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{{Short description|American architect}}
{{Short description|American architect (1884–1978)}}
{{Infobox architect
'''Thomas H. Atherton''' (January 16, 1884{{spaced en dash}}February 1, 1978), was an American architect.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://atherton.one-name.net/tng/getperson.php?personID=I31904&tree=1|title=Atherton One Name Study entry for Thomas H Atherton Jnr}}</ref> A [[Princeton University]] alumni; he also studied at the [[Massachusetts Institute of Technology]]. He designed many public buildings in New York and Pennsylvania and a war memorial in France.<ref>[http://info.aia.org/aiarchitect/thisweek07/0406/0406b_tcb.cfm AIA.ORG letter from Timothy J. White, AIA]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hqcSAAAAIAAJ&dq=atherton+architect+thomas&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=Atherton+|title=Who's who in America: Supplement to Who's who, a current biographical reference service, Vol. 15-16|publisher=Marquis-Who's Who|year=1954}}</ref>
| name = Thomas H. Atherton
| birth_name = Thomas Henry Atherton Jr.
| birth_date = January 16, 1884
| birth_place = [[Wilkes–Barre, Pennsylvania]], U.S.
| practice = [[Carrère and Hastings]]<br />
Townsend & Fleming<br />
Lacy & Atherton<br />
Lacy, Atherton & Davis
| significant_projects = [[Harrisburg Military Post]]<br />
[[Market Street Bridge (Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania)|Market Street Bridge]]<br />
[[Pennsylvania Memorial]]
| death_date = {{death date and age|1978|2|1|1884|1|16}}
| alma_mater = [[Princeton University]]<br />
[[Massachusetts Institute of Technology]]<br />
[[Ecole de Beaux Arts]]
| death_place = Wilkes–Barre, Pennsylvania, U.S.
| significant_buildings = [[Carlisle Armory (Carlisle, Pennsylvania)|Carlisle Armory]]<br />
[[East Stroudsburg Armory]]<br />
[[Kingston Armory]]<br />
[[Mansfield Armory]]<br />
[[Milton Armory]]<br />
[[Wellsboro Armory]]
}}
'''Thomas Henry Atherton Jr.''' {{post-nominals|list=[[FAIA]]}} (January 16, 1884{{spaced en dash}}February 1, 1978) was an American architect and decorated [[World War I]] officer.<ref name=":3">{{Cite journal |date=February 12, 1978 |title=Gen. Thomas H. Atherton, 94, Prominent Civil Leader, Dies |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108256292/obituary-for-thomas-h-atherton-aged-94/ |journal=The Times-Leader (Wilkes-Barr, Pennsylvania) |pages=11 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> He designed many public buildings in New York and Pennsylvania and a war memorial in France.<ref>{{cite web |year=1954 |title=Who's who in America: Supplement to Who's who, a current biographical reference service, Vol. 15-16 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hqcSAAAAIAAJ&q=Atherton+ |publisher=Marquis-Who's Who |via=Google Books}}</ref> A number of his works, including numerous National Guard armories in eastern Pennsylvania, are listed on the U.S. [[National Register of Historic Places]].<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|version=2010a}}</ref><ref name=":15">{{Cite web |last1=Sisson |first1=William |last2=Wilson |first2=Kristen |date=July 24, 1991 |title=National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Harrisburg Military Post |url=https://gis.penndot.gov/CRGISAttachments/SiteResource/H096489_01H.pdf |access-date=August 25, 2022 |website=Pennsylvania DOT}}</ref>


==Early years==
==Early years==
He was born in [[Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania]] on January 16, 1884, the son of Thomas Henry Atherton Sr <ref>{{cite web|url=https://atherton.one-name.net/tng/getperson.php?personID=I31901&tree=1|title=Atherton One Name Study entry for Thomas H Atherton Snr}}</ref> and Melanie Parke. His father had a law practice in the town. His father had graduated from [[Princeton University]] in 1874.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.org/details/decennialrecordo01prin/page/n8/mode/2up|title= Decennial record of the class of 1874 of Princeton college|year= 1884|publisher= [Princeton] The Princeton press}}</ref> His childhood home was located on West River St, Wilkes Barre.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jacobsburghistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/JHS-finding-guide.pdf|title=Thomas H. Atherton Sr papers}}</ref>
He was born in [[Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania|Wilkes–Barre, Pennsylvania]].<ref>{{cite web |year=1884 |title=Decennial record of the class of 1874 of Princeton college |url=http://archive.org/details/decennialrecordo01prin/page/n8/mode/2up |publisher=[Princeton] The Princeton press |via=Internet Archive}}</ref> He was the son of Melanie Parke and Thomas Henry Atherton, an attorney.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |title=Thomas Henry Atherton Jr. |url=https://atherton.one-name.net/tng/getperson.php?personID=I31904&tree=1 |access-date=August 24, 2022 |website=Atherton One Name}}</ref><ref name=":3" /> His father was born Thomas A. Henry, but changed his name to Thomas H. Atherton in 1870 by legislative enactment, to honor his maternal uncle who paid for him to attend [[Princeton University]].<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web |author=Lane, Hannah Elizabeth (Ferrier) |year=1906 |title=Thomas Ferrier, and some of his descendants |url=https://archive.org/details/thomasferriersom00lclane |website=Internet Archive |publisher=The Independent |location=Elkhorn, Wisconsin}}</ref>


