James C. Fernald architectural blueprints

Summary

Creator: Fernald, James C., active 1884-1929
Date(s): approximately 1906
Call Number: MSS 0365
Language: Materials entirely in English.
Abstract: Blueprints of designs for row houses in Philadelphia designed by Philadelphia architect James C. Fernald (fl. 1884–1929).
Physical Description: 7 items
Source: Gift of the Moyerman family, 1973
Processing: Processed by Arthur Siegel, April 1998. Encoded by Natalie Baur, March 2010. Further encoding by Lauren Connolly, February 2016 and Tiffany Saulter, May 2016. Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Biographical and Historical Notes

Little documentation is available regarding the life or career of Philadelphia architect James C. Fernald (fl.1884–1929). His name is found in the Philadelphia city directory, where he is listed from 1884–1886 as a carpenter, and after 1887 as an architect. As represented in this collection, most of his projects were relatively small-scale, such as designs for stores or residential structures for individuals. However, other of his works were of public buildings, such as the Congregational Church on Sansom & 61st St., and the Hestonville Ice Manufacturing Plant & skating rink, in Hestonville, PA.

Sources

Gopsill's Philadelphia City Directory. Philadelphia: James Gospill, 1873, 1903.

Tatman, Sandra L. and Roger W. Moss, eds. Biographical Dictionary of Philadelphia Architects: 1700–1930. Boston: G.K. Hall & Co., 1985.

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of only seven items, all blueprints of designs for row houses in Philadelphia, including floor plans, elevations, and details. Only one of the plans is dated, to 1906, though the remainder are likely to have been created around the same time. In addition, James Fernald may have had some professional contact with another Philadelphia architect, Charles Edward Rahn (fl.1885–1933). Several of the plans in the collection are for Thomas G. Birmingham and John C. Knox, who were both clients of Rahn, and both architects created designs that were very similar in style.

Using these materials

Shelving Summary

  • F1: Shelved in SPEC MSS oversize mapcases

Access Information

The collection is open for research.

Preferred Citation

MSS 0365, James C. Fernald architectural blueprints, Special Collections, University of Delaware Library, Newark,Delaware.

Related Materials in thisRepository

MSS 0364 Charles Edward Rahn architectural drawings

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

Use of materials from this collection beyond the exceptions provided for in the Fair Use and Educational Use clauses of the U.S. Copyright Law may violate federal law. Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. Please contact Special Collections Department, University of Delaware Library, https://library.udel.edu/static/purl.php?askspec

Container List

Blueprints

All of these blueprints are for Philadelphia row houses. The clients for only two of the plans have been identified: Thomas G. Birmingham, and John C. Knox (possibly of O'Neill & Knox).

Front elevation F1

blueprint; inscribed in upper right "James C. Fernald Architect 5533 Wyalusing Ave., Phila.;" 11 1/2 x 16 3/4"
Side elevation F1

blueprint; 12 1/2 x 21"
Green Lane, East of Ridge Ave (2 copies) F1

For Thomas G. Birmingham, builder & owner Plans of cellar to third floor, elevations, details blueprint; inscribed at top "James C. Fernald Architect 5533 Wyalusing Ave., Phila.;" 36 x 25 1/2"

S.E. corner of 50th & Chestnut Sts, 1906 December 12 (2 copies) F1

For John C. Knox, builder & owner Plans of cellar to second floor, elevations, details, cross-section. blueprint; inscribed at upper right "James C. Fernald Architect 5533 Wyalusing Ave., Phila.;" 34 3/4 x 23 1/4", 35 1/2 x 25"

Plan of third floor F1

blueprint; 21 1/2 x 11 1/4"

Names & Subjects

Subjects

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