Residence Building for Mr. & Mrs. Ralph J. Harman

2014.1.1510.1-8

5/2/1962

Ralph J. Harman

Ralph J. Harman commissioned Hugh Taylor to design his family home in May of 1962 in the Contemporary Ranch style reflective of the economic prosperity of the 1960's. It consists of four bedrooms and three baths with approx. 3,323 square feet of livable space. Along with contemporary amenities and ample built-in storage space, Taylor focused on combining indoor and outdoor spaces with ample natural light, large glass sliding doors, two terraces, built-in planters and a solarium adjacent to the living room. The circulation of the home is well designed by separating the private bedrooms to the north and the public spaces to the south. The entryway leads into a large open living room and dining room with a view of the solarium for entertainment and social gatherings, making it the centerpiece of the home.

The structural system consists of wood frame construction on a concrete slab foundation. The exterior of the home is finished with a stone veneer, stucco, and a board & batten siding and the gable-on-hip roof is finsihed with wood shakes. The subterranean fallout shelter consists of 377 square feet and it was originally equipped with an ash dump, air duct vent, a chemical toilet, and a metal door and jamb encased in four concrete walls. This small shelter would provide the family with the essential amenities necessary to survive a two week shelter-in-place in the wake of a nuclear attack.

From Google Earth's street view, the exterior of the house appears intact, except for the enclosure of the garage. The original massing, exterior finishes, and fenestration of the house have not diverted from Taylor's drawing, maintaining its historic integrity.

Ralph J. Harman was an active resident of North Las Vegas during the progressive years of the city. Mr. Harmon and his wife, Arda, and two children were devout followers of the LDS Church. In August of 1965, Mr. Harmon and his family were invited to a private luncheon by Sen Howard W. Cannon as a US Senate guest chaplain. Days later, Harmon "became the first bishop of the LDS church in 20 years to offer the invocation at the convening of the senate." (Las Vegas Sun, Aug. 5, 1965, page 1)

In June of 1966, Mr. Harman announced his candidacy for State Senator of District 2 with an article in the Las Vegas Sun listing his accolades and reinforcing his commitment to the North Las Vegas community. The article describes him as a local business and civil leader in the community, as the chairman of the board of directors of the Vegas Village Shopping Center, and a 12-year resident of North Las Vegas. Mr. Harman was also a member of the NLV Township Democratic Club and an active member of the local Chamber of Commerce where he served as the first vice president. He had an extensive background in the wholesale and retail business and served in the Department of Research and Education of the National Retail Grocers Association. He was an active participant in the LDS church's youth programs and was the leader of the Boulder Dam area boy scouts' group.

Mr. Harman unfortunately lost the state senate race to Mr. Alfred Joseph Alleman in November of 1966, though continued to serve the local community through his involvement in the church. Mr. Harman died on January 2, 1973 in North Las Vegas.

Sheet 1: General Notes, Pulmans, Plot & Roof Plan

Sheet 2: Foundation Plan, Typical Interior Wall Footing, Typical Basement Wall Footing, Typical Exterior Wall Footing

Sheet 3: Floor Plan, Basement/Fallout Shelter Plan

Sheet 4: Fireplace Detail, Front Elevation (East), North Elevation, South Elevation, West Elevation, Fireplace Elevation, Barbecue

Sheet 5: Section A-A, Typical Door Details, Typical Eave Detail

Sheet 6: Room Materials & Finish Schedule, Cabinet Details

Sheet 7: Electrical Plan, Electrical Fixtures

8. Current Google Earth street view

9. Las Vegas Sun, Aug. 5 1965: Ralph J. Harman and family, having lunch at the US Senate, hosted by Senator Howard W. Cannon.

Any use, reproduction or publication of this item requires written permission from the Nevada Preservation Foundation.

All information regarding Hugh Taylor's clients has been obtained from publicly available sources such as newspaper archives, census records, marriage records, obituaries, public libraries, and local assessors records.