Atherton is a direct descendant of [[William Henry (gunsmith)|William Henry]], an armorer in the [[French and Indian War]] and [[American Revolutionary War|Revolutionary War]], who served in the [[Continental Congress]] and was a member of Benjamin Franklin's [[American Philosophical Society]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Berg |first=Christian |date=October 4, 2007 |title=Arming a Nation: Northampton County gun-making family played a key role in American history. |url=https://www.mcall.com/news/mc-xpm-2007-10-14-3788036-story.html |access-date=2022-08-24 |website=The Morning Call}}</ref> On his paternal grandmother's side, he is a direct descendant of [[James Atherton (early settler to Massachusetts)|James Atherton]].<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Farmer |first=John |url=https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/009718081 |title=A genealogical register of the first settlers of New England ... To which are added various genealogical and biographical notes, collected from ancient records, manuscripts, and printed works. |date=1829 |publisher=Carter, Andrews & co. |location=Lancaster, Mass. |pages=20 |via=Hathi Trust}}</ref>
He graduated with an A.B. from Princeton University in 1906, and went on to attend the [[Massachusetts Institute of Technology]], where he gained a B.S. in 1909.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.philadelphiabuildings.org/pab/app/ar_display.cfm/21512|title=Philadelphia Architects and Buildings|year=2020}}</ref>


His childhood home was located on West River Street in Wilkes–Barre.<ref name=":2">{{cite web |date=May 2006 |title=Thomas H. Atherton Sr papers |url=http://www.jacobsburghistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/JHS-finding-guide.pdf |access-date=August 24, 2022 |website=Jacobsburg Historical Society Archive}}</ref> He attended the Harry Hillman Academy in Wilkes–Barre.<ref name=":3" /> He attended Princeton University, where he won a prize in architecture and graduated with an A.B. in 1906.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> He also attended the [[Massachusetts Institute of Technology]], graduating with a B.S. in 1909.<ref name=":4">{{cite web |last1=Cooperman |first1=Emily T. |last2=Tatman |first2=Sandra L. |year=2022 |title=Atherton, Thomas Henry (1884 - 1978) |url=https://www.philadelphiabuildings.org/pab/app/ar_display.cfm/21512 |access-date=August 24, 2022 |website=Philadelphia Architects and Buildings}}</ref><ref name=":3" /> While there, he was a member of the fraternity of Delta Psi ([[St. Anthony Hall]]).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catalogue of the members of the fraternity of Delta Psi - 1912 |url=https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/386855-redirect |access-date=2022-08-10 |website=www.familysearch.org |publisher=The Fraternity of Delta Psi |location=New York |language=English |publication-date=1912}}</ref><ref name=":5" /> Next, he studied under [[Gabriel Héraud]] in Paris at [[École des Beaux-Arts|École de Beaux–Arts]].<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite journal |date=1924 |title=Who's Who In Architecture |url=https://hdl.handle.net/2027/uc1.b3063402?urlappend=%3Bseq=403%3Bownerid=9007199273033886-417 |journal=American Art Annual |volume=21 |pages=363 |hdl=2027/uc1.b3063402?urlappend=%3Bseq=403 |via=Hathi Trust}}</ref>
==Career==
Atherton was a U.S. successful architect. A number of his works are listed on the U.S. [[National Register of Historic Places]].<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|version=2010a}}</ref><ref>{{NRHP url|id=64500536|title=Pennsylvania National Guard Armories MPS}}</ref>
<ref name="arch">{{cite web| url = https://www.dot7.state.pa.us/ce/SelectWelcome.asp| title = National Historic Landmarks & National Register of Historic Places in Pennsylvania| publisher = CRGIS: Cultural Resources Geographic Information System| format = Searchable database}} ''Note:'' This includes {{cite web| url = https://www.dot7.state.pa.us/ce_imagery/phmc_scans/H096484_01H.pdf| title = National Register of Historic Places Inventory Nomination Form: Carlisle Armory | accessdate = 2012-01-21| author = Kristine M. Wilson| date= August 1989}}</ref>


== Military ==
He worked as a draftsman for [[Carrère and Hastings]], the architectural firm responsible for the design of the [[New York Public Library]] (1910{{en dash}}1911). He the took a position at Townsend & Fleming in [[Buffalo, New York]] (1911{{en dash}}1912).
In 1914, Atherton enlisted in the 9th Infantry as a private.<ref name=":3" /> He served on the [[Mexican Border War (1910–1919)|Mexican Border War]] from 1916 to 1917.<ref name=":3" /> During [[World War I]], he served as a captain in the [[109th Field Artillery Regiment (United States)|109th Field Artillery Regiment]].<ref name=":3" /> For his distinguished service in the [[Meuse–Argonne offensive]], he received the [[Croix de Guerre |Croix de Guerre with one palm]] from France, the [[Croix de guerre (Belgium)|Coix de Guerre]] from [[Belgium]], and the Citation Á L'Orde de l'Armee from France <ref>{{Cite journal |date=June 11, 1919 |title=Decorations and Citations |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8mxIAAAAYAAJ&dq=atherton.french+war&pg=PA723 |journal=The Princeton Alumni Weekly |volume=19 |issue=35 |pages=723 |via=Google Books}}</ref><ref name=":3" /> In 1940, he became the commander of the 109th. He was also promoted to the rank of colonel.<ref name=":3" /> He retired from the military in 1941.<ref name=":3" />


