other civic buildings were being constructed to serve the new communities formed from immigrants and travelers moving west for new employment opportunities. recognizing the need for a wide clientele, odin j. oyen quickly became involved in bidding on several contracts for these large public buildings, residences, churches and even movie theaters throughout the upper midwest. as his design firm rapidly grew to national prominence, oyen found it necessary to devote more of his time to the business aspects of his decorating firm, which included the formation of a talented staff of artisans to execute the commissions he was securing. oyen drew on the talents of skilled european artisans migrating to america for executing several of the commissions he was awarded. around 1895, he hired his first full time artist-designer joseph erickson, who was born and trained in norway. oyen had met erickson in chicago - possibly at the world's columbian exposition, while working on one of the fair's buildings. the continued growth of the oyen firm demanded a larger and more prestigious location to conduct business. on december 1, 1895, the firm moved to 114 south fourth street, where later the firm added a third floor to the existing building to accommodate his need for additional studio space. the first floor of the extant building is now a restaurant, but the second and third floors remain largely unchanged from oyen's time. in 1902, looking for opportunities to continually broaden his business operation, oyen purchased a sign and bill-posting company, calling it the oyen-ad sign system. this newly developed ad-sign system purportedly controlled the outdoor advertising space within 500 miles of la crosse, wisc., and with it, gave oyen an additional opportunity to place his name before the public. a coca-cola contract for outdoor advertising (e.g., large advertisements were painted on the sides of buildings) provided the sign company with most of the upper midwest territory for advertisement sign boards promoting this brand. in 1903, axel edward soderberg was hired as the firm's primary artist, who would go on to execute the majority of the firm's interior installations (e.g., painted murals, etc.) throughout the early 20 century. oyen enticed soderberg away from andrews decorating company of clinton, iowa, who was his chief rival in this area. another important contract was secured around 1912, when oyen was responsible for decorating the friedman brothers and finklestein and ruben theaters (both firms had offices located in the minneapolis and st. paul). the oyen firm was for designed the interiors of these theatres beginning around 1912 through 1925. another pivotal moment occurred during the fall of 1912, when odin j.oyen firm's constructed a new building (located at 507 main street) that housed a showroom, offices and an art studio on the top floor. interestingly, odin j. oyen was heavily involved in the building's overall design, perhaps influenced by his exposure to various commercial structures popular in new york during this time period. the extant building is essentially, a composite of three different buildings odin had observed in numerous architectural record magazines. oyen's friend, the local architect percy dwight bentley, gave the design its physical form. the new oyen building, illustrated in the november 1913 western architect, is stone faced on the first story with brick above. the projecting cornice consists of a unique assemblage of green glazed terra cotta tiles and painted wood brackets. the site at 507 main street was originally purchased from wm. doerflinger and j. c. toeller for $9,000. the building's exterior facade and interior floor plans remain largely intact to this day. the oyen firm continued to prosper well into the 1920's until the death of the company's founder, who died of lung cancer on july 31, 1926. the business continued on under the name \"odin j. oyen studios\" for less than a decade under the direction of his son, leighton oyen and brother louis oyen. the depression years coupled with the untimely death of louis oyen in 1931, contributed to the decline and eventual closing of the oyen firm. possibly la crosse county courthouse. \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50672800334122,"sku":"UR-32603-21","price":795.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20210114-4v0a4861.jpg?v=1760214158"},{"product_id":"oversized-odin-j-oyen-early-20th-century-watercolor-rendering-for-a-probate-courtroom-with-intact-matte-and-signature","title":"oversized odin j. oyen early 20th century watercolor rendering for a probate courtroom with intact matte and signature","description":"oversized odin j. oyen early 20th century watercolor rendering for a probate courtroom with intact matte and signature","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50672800399658,"sku":"UR-32604-21","price":795.