Norma Bonniwell facts for kids

Norma N. Bonniwell (also known as Norma Bonniwell King) was an American architect who lived from 1877 to 1961. An architect is a person who designs buildings. Norma worked with her father, George C. Bonniwell, in a family business called Bonniwell and Daughter in North Carolina. Her sister Josephine and brother James Gaither also helped with the family business.

Norma lived in different towns in North Carolina, including Hickory and Windsor, North Carolina. She married William Peele King on November 20, 1901. After they married, the couple made their home in Windsor, North Carolina.

Who Was Norma Bonniwell?

Norma Bonniwell was one of the early women architects in the United States. She helped design several buildings. Her work shows how women were starting to take on new roles in professions like architecture during her time.

Early Life and Family Business

Norma Bonniwell was born in 1877. She grew up learning about building design from her father, George C. Bonniwell. Their family business, Bonniwell and Daughter, was special because it highlighted a woman's role in the firm. This was not common at the time. Working with her father and siblings helped her gain important skills.

Designing Important Buildings

Norma Bonniwell is known for designing several buildings. One of her designs is even listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list of buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history.

Here are some of the buildings she helped design:

• The Thomas B. Finley House: This house was designed in 1893. It is located at 1014 E St. in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. This building is on the National Register of Historic Places.
• A building at Lenoir College: This college is in Hickory, North Carolina.
• The W. A. Thomas House: This home is located at 302 West End Avenue in Statesville, North Carolina.

What is the National Register?

The National Register of Historic Places is a list kept by the United States government. It includes places that are important to the history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture of the country. When a building is on this list, it means it is recognized as a valuable part of America's heritage. It also helps protect these places for future generations.