In 1946, Atherton helped reorganize the [[National Guard (United States)|National Guard]] in the Wilkes–Barre area.<ref name=":3" /> In 1960, he reached the rank of [[brigadier general]] of the [[Pennsylvania National Guard]].<ref name=":3" /> He served in the Pennsylvania National Guard for 27 years.<ref name=":3" />
Atherton served as a Captain in the [[109th Field Artillery Regiment (United States)| 109th Field Artillery Regiment]], with distinguished service in the [[Meuse–Argonne offensive]] during [[World War I]]. He was a decorated soldier who received the [[Croix de guerre (Belgium)|Belgian War Cross]] and the [[Croix de Guerre |French War Cross]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8mxIAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA723&dq=atherton*french+war&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiA9qbqjZ3zAhVBY8AKHQDnD5IQ6AF6BAgEEAM#v=onepage&q=atherton.french%20war&f=true|title=Princeton Alumni Weekly, Volume 19}}</ref>
[[File:Pennsylvania Memorial at Varennes1927.jpg|thumb|Pennsylvania Memorial, 1927]]
[[File:109th Field Artillery Armory, Kingston, PA (63542).jpg|thumb|109th Field Artillery Armory]]
[[File:Market Street Bridge, Spanning North Branch of Susquehanna River, Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, PA HAER PA-342-17.tif|thumb|Market Street Bridge]]


==Career==
After World War I, he returned to civilian life and worked in partnership with Philadelphia architect [[Paul Philippe Cret]] on the [[Pennsylvania Memorial]] in [[Varennes-en-Argonne]], France.
From 1910 to 1911, Atherton worked in [[New York City]] as a draftsman for [[Carrère and Hastings]].<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":14">Koyl, George. ''[https://content.aia.org/sites/default/files/2018-09/Bowker_1956_A.pdf American Architects' Directory]''. New York: R.R. Bowker Co., 1956 p. 17. via the American Institute of Architects.</ref> Next, he took a position at Townsend & Fleming in [[Buffalo, New York]] from 1911 to 1912.<ref name=":14" />


After World War I, he returned to civilian life and worked in partnership with Philadelphia architect [[Paul Philippe Cret]] on the [[Pennsylvania Memorial]] in [[Varennes-en-Argonne|Varennes–en–Argonne]], France.<ref name=":4" /> He also designed the 28th Infantry Division Memorial Shrine located in [[Boalsburg, Pennsylvania]].<ref name=":3" />
Atherton returned to Wilkes-Barre in the late 1920’s to design the market street bridge,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.loc.gov/item/pa3084/|title=Market Street Bridge, Spanning North Branch of Susquehanna River, Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, PA, designed by Thomas H. Atherton}}</ref> Followed by the Kirby Health Center (1929).


[[File: Market Street Bridge, Spanning North Branch of Susquehanna River, Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, PA HAER PA-342-30.tif| thumb|{{center|Market Street Bridge, Spanning North Branch of Susquehanna River, Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, PA. Carrere and Hastings, Architects; Atherton, Thomas H; Davis, Benjamin Herman}}]]
Atherton returned to Wilkes–Barre by 1922 where he had offices at 911 Coal Exchange.<ref name=":5" /> There, he designed the Myers Warehouses (1922), the 109th Field Artillery Armory (1923), the [[Market Street Bridge (Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania)|Market Street Bridge]] (1924–1929), and the Kirby Memorial Health Center (1929).<ref name=":16">{{cite web |title=Market Street Bridge, Spanning North Branch of Susquehanna River, Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, PA, designed by Thomas H. Atherton |url=https://www.loc.gov/item/pa3084/ |website=[[Library of Congress]]}}</ref><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" />


He established his own architectural practice in 1941 and entered into partnership with James O. Lacy in 1943, with John W. Davis joining in 1945, to become Lacy, Atherton & Davis.
In 1941, he established his architectural practice in Wilkes–Barre.<ref name=":4" /> In 1943, Atherton expanded his solo practice into the partnership of Lacy & Atherton with L. Verne Lacy (1893-1976) In 1945, John W. Davis joined them, becoming Lacy, Atherton & Davis.<ref name=":3" /> Their offices were located in the Hotel Sterling Building in Wilkes–Barre.<ref name=":14" /> They were registered to practice in New York, North Carolina, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.<ref name=":14" /> He retired from the firm in 1970.<ref name=":4" />


A recurring design detail in many of Atherton's residential projects, and some of his larger, non-residential projects, was the use of distinctive stone window and door surrounds. Featuring oversized lintels and sills, it usually includes an extended stone "quoin" midway between the lintel and sill. This detail, similar to one used by C.F.A Voysey, in addition to several of Atherton's early use of roughcast stucco exteriors, leads one to believe Atherton had a knowledge and interest in Voysey's career.
He served in the [[Pennsylvania National Guard]] and reached the rank of [[Brigadier General]] in the 109th Field Artillery Regiment.