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20210114-4v0a4854.jpg?v=1760303691"},{"product_id":"oversized-vivid-and-richly-colored-signed-odin-j-oyen-signed-watercolor-rendering-for-a-church-interior","title":"oversized vivid and richly colored signed odin j. oyen-signed watercolor rendering for a church interior","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"row\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"col-xs-12\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"product info detailed\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"product data items\"\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"product.info.description\" class=\"data item content\" data-role=\"content\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"product attribute description\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"value\"\u003ethe oyen decorating firm traces its roots to company founder odin j. oyen, who arrived in the city of la crosse, wisconsin at the suggestion of ori sorensen (of sorensen and davis contractors) in february of 1888. the opportunity in la crosse for a painter and interior decorator was seemingly unlimited during around this time period in the late 19th century. the upper midwest building boom of the 1880's and 1890's was well underway - fueled in part by the immense profits generated from the lumber industry. wealthy lumber barons across wisconsin and minnesota were rapidly building large mansions that often required extravagant interior decoration. at the same time, newly-built churches (and many existing ones) were undergoing interior remodeling, including scenic and symbolic wall murals, stenciling and other design applications. additionally, courthouses and other civic buildings were being constructed to serve the new communities formed from immigrants and travelers moving west for new employment opportunities. recognizing the need for a wide clientele, odin j. oyen quickly became involved in bidding on several contracts for these large public buildings, residences, churches and even movie theaters throughout the upper midwest. as his design firm rapidly grew to national prominence, oyen found it necessary to devote more of his time to the business aspects of his decorating firm, which included the formation of a talented staff of artisans to execute the commissions he was securing. oyen drew on the talents of skilled european artisans migrating to america for executing several of the commissions he was awarded. around 1895, he hired his first full time artist-designer joseph erickson, who was born and trained in norway. oyen had met erickson in chicago - possibly at the world's columbian exposition, while working on one of the fair's buildings. the continued growth of the oyen firm demanded a larger and more prestigious location to conduct business. on december 1, 1895, the firm moved to 114 south fourth street, where later the firm added a third floor to the existing building to accommodate his need for additional studio space. the first floor of the extant building is now a restaurant, but the second and third floors remain largely unchanged from oyen's time. in 1902, looking for opportunities to continually broaden his business operation, oyen purchased a sign and bill-posting company, calling it the oyen-ad sign system. this newly developed ad-sign system purportedly controlled the outdoor advertising space within 500 miles of la crosse, wisc., and with it, gave oyen an additional opportunity to place his name before the public. a coca-cola contract for outdoor advertising (e.g., large advertisements were painted on the sides of buildings) provided the sign company with most of the upper midwest territory for advertisement sign boards promoting this brand. in 1903, axel edward soderberg was hired as the firm's primary artist, who would go on to execute the majority of the firm's interior installations (e.g., painted murals, etc.) throughout the early 20 century. oyen enticed soderberg away from andrews decorating company of clinton, iowa, who was his chief rival in this area. another important contract was secured around 1912, when oyen was responsible for decorating the friedman brothers and finklestein and ruben theaters (both firms had offices located in the minneapolis and st. paul). the oyen firm was for designed the interiors of these theaters beginning around 1912 through 1925. another pivotal moment occurred during the fall of 1912, when odin j.oyen firm's constructed a new building (located at 507 main street) that housed a showroom, offices and an art studio on the top floor. interestingly, odin j. oyen was heavily involved in the building's overall design, perhaps influenced by his exposure to various commercial structures popular in new york during this time period. the extant building is essentially, a composite of three different buildings odin had observed in numerous architectural record magazines. oyen's friend, the local architect percy dwight bentley, gave the design its physical form. the new oyen building, illustrated in the november 1913 western architect, is stone faced on the first story with brick above. the projecting cornice consists of a unique assemblage of green glazed terra cotta tiles and painted wood brackets. the site at 507 main street was originally purchased from wm. doerflinger and j. c. toeller for $9,000. the building's exterior facade and interior floor plans remain largely intact to this day. the oyen firm continued to prosper well into the 1920's until the death of the company's founder, who died of lung cancer on july 31, 1926. the business continued on under the name \"odin j. oyen studios\" for less than a decade under the direction of his son, leighton oyen and brother louis oyen. the depression years coupled with the untimely death of louis oyen in 1931, contributed to the decline and eventual closing of the oyen firm.