University of Delaware Library

Special Collections Department

James C. Fernald
Architectural Blueprints

c. 1906

Manuscript Collection Number: 365
Accessioned: Gift of the Moyerman family, 1973.
Extent: 7 items.
Content: Blueprints.
Access: The collection is open for research.
Processed: April 1998 by Arthur Siegel.

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Table of Contents

Introductory Note

 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.

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.

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.

Contents List

 Folder -- Contents

F1   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).  All of these items are stored in the oversize map drawers.


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

     Side elevation
     blueprint; 12 1/2 x 21"

     Green Lane, East of Ridge Ave. (2 copies)
     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.  (2 copies)
     For John C. Knox, builder & owner
     Plans of cellar to second floor, elevations, details, cross-section; 1906 December 12
     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
     blueprint; 21 1/2 x 11 1/4"
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