==Professional affiliations==
==Notable works==
Atherton joined the [[American Institute of Architects]] (AIA) in 1928 and became a fellow in 1953.<ref name=":4" /> He was a president and secretary of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of AIA several times.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" />
* [[Clemuel Ricketts Mansion]]; new wing in 1913
* [[Pennsylvania Memorial]] in Varennes-en-Argonne in [[France]]
*[[Carlisle Armory (Carlisle, Pennsylvania)|Carlisle Armory]], 504 Cavalry Rd. [[Carlisle, PA]]. NRHP-listed<ref name=nris/>
*[[East Stroudsburg Armory]], 271 Washington St. [[East Stroudsburg, PA]]. NRHP-listed<ref name=nris/>
*[[Kingston Armory]], 280 Market St. [[Kingston, PA]]. NRHP-listed<ref name=nris/>
*[[Mansfield Armory]], Smythe Park [[Mansfield, PA]].NRHP-listed<ref name=nris/>
*[[Milton Armory]], 133 Ridge Ave. [[Milton, PA]].NRHP-listed<ref name=nris/>
*[[Wellsboro Armory]], 2 Central Ave. [[Wellsboro, PA]]. NRHP-listed<ref name=nris/>
*Additional works in [[Wellsboro Historic District]], roughly bounded by Nichols, Tioga, Charleston, Jackson, East, Bacon, Morris, Sturrock, Meade, Grant, Walnut, Academy, etc. [[Wellsboro, PA]]. NRHP-listed<ref name=nris/>


==Memberships==
==Personal life==
He married Mary Kidd Mish (1900{{en dash}}1981) in [[Luzerne, Pennsylvania]], on February 2, 1921.<ref name=":0" /> Their children were, Mary Altherton, [[Charles Henry Atherton]], and William H. Atherton.<ref name=":0" /> They lived in Orchard House in [[Wyoming, Pennsylvania]].<ref name=":14" />
Atherton joined the [[American Institute of Architects]] in 1928 and was elevated to the college of fellows in 1953.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://network.aia.org/cof/home|title=AIA College of Fellows - Thomas H. Atherton}}</ref>


Atherton served on the Central Registration Bureau's Advisory Committee and the Luzerne County Emergency Relief Board during the [[Great Depression in the United States|Great Depression]].<ref name=":3" /> He was also chairman of the [[Luzerne County, Pennsylvania|Luzerne County]] Council of Defense.<ref name=":3" /> In addition, he was the general campaign chair for the Community Welfare Federation, a three-term president of the [[Wyoming Valley]] Council of the [[Boy Scouts of America]], and a member of the Wilkes–Bare [[Kiwanis Club]].<ref name=":3" />
He was interested in local and family history and was a member of the Jacobsburg Historical Society.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jacobsburghistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/JHS-finding-guide.pdf|title=Thomas H. Atherton Jr papers}}</ref>


He was interested in local and family history and was vice president of the [[Wyoming Historical and Geological Society]], president of the Forty Fort Cemetery Association, and a member of the Jacobsburg Historical Society and the [[Wyoming Commemorative Association]].<ref name=":2" /> He was a member of the [[American Legion]], MIT Association, North Mountain Club, Princeton Alumni Association, and the St. Anthony Club of New York City.<ref name=":5" /> In addition, he was an elder at First Presbyterian Church in Wilke–Barre.<ref name=":3" />
==Personal==
He married Mary Kidd Mish (1900{{en dash}}1981) in [[Luzerne, Pennsylvania]] on February 2, 1921. They had a daughter, Mary, and two sons, [[Charles Henry Atherton]] (1932{{en dash}}2005) <ref>{{cite web|url=http://info.aia.org/aiarchitect/thisweek05/tw1209/tw1209athertonobit.htm?fbclid=IwAR3QvbRyt-xblZUOjIAPmxR3XBLp9UEIBj9aL83iH21R-LeDqJ3hTZdmw20|title=Charles H Atherton followed his fathers footsteps to Princeton to study architecture}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://atherton.one-name.net/tng/getperson.php?personID=I31914&tree=1|title=Charles H. Atherton, son of Thomas H Atherton}}</ref> and William H. Atherton (1928{{en dash}}2011).


In 1965, he lived part-time in [[Hilton Head Island, South Carolina]], retiring there in 1970.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> He moved back to Wilkes–Barre in July 1976.<ref name=":3" /> He died at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Wilkes–Barr in 1978 at the age of 94.<ref name=":3" /> He was buried in the Forty Fort Cemetery.<ref name=":3" />
His sister was Elizabeth Grier Atherton, who worked for the Department of State.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7zowAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA82&dq=harvard+graduate+atherton&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjkjrTV4Nv0AhXTR_EDHZvIBms4ChDoAXoECAUQAw#v=onepage&q=harvard%20graduate%20atherton&f=true|title=Biographic Register of the Department of State, Volume 1918|publisher=United States Department of State}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.artnet.com/artists/robbie-robinson/portrait-of-elizabeth-grier-atherton-great-GPU3COHRaQ_WStlTRGYoUQ2?fbclid=IwAR1-EUUxmTvtdvNR1Q__iFv1rA9ZPJELN60cK84W4PxTWw9BEIxoSeIyZGM|title=Portrait of Elizabeth Grier Atherton}}</ref> His sister, Sarah was an author of Pennsylvanian historical fiction.