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003csection class=\"block upsell\" data-limit=\"0\" data-shuffle=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50672800694570,"sku":"UR-32605-21","price":1050.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20210114-4v0a4852.jpg?v=1760303706"},{"product_id":"original-and-complete-early-20th-century-davis-patent-wood-grainer-kit-for-faux-wood-grain-finishes-applied-to-woodwork-used-in-oyen-s-commissions","title":"original and complete early 20th century \"davis patent\" wood grainer kit for faux wood grain finishes applied to woodwork used in oyen's commissions","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eearly 20th century \"davis patent\" wood graining tools, consisting of box, rollers and instruction sheet. unfortunately, the original metal combs were removed long ago.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003egraining was a common 19th century technique used to imitate expensive hardwoods by applying paint to inexpensive woods.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003ei've documented and salvaged numerous examples from 19th and early 20th century chicago buildings undergoing demolition or renovations.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q\"\u003e\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003ecourtesy of bldg. 51 archive.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50672891101482,"sku":"UR-33167-21","price":895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/79905904_3578062238871411_1839532920918769664_n.jpg?v=1760216740"},{"product_id":"original-c-1888-92-graphite-pencil-portrait-of-the-famous-william-f-buffalo-bill-cody-by-artist-odin-j-oyen","title":"original c. 1888-92 graphite pencil portrait of the famous william f. \"buffalo bill\" cody by artist odin j. oyen","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"row\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"col-xs-12\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"product info detailed\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"product data items\" role=\"tablist\"\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"product.info.description\" class=\"data item content\" role=\"tabpanel\" data-role=\"content\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-label-product.info.description\" aria-hidden=\"false\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"product attribute description\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"value\"\u003e\"buffalo bill cody\" had several connections to la crosse, wisc. with his good friend and hard drinking \"blood brother, dr. frank \"white beaver\" powell, he owned land on barron island (pettibone park) during the late 1800's. dr. powell, who would go on to become mayor of la crosse, toured with cody during his popular wild west shows. it was likely during that late 1880's that mr. oyen executed that portrait by hand, either for an advertisement or the like while both men were in la crosse, wisc. dr. powell's practice (visited often by cody) was only blocks away from oyen's decorating firm in downtown la crosse. the oyen decorating firm traces its roots to company founder odin j. oyen, who arrived in the city of la crosse, wisconsin at the suggestion of ori sorensen (of sorensen and davis contractors) in february of 1888. the opportunity in la crosse for a painter and interior decorator was seemingly unlimited during around this time period in the late 19th century. the upper midwest building boom of the 1880's and 1890's was well underway - fueled in part by the immense profits generated from the lumber industry. wealthy lumber barons across wisconsin and minnesota were rapidly building large mansions that often required extravagant interior decoration. at the same time, newly-built churches (and many existing ones) were undergoing interior remodeling, including scenic and symbolic wall murals, stenciling and other design applications. additionally, courthouses and other civic buildings were being constructed to serve the new communities formed from immigrants and travelers moving west for new employment opportunities. recognizing the need for a wide clientele, odin j. oyen quickly became involved in bidding on several contracts for these large public buildings, residences, churches and even movie theaters throughout the upper midwest. as his design firm rapidly grew to national prominence, oyen found it necessary to devote more of his time to the business aspects of his decorating firm, which included the formation of a talented staff of artisans to execute the commissions he was securing. oyen drew on the talents of skilled european artisans migrating to america for executing several of the commissions he was awarded. around 1895, he hired his first full time artist-designer joseph erickson, who was born and trained in norway. oyen had met erickson in chicago - possibly at the world's columbian exposition, while working on one of the fair's buildings. the continued growth of the oyen firm demanded a larger and more prestigious location to