Frank E. Wetherell

Frank E. Wetherell, American Architect (1869-1961)

Frank E. Wetherell (1869 in Malta, Ohio – 1961 in Des Moines, Iowa)[1] was an American architect in the Midwest U.S. state of Iowa who was active from 1892 to 1931. Frank Wetherell was educated in the Oskaloosa, Iowa schools, and went on to Iowa City where he first studied civil engineering at the State University of Iowa, then changed to the field of architecture. It appears that he began his professional career in Oskaloosa in 1892, at the age of twenty-two. Following his marriage in 1894 to Amy Loosley, the couple moved to Peoria, Illinois, where Frank practiced for four years there before returning to Oskaloosa. The earliest architectural Frank Wetherell commission known in Oskaloosa is the renovation of the N.B. Weeks residence at 407 A Avenue East in 1894. Frank Wetherell founded the second oldest architectural firm in the state in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1905.[2][3] He worked with Roland Harrison (born in 1889, age 95 in 1983) in partnership Wetherell & Harrison. The firm designed numerous Masonic buildings.[1]

Wetherell frequently collaborated with Oliver O. Smith. With the addition of Alvah J. Gage, the firm became Smith, Wetherell & Gage.[3]: 16  and later Smith & Gage. Wetherell was prominent statewide as an architect known for public buildings, residences, and urban planning. At least 44 extant properties in Oskaloosa, Iowa are attributed to him.[3]

He was a parishioner of St. James Episcopal Church (Oskaloosa, Iowa), which he designed in Gothic Revival architecture style.

  1. ^ a b James E. Jacobsen (August 24, 1983). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: Scottish Rite Consistory Building". National Park Service. Retrieved 2016-06-28. with four photos from 1983
  2. ^ "Wetherell Ericsson Architects joins RDG Planning & Design" (PDF). 2007.[permanent dead link] (see link Archived 2013-12-27 at the Wayback Machine)
  3. ^ a b c "National Register of Historic Places Multiple Property Documentation: ARCHITECTURAL & HISTORICAL RESOURCES OF OSKALOOSA, IOWA / Architecture of Paradise Block; 1853–1917 / Works of Frank E. Wetherell: 1892–1931".