== Projects ==
He died on February 1, 1978 and is buried in [[Hilton Head, South Carolina]].
{| class="sortable wikitable" style="width:100%;"

|+
==Ancestry==
!Project
Atherton is a direct descendant of [[William Henry (gunsmith)]]. An armorer in the French and Indian and Revolutionary wars, who served in the Continental Congress and was a member of Benjamin Franklin's [[American Philosophical Society]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mcall.com/news/mc-xpm-2007-10-14-3788036-story.html|title=The Atherton connection with William Henry, gunsmith}}</ref> His father changed his name from
!Date
Thomas A. Henry to Thomas H. Atherton in 1870 by legislative enactment,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/thomasferriersom00lclane|title=Thomas Ferrier, and some of his descendants|author=Lane, Hannah Elizabeth (Ferrier)|year=1906}}</ref> to honor his maternal uncle who paid for him to attend Princeton University.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://atherton.one-name.net/tng/getperson.php?personID=I31901&tree=1|title=Thomas H Atherton Sr., formerly known as Thomas A. Henry}}</ref>
!Location

!Status
On his maternal side, he is a direct descendant of [[James Atherton (early settler to Massachusetts)|James Atherton]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://atherton.one-name.net/tng/getperson.php?personID=I27243&tree=1|title=James Atherton entry on the Atherton ONS}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=hvd.32044029877669&view=1up&seq=32&q1=Atherton|title=James Atherton of Dorchester settled in Lancaster Massachusetts in 1654|date=16 July 2021|publisher=Lancaster, Mass.}}</ref> who arrived in [[Dorchester, Massachusetts]], in the 1630s.
!Ref

|-
His grandfather was [[William Camp Gildersleeve]].
|109th Field Artillery Armory ([[Kingston Armory|Kingston Amory]])

|1923
==Articles==
|Kingston, [[Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania|Pennsylvania]]
[https://www.mcall.com/news/mc-xpm-2007-10-14-3788036-story.html The Morning Call, article on Thomas H Atherton - October 14, 2007]
|National Register of Historic Places
|<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Citation |title=109th Field Artillery Armory, Kingston, PA. |url=https://ark.digitalcommonwealth.org/ark:/50959/gx41np94k. |access-date=2022-08-25}}109th Field Artillery Armory, Kingston, PA.. 1930-1945. Retrieved from the Digital Public Library of America, (Accessed August 25, 2022.)</ref>
|-
|Blackman Country House
|1933
|Idetown, [[Luzerne County, Pennsylvania]]
|
|<ref name=":5" />
|-
|[[Carlisle Armory (Carlisle, Pennsylvania)|Carlisle Armory]]
|1931
|504 Cavalry Road, [[Carlisle, Pennsylvania]]
|National Register of Historic Places
|<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=Carlisle Armory |url=https://www.philadelphiabuildings.org/pab/app/pj_display.cfm/88063 |access-date=2022-08-25 |website=Philadelphia Architects and Buildings}}</ref>
|-
|Col. [[Robert Bruce Ricketts|Robert. Bruce Rickets]] estate
|1913
|Ganoga, Pennsylvania
|
|<ref name=":5" />
|-
|[[East Stroudsburg Armory]]
|1928
|271 Washington Street, [[East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania]]
|National Register of Historic Places
|<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |title=East Stroudsburg Armory |url=https://www.philadelphiabuildings.org/pab/app/pj_display.cfm/88447 |access-date=2022-08-25 |website=Philadelphia Architects and Buildings}}</ref>
|-
|First Presbyterian Church house
|1932
|97 South Franklin Street, Wikes–Barre, Pennsylvania
|
|<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Atherton, Thomas Henry (1884 - 1978) Projects |url=https://www.philadelphiabuildings.org/pab/app/ar_display_projects.cfm/21512 |access-date=2022-08-25 |website=Philadelphia Architects and Buildings}}</ref><ref name=":14" />
|-
|[[Harrisburg Military Post]] Stable 1, Building No.9
|1929
|14th and Calder Streets, [[Harrisburg, Pennsylvania]]
|National Register of Historic Places
|<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":15" />
|-
|[[Harrisburg Military Post]] Stables 2 and 3, Building No. 8
|1930
|14th and Calder Streets, [[Harrisburg, Pennsylvania]]
|National Register of Historic Places
|<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":15" />
|-
|[[Harrisburg Military Post]] Gun Shed, Building No. 4
|1930
|14th and Calder Streets, [[Harrisburg, Pennsylvania]]
|National Register of Historic Places
|<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":15" />
|-
|[[Harrisburg Military Post]] Stable 4, Building No. 7
|1932
|14th and Calder Streets, [[Harrisburg, Pennsylvania]]
|National Register of Historic Places
|<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":15" />
|-
|[[Harrisburg Military Post]] Warehouse, Building No. 3
|1933
|14th and Calder Streets, [[Harrisburg, Pennsylvania]]
|National Register of Historic Places
|<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":15" />
|-
|Italian Church
|1922
|[[Pittston, Pennsylvania]]
|
|<ref name=":5" />
|-
|[[Kingston Armory]]
|1923
|280 Market Street. Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
|National Register of Historic Places
|<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |title=Kingston Armory |url=https://www.philadelphiabuildings.org/pab/app/pj_display.cfm/88076 |access-date=2022-08-25 |website=Philadelphia Architects and Buildings}}</ref>
|-
|Kirby Memorial Health Center
|1929
|Wilkes–Barre, Pennsylvania
|
|<ref name=":14" />
|-
|[[Mansfield Armory]]
|1938
|Smythe Park, [[Mansfield, Pennsylvania]]
|National Register of Historic Places
|<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |title=Mansfield Armory |url=https://www.philadelphiabuildings.org/pab/app/pj_display.cfm/88452 |access-date=2022-08-25 |website=Philadelphia Architects and Buildings}}</ref>
|-
|[[Market Street Bridge (Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania)|Market Street Bridge]]
|1929
|Wilkes–Barre, Pennsylvania
|National Register of Historic Places
|<ref name=":16" />
|-
|[[Milton Armory]]
|1922
|133 Ridge Avenue. [[Milton, Pennsylvania]]
|National Register of Historic Places
|<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |title=Milton Armory |url=https://www.philadelphiabuildings.org/pab/app/pj_display.cfm/88461 |access-date=2022-08-25 |website=Philadelphia Architects and Builders}}</ref>
|-
|Myers Estate Warehouses
|1922
|Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
|
|<ref name=":5" />
|-
|[[Pennsylvania Memorial]]
|1927
|[[Varennes-en-Argonne|Varennes–en–Argonne]], [[France]]
|
|<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |title=Pennsylvania State Monument |url=https://www.philadelphiabuildings.org/pab/app/pj_display.cfm/97265 |access-date=2022-08-25 |website=Philadelphia Architects and Buildings}}</ref>
|-
|[[Pennsylvania State Hospitals|Pennsylvania State Hospital]] fire alarm and safety upgrades
|1938
|[[Nanticoke, Pennsylvania]]
|
|<ref name=":6" />
|-
|[[Pennsylvania State Hospitals|Pennsylvania State Hospital]] nurses' home
|1937
|[[Nanticoke, Pennsylvania]]
|
|<ref name=":6" />
|-
|[[Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology|Thaddeus Stevens School]] gymnasium and boiler house
|1937
|Lancaster Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania
|
|<ref name=":6" />
|-
|[[Wellsboro Armory]]
|1932
|2 Central Avenue, [[Wellsboro, Pennsylvania]]
|National Register of Historic Places
|<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |title=Wellsboro Armory |url=https://www.philadelphiabuildings.org/pab/app/pj_display.cfm/88458 |access-date=2022-08-25 |website=Philadelphia Architects and Buildings}}</ref>
|-
|[[Wyoming Seminary]] Boys Dorm
|1952
|[[Kingston, Pennsylvania]]
|National Register of Historic Places
|<ref name=":5" />
|}