conduct business. on december 1, 1895, the firm moved to 114 south fourth street, where later the firm added a third floor to the existing building to accommodate his need for additional studio space. the first floor of the extant building is now a restaurant, but the second and third floors remain largely unchanged from oyen's time. in 1902, looking for opportunities to continually broaden his business operation, oyen purchased a sign and bill-posting company, calling it the oyen-ad sign system. this newly developed ad-sign system purportedly controlled the outdoor advertising space within 500 miles of la crosse, wisc., and with it, gave oyen an additional opportunity to place his name before the public. a coca-cola contract for outdoor advertising (e.g., large advertisements were painted on the sides of buildings) provided the sign company with most of the upper midwest territory for advertisement sign boards promoting this brand. in 1903, axel edward soderberg was hired as the firm's primary artist, who would go on to execute the majority of the firm's interior installations (e.g., painted murals, etc.) throughout the early 20 century. oyen enticed soderberg away from andrews decorating company of clinton, iowa, who was his chief rival in this area. another important contract was secured around 1912, when oyen was responsible for decorating the friedman brothers and finklestein and ruben theaters (both firms had offices located in the minneapolis and st. paul). the oyen firm was for designed the interiors of these theatres beginning around 1912 through 1925. another pivotal moment occurred during the fall of 1912, when odin j.oyen firm's constructed a new building (located at 507 main street) that housed a showroom, offices and an art studio on the top floor. interestingly, odin j. oyen was heavily involved in the building's overall design, perhaps influenced by his exposure to various commercial structures popular in new york during this time period. the extant building is essentially, a composite of three different buildings odin had observed in numerous architectural record magazines. oyen's friend, the local architect percy dwight bentley, gave the design its physical form. the new oyen building, illustrated in the november 1913 western architect, is stone faced on the first story with brick above. the projecting cornice consists of a unique assemblage of green glazed terra cotta tiles and painted wood brackets. the site at 507 main street was originally purchased from wm. doerflinger and j. c. toeller for $9,000. the building's exterior facade and interior floor plans remain largely intact to this day. the oyen firm continued to prosper well into the 1920's until the death of the company's founder, who died of lung cancer on july 31, 1926. the business continued on under the name \"odin j. oyen studios\" for less than a decade under the direction of his son, leighton oyen and brother louis oyen. the depression years coupled with the untimely death of louis oyen in 1931, contributed to the decline and eventual closing of the oyen firm. measures 8 1\/2 x 12 inches.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50672906567978,"sku":"UR-33372-21","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20211111-4v0a8554.jpg?v=1760217428"},{"product_id":"early-20th-century-hand-painted-oyen-studios-diminutive-mural-study-by-artist-axel-edward-soderberg","title":"early 20th century hand-painted oyen studios diminutive mural study by artist axel edward soderberg","description":"early 20th century hand-painted oyen studios diminutive mural study by artist axel edward soderberg","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50672943890730,"sku":"UR-33887-22","price":1500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20220724-4v0a5164.jpg?v=1760483259"},{"product_id":"group-of-original-early-20th-century-lightly-etched-copper-plate-and-wood-odin-j-oyen-press-print-blocks","title":"group of original early 20th century lightly etched copper plate and wood odin j. oyen press print blocks","description":"group of original early 20th century lightly etched copper plate and wood odin j. oyen press print blocks","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50672955752746,"sku":"UR-34028-22","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20220906-4v0a6549.jpg?v=1760484048"},{"product_id":"original-and-intact-odin-j-oyen-signed-1916-ornament-catalog-for-jacobson-and-company-new-york","title":"original and intact odin j. oyen-signed 1916 ornament catalog for jacobson and company, new york","description":"original and intact odin j. oyen-signed 1916 ornament catalog for jacobson and company, new york","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50672973840682,"sku":"UR-34199-22","price":550.