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.
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.
From the guide to the James C. Fernald architectural blueprints, circa 1906, (University of Delaware Library - Special Collections)