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}{{Authority control}}

{{authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Atherton, Thomas H.}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Atherton, Thomas H.}}
[[Category:1884 births]]
[[Category:1884 births]]
[[Category:1978 deaths]]
[[Category:1978 deaths]]
[[Category:20th-century American architects]]
[[Category:Architects from Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:People from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:People from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Princeton University alumni]]
[[Category:Princeton University alumni]]
[[Category:Massachusetts Institute of Technology alumni]]
[[Category:Massachusetts Institute of Technology alumni]]
[[Category:Pennsylvania National Guard]]
[[Category:St. Anthony Hall]]
[[Category:American alumni of the École des Beaux-Arts]]
[[Category:20th-century American architects]]
[[Category:Architects from Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Pennsylvania National Guard personnel]]
[[Category:American Presbyterians]]
[[Category:Kiwanis]]
[[Category:People from Hilton Head, South Carolina]]
[[Category:Fellows of the American Institute of Architects]]

Latest revision as of 06:54, 29 September 2024

Thomas H. Atherton
Born
Thomas Henry Atherton Jr.

January 16, 1884
Wilkes–Barre, Pennsylvania, U.S.
DiedFebruary 1, 1978(1978-02-01) (aged 94)
Wilkes–Barre, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Alma materPrinceton University

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Ecole de Beaux Arts
OccupationArchitect
PracticeCarrère and Hastings

Townsend & Fleming
Lacy & Atherton

Lacy, Atherton & Davis
BuildingsCarlisle Armory

East Stroudsburg Armory
Kingston Armory
Mansfield Armory
Milton Armory

Wellsboro Armory
ProjectsHarrisburg Military Post

Market Street Bridge

Pennsylvania Memorial

Thomas Henry Atherton Jr. FAIA (January 16, 1884 – February 1, 1978) was an American architect and decorated World War I officer.[1] He designed many public buildings in New York and Pennsylvania and a war memorial in France.[2] A number of his works, including numerous National Guard armories in eastern Pennsylvania, are listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.[3][4]

Early years

[edit]

He was born in Wilkes–Barre, Pennsylvania.[5] He was the son of Melanie Parke and Thomas Henry Atherton, an attorney.[6][1] His father was born Thomas A. Henry, but changed his name to Thomas H. Atherton in 1870 by legislative enactment, to honor his maternal uncle who paid for him to attend Princeton University.[6][7]

Atherton is a direct descendant of William Henry, an armorer in the French and Indian War and Revolutionary War, who served in the Continental Congress and was a member of Benjamin Franklin's American Philosophical Society.[8] On his paternal grandmother's side, he is a direct descendant of James Atherton.[8][9]