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20221202-4v0a9644.jpg?v=1760220921"},{"product_id":"original-early-20th-century-odin-j-oyen-studio-silver-gelatin-print-of-montana-saloon-or-bar-interior-with-murals","title":"original early 20th century odin j. oyen studio silver gelatin print of montana saloon or bar interior with murals","description":"original early 20th century odin j. oyen studio silver gelatin print of montana saloon or bar interior with murals","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50672975479082,"sku":"UR-34216-22","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20221212-img407.jpg?v=1760398627"},{"product_id":"group-of-six-1923-norwegian-america-line-ship-baggage-claim-cards-for-interior-decorator-odin-j-oyen","title":"group of six 1923 norwegian america line ship baggage claim cards for interior decorator odin j. oyen","description":"group of six 1923 norwegian america line ship baggage claim cards for interior decorator odin j. oyen","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50672976527658,"sku":"UR-34230-22","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20221213-img438.jpg?v=1760221064"},{"product_id":"original-1923-silver-gelatin-photographic-print-of-odin-j-oyen-decorating-firm-artisans","title":"original 1923 silver gelatin photographic print of odin j. oyen decorating firm artisans","description":"\u003cp\u003ejanuary 1923. from left to right: olaf almvig, max kreigel, ole simonson, fred scheble, nel sanvik, and joseph sackmeister. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50672978002218,"sku":"UR-34250-22","price":175.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20221213-img435.jpg?v=1760485115"},{"product_id":"exceptional-early-20th-century-oversized-signed-odin-j-oyen-studios-minnesota-courthouse-watercolor-rendering-with-original-matte","title":"exceptional early 20th century oversized signed odin j. oyen studios minnesota courthouse watercolor rendering with original mat board and stamp","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"row\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"col-xs-12\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"product info detailed\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"product data items\" role=\"tablist\"\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"product.info.description\" class=\"data item content\" role=\"tabpanel\" data-role=\"content\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-label-product.info.description\" aria-hidden=\"false\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"product attribute description\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"value\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"value\"\u003ethe polychromatic architectural watercolor rendering (signed) was executed by odin j. oyen. the oyen decorating firm traces its roots to company founder odin j. oyen, who arrived in the city of la crosse, wisconsin at the suggestion of ori sorensen (of sorensen and davis contractors) in february of 1888. the opportunity in la crosse for a painter and interior decorator was seemingly unlimited during around this time period in the late 19th century. the upper midwest building boom of the 1880's and 1890's was well underway - fueled in part by the immense profits generated from the lumber industry. wealthy lumber barons across wisconsin and minnesota were rapidly building large mansions that often required extravagant interior decoration. at the same time, newly-built churches (and many existing ones) were undergoing interior remodeling, including scenic and symbolic wall murals, stenciling and other design applications. additionally, courthouses and other civic buildings were being constructed to serve the new communities formed from immigrants and travelers moving west for new employment opportunities. recognizing the need for a wide clientele, odin j. oyen quickly became involved in bidding on several contracts for these large public buildings, residences, churches and even movie theaters throughout the upper midwest. as his design firm rapidly grew to national prominence, oyen found it necessary to devote more of his time to the business aspects of his decorating firm, which included the formation of a talented staff of artisans to execute the commissions he was securing. oyen drew on the talents of skilled european artisans migrating to america for executing several of the commissions he was awarded. around 1895, he hired his first full time artist-designer joseph erickson, who was born and trained in norway. oyen had met erickson in chicago - possibly at the world's columbian exposition, while working on one of the fair's buildings. the continued growth of the oyen firm demanded a larger and more prestigious location to conduct business. on december 1, 1895, the firm moved to 114 south fourth street, where later the firm added a third floor to the existing building to accommodate his need for additional studio space. the first floor of the extant building is now a restaurant, but the second and third floors remain largely unchanged from oyen's time. in 1902, looking for opportunities to continually broaden his business operation, oyen purchased a sign and bill-posting company, calling it the oyen-ad sign system. this newly developed ad-sign system purportedly controlled the outdoor advertising space within 500 miles of la crosse, wisc., and with it, gave oyen an additional opportunity to place his name before the public. a coca-cola contract for outdoor advertising (e.g., large advertisements were painted on the sides of buildings) provided the sign company with most of the upper midwest territory for advertisement sign boards promoting this brand. in 1903, axel edward soderberg was hired as the firm's primary artist, who