His childhood home was located on West River Street in Wilkes–Barre.[10] He attended the Harry Hillman Academy in Wilkes–Barre.[1] He attended Princeton University, where he won a prize in architecture and graduated with an A.B. in 1906.[1][11] He also attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, graduating with a B.S. in 1909.[11][1] While there, he was a member of the fraternity of Delta Psi (St. Anthony Hall).[12][13] Next, he studied under Gabriel Héraud in Paris at École de Beaux–Arts.[1][13]

Military

[edit]

In 1914, Atherton enlisted in the 9th Infantry as a private.[1] He served on the Mexican Border War from 1916 to 1917.[1] During World War I, he served as a captain in the 109th Field Artillery Regiment.[1] For his distinguished service in the Meuse–Argonne offensive, he received the Croix de Guerre with one palm from France, the Coix de Guerre from Belgium, and the Citation Á L'Orde de l'Armee from France [14][1] In 1940, he became the commander of the 109th. He was also promoted to the rank of colonel.[1] He retired from the military in 1941.[1]

In 1946, Atherton helped reorganize the National Guard in the Wilkes–Barre area.[1] In 1960, he reached the rank of brigadier general of the Pennsylvania National Guard.[1] He served in the Pennsylvania National Guard for 27 years.[1]

Pennsylvania Memorial, 1927
109th Field Artillery Armory
Market Street Bridge

Career

[edit]

From 1910 to 1911, Atherton worked in New York City as a draftsman for Carrère and Hastings.[11][15] Next, he took a position at Townsend & Fleming in Buffalo, New York from 1911 to 1912.[15]

After World War I, he returned to civilian life and worked in partnership with Philadelphia architect Paul Philippe Cret on the Pennsylvania Memorial in Varennes–en–Argonne, France.[11] He also designed the 28th Infantry Division Memorial Shrine located in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania.[1]

Atherton returned to Wilkes–Barre by 1922 where he had offices at 911 Coal Exchange.[13] There, he designed the Myers Warehouses (1922), the 109th Field Artillery Armory (1923), the Market Street Bridge (1924–1929), and the Kirby Memorial Health Center (1929).[16][11][13]

In 1941, he established his architectural practice in Wilkes–Barre.[11] In 1943, Atherton expanded his solo practice into the partnership of Lacy & Atherton with L. Verne Lacy (1893-1976) In 1945, John W. Davis joined them, becoming Lacy, Atherton & Davis.[1] Their offices were located in the Hotel Sterling Building in Wilkes–Barre.[15] They were registered to practice in New York, North Carolina, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.[15] He retired from the firm in 1970.[11]

A recurring design detail in many of Atherton's residential projects, and some of his larger, non-residential projects, was the use of distinctive stone window and door surrounds. Featuring oversized lintels and sills, it usually includes an extended stone "quoin" midway between the lintel and sill. This detail, similar to one used by C.F.A Voysey, in addition to several of Atherton's early use of roughcast stucco exteriors, leads one to believe Atherton had a knowledge and interest in Voysey's career.

Professional affiliations

[edit]

Atherton joined the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in 1928 and became a fellow in 1953.[11] He was a president and secretary of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of AIA several times.[11][13]

Personal life

[edit]

He married Mary Kidd Mish (1900–1981) in Luzerne, Pennsylvania, on February 2, 1921.[6] Their children were, Mary Altherton, Charles Henry Atherton, and William H. Atherton.[6] They lived in Orchard House in Wyoming, Pennsylvania.[15]

Atherton served on the Central Registration Bureau's Advisory Committee and the Luzerne County Emergency Relief Board during the Great Depression.[1] He was also chairman of the Luzerne County Council of Defense.[1] In addition, he was the general campaign chair for the Community Welfare Federation, a three-term president of the Wyoming Valley Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and a member of the Wilkes–Bare Kiwanis Club.[1]

He was interested in local and family history and was vice president of the Wyoming Historical and Geological Society, president of the Forty Fort Cemetery Association, and a member of the Jacobsburg Historical Society and the Wyoming Commemorative Association.[10] He was a member of the American Legion, MIT Association, North Mountain Club, Princeton Alumni Association, and the St. Anthony Club of New York City.[13] In addition, he was an elder at First Presbyterian Church in Wilke–Barre.[1]

In 1965, he lived part-time in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, retiring there in 1970.[1][11] He moved back to Wilkes–Barre in July 1976.[1] He died at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Wilkes–Barr in 1978 at the age of 94.[1] He was buried in the Forty Fort Cemetery.[1]