would go on to execute the majority of the firm's interior installations (e.g., painted murals, etc.) throughout the early 20 century. oyen enticed soderberg away from andrews decorating company of clinton, iowa, who was his chief rival in this area. another important contract was secured around 1912, when oyen was responsible for decorating the friedman brothers and finklestein and ruben theaters (both firms had offices located in the minneapolis and st. paul). the oyen firm was for designed the interiors of these theatres beginning around 1912 through 1925. another pivotal moment occurred during the fall of 1912, when odin j.oyen firm's constructed a new building (located at 507 main street) that housed a showroom, offices and an art studio on the top floor. interestingly, odin j. oyen was heavily involved in the building's overall design, perhaps influenced by his exposure to various commercial structures popular in new york during this time period. the extant building is essentially, a composite of three different buildings odin had observed in numerous architectural record magazines. oyen's friend, the local architect percy dwight bentley, gave the design its physical form. the new oyen building, illustrated in the november 1913 western architect, is stone faced on the first story with brick above. the projecting cornice consists of a unique assemblage of green glazed terra cotta tiles and painted wood brackets. the site at 507 main street was originally purchased from wm. doerflinger and j. c. toeller for $9,000. the building's exterior facade and interior floor plans remain largely intact to this day. the oyen firm continued to prosper well into the 1920's until the death of the company's founder, who died of lung cancer on july 31, 1926. the business continued on under the name \"odin j. oyen studios\" for less than a decade under the direction of his son, leighton oyen and brother louis oyen. the depression years coupled with the untimely death of louis oyen in 1931, contributed to the decline and eventual closing of the oyen firm.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50672993894698,"sku":"UR-34395-23","price":995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20230403-4v0a3666.jpg?v=1760486182"},{"product_id":"original-early-20th-century-signed-odin-j-oyen-watercolor-rendering-for-a-north-dakota-courthouse-building-with-intact-mat-frame","title":"original early 20th century signed odin j. oyen watercolor rendering for a north dakota courthouse building with intact mat frame","description":"original early 20th century signed odin j. oyen watercolor rendering for a north dakota courthouse building with intact mat frame","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50672993960234,"sku":"UR-34396-23","price":990.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20230403-4v0a3659.jpg?v=1760486205"},{"product_id":"original-early-20th-century-odin-j-oyen-studios-polychromatic-watercolor-of-a-domed-court-house-cross-section","title":"original early 20th century odin j. oyen studios polychromatic watercolor of a domed court house cross-section","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"row\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"col-xs-12\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"product info detailed\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"product data items\" role=\"tablist\"\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"product.info.description\" class=\"data item content\" role=\"tabpanel\" data-role=\"content\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-label-product.info.description\" aria-hidden=\"false\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"product attribute description\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"value\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"row\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"col-xs-12\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"product info detailed\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"product data items\" role=\"tablist\"\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"product.info.description\" class=\"data item content\" role=\"tabpanel\" data-role=\"content\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-label-product.info.description\" aria-hidden=\"false\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"product attribute description\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"value\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"value\"\u003ethe polychromatic architectural watercolor rendering (signed) was executed by odin j. oyen. the oyen decorating firm traces its roots to company founder odin j. oyen, who arrived in the city of la crosse, wisconsin at the suggestion of ori sorensen (of sorensen and davis contractors) in february of 1888. the opportunity in la crosse for a painter and interior decorator was seemingly unlimited during around this time period in the late 19th century. the upper midwest building boom of the 1880's and 1890's was well underway - fueled in part by the immense profits generated from the lumber industry. wealthy lumber barons across wisconsin and minnesota were rapidly building large mansions that often required extravagant interior decoration. at the same time, newly-built churches (and many existing ones) were undergoing interior remodeling, including scenic and symbolic wall murals, stenciling and other design applications. additionally, courthouses and other civic buildings were being constructed to serve the new communities formed from immigrants and travelers moving west for new employment opportunities. recognizing the need for a wide clientele, odin j. oyen quickly became involved in bidding on several contracts for these large public buildings, residences, churches and even movie theaters throughout the upper midwest. as his design firm rapidly grew to national prominence, oyen found it necessary to devote more of his time to the business aspects of his decorating firm, which included the formation of a talented staff of artisans to execute the commissions he was securing. oyen drew on the talents of skilled european artisans migrating to america for executing several of the commissions he was awarded. around 1895, he hired his first full time artist-designer joseph erickson, who was born and trained in norway. oyen had met erickson in chicago - possibly at the world's columbian exposition, while working on one of the fair's buildings. the continued growth of the oyen firm demanded a larger and more prestigious location to conduct business. on december 1, 1895, the firm moved to 114 south fourth street, where later the firm added a third floor to the existing building to accommodate his need for additional studio space. the first floor of the extant building is now a restaurant, but the second and third floors remain largely unchanged from oyen's time. in 1902, looking for opportunities to continually broaden his business operation, oyen purchased a sign and bill-posting company, calling it the oyen-ad sign system. this newly developed ad-sign system purportedly controlled the outdoor advertising space within 500 miles of la crosse, wisc., and with it, gave oyen an additional opportunity to place his name before the public. a coca-cola contract for outdoor advertising (e.g., large advertisements were painted on the sides of buildings) provided the sign company with most of the upper midwest territory for advertisement sign boards promoting this brand. in 1903, axel edward soderberg was hired as the firm's primary artist, who would go on to execute the majority of the firm's interior installations (e.g., painted murals, etc.) throughout the early 20 century. oyen enticed soderberg away from andrews decorating company of clinton, iowa, who was his chief rival in this area. another important contract was secured around 1912, when oyen was responsible for decorating the friedman brothers and finklestein and ruben theaters (both firms had offices located in the minneapolis and st. paul). the oyen firm was for designed the interiors of these theatres beginning around 1912 through 1925. another pivotal moment occurred during the fall of 1912, when odin j.oyen firm's constructed a new building (located at 507 main street) that housed a showroom, offices and an art studio on the top floor. interestingly, odin j. oyen was heavily involved in the building's overall design, perhaps influenced by his exposure to various commercial structures popular in new york during this time period. the extant building is essentially, a composite of three different buildings odin had observed in numerous architectural record magazines. oyen's friend, the local architect percy dwight bentley, gave the design its physical form. the new oyen building, illustrated in the november 1913 western architect, is stone faced on the first story with brick above. the projecting cornice consists of a unique assemblage of green glazed terra cotta tiles and painted wood brackets. the site at 507 main street was originally purchased from wm. doerflinger and j. c. toeller for $9,000. the building's exterior facade and interior floor plans remain largely intact to this day. the oyen firm continued to prosper well into the 1920's until the death of the company's founder, who died of lung cancer on july 31, 1926. the business continued on under the name \"odin j. oyen studios\" for less than a decade under the direction of his son, leighton oyen and brother louis oyen. the depression years coupled with the untimely death of louis oyen in 1931, contributed to the decline and eventual closing of the oyen firm.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50672998908202,"sku":"UR-34438-23","price":1250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20230403-4v0a3653.jpg?v=1760222637"},{"product_id":"rare-out-of-print-1979-odin-j-oyen-la-crosse-wisc-exhibit-catalog","title":"rare out-of-print 1979 odin j. oyen la crosse, wisc. exhibit catalog","description":"rare out-of-print 1979 odin j. oyen la crosse, wisc. exhibit catalog","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50673086988586,"sku":"UR-35159-24","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20240723-4v0a6945.jpg?v=1760227052"},{"product_id":"assortment-of-interior-architectural-designer-odin-j-oyen-personal-and-business-letters-written-shortly-before-he-died-in-1928","title":"assortment of interior architectural designer odin j. oyen personal and business letters written shortly 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