Projects

[edit]
Project Date Location Status Ref
109th Field Artillery Armory (Kingston Amory) 1923 Kingston, Pennsylvania National Register of Historic Places [13][17]
Blackman Country House 1933 Idetown, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania [13]
Carlisle Armory 1931 504 Cavalry Road, Carlisle, Pennsylvania National Register of Historic Places [18]
Col. Robert. Bruce Rickets estate 1913 Ganoga, Pennsylvania [13]
East Stroudsburg Armory 1928 271 Washington Street, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania National Register of Historic Places [19]
First Presbyterian Church house 1932 97 South Franklin Street, Wikes–Barre, Pennsylvania [20][15]
Harrisburg Military Post Stable 1, Building No.9 1929 14th and Calder Streets, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania National Register of Historic Places [20][4]
Harrisburg Military Post Stables 2 and 3, Building No. 8 1930 14th and Calder Streets, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania National Register of Historic Places [20][4]
Harrisburg Military Post Gun Shed, Building No. 4 1930 14th and Calder Streets, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania National Register of Historic Places [20][4]
Harrisburg Military Post Stable 4, Building No. 7 1932 14th and Calder Streets, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania National Register of Historic Places [20][4]
Harrisburg Military Post Warehouse, Building No. 3 1933 14th and Calder Streets, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania National Register of Historic Places [20][4]
Italian Church 1922 Pittston, Pennsylvania [13]
Kingston Armory 1923 280 Market Street. Luzerne County, Pennsylvania National Register of Historic Places [21]
Kirby Memorial Health Center 1929 Wilkes–Barre, Pennsylvania [15]
Mansfield Armory 1938 Smythe Park, Mansfield, Pennsylvania National Register of Historic Places [22]
Market Street Bridge 1929 Wilkes–Barre, Pennsylvania National Register of Historic Places [16]
Milton Armory 1922 133 Ridge Avenue. Milton, Pennsylvania National Register of Historic Places [23]
Myers Estate Warehouses 1922 Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania [13]
Pennsylvania Memorial 1927 Varennes–en–Argonne, France [24]
Pennsylvania State Hospital fire alarm and safety upgrades 1938 Nanticoke, Pennsylvania [20]
Pennsylvania State Hospital nurses' home 1937 Nanticoke, Pennsylvania [20]
Thaddeus Stevens School gymnasium and boiler house 1937 Lancaster Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania [20]
Wellsboro Armory 1932 2 Central Avenue, Wellsboro, Pennsylvania National Register of Historic Places [25]
Wyoming Seminary Boys Dorm 1952 Kingston, Pennsylvania National Register of Historic Places [13]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y "Gen. Thomas H. Atherton, 94, Prominent Civil Leader, Dies". The Times-Leader (Wilkes-Barr, Pennsylvania): 11. February 12, 1978 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. ^ "Who's who in America: Supplement to Who's who, a current biographical reference service, Vol. 15-16". Marquis-Who's Who. 1954 – via Google Books.
  3. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Sisson, William; Wilson, Kristen (July 24, 1991). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Harrisburg Military Post" (PDF). Pennsylvania DOT. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
  5. ^ "Decennial record of the class of 1874 of Princeton college". [Princeton] The Princeton press. 1884 – via Internet Archive.
  6. ^ a b c d "Thomas Henry Atherton Jr". Atherton One Name. Retrieved August 24, 2022.
  7. ^ Lane, Hannah Elizabeth (Ferrier) (1906). "Thomas Ferrier, and some of his descendants". Internet Archive. Elkhorn, Wisconsin: The Independent.
  8. ^ a b Berg, Christian (October 4, 2007). "Arming a Nation: Northampton County gun-making family played a key role in American history". The Morning Call. Retrieved 2022-08-24.
  9. ^ Farmer, John (1829). A genealogical register of the first settlers of New England ... To which are added various genealogical and biographical notes, collected from ancient records, manuscripts, and printed works. Lancaster, Mass.: Carter, Andrews & co. p. 20 – via Hathi Trust.
  10. ^ a b "Thomas H. Atherton Sr papers" (PDF). Jacobsburg Historical Society Archive. May 2006. Retrieved August 24, 2022.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Cooperman, Emily T.; Tatman, Sandra L. (2022). "Atherton, Thomas Henry (1884 - 1978)". Philadelphia Architects and Buildings. Retrieved August 24, 2022.
  12. ^ "Catalogue of the members of the fraternity of Delta Psi - 1912". www.familysearch.org. New York: The Fraternity of Delta Psi. 1912. Retrieved 2022-08-10.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Who's Who In Architecture". American Art Annual. 21: 363. 1924. hdl:2027/uc1.b3063402 – via Hathi Trust.
  14. ^ "Decorations and Citations". The Princeton Alumni Weekly. 19 (35): 723. June 11, 1919 – via Google Books.
  15. ^ a b c d e f g Koyl, George. American Architects' Directory. New York: R.R. Bowker Co., 1956 p. 17. via the American Institute of Architects.
  16. ^ a b "Market Street Bridge, Spanning North Branch of Susquehanna River, Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, PA, designed by Thomas H. Atherton". Library of Congress.
  17. ^ 109th Field Artillery Armory, Kingston, PA., retrieved 2022-08-25109th Field Artillery Armory, Kingston, PA.. 1930-1945. Retrieved from the Digital Public Library of America, (Accessed August 25, 2022.)
  18. ^ "Carlisle Armory". Philadelphia Architects and Buildings. Retrieved 2022-08-25.
  19. ^ "East Stroudsburg Armory". Philadelphia Architects and Buildings. Retrieved 2022-08-25.
  20. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Atherton, Thomas Henry (1884 - 1978) Projects". Philadelphia Architects and Buildings. Retrieved 2022-08-25.
  21. ^ "Kingston Armory". Philadelphia Architects and Buildings. Retrieved 2022-08-25.
  22. ^ "Mansfield Armory". Philadelphia Architects and Buildings. Retrieved 2022-08-25.
  23. ^ "Milton Armory". Philadelphia Architects and Builders. Retrieved 2022-08-25.
  24. ^ "Pennsylvania State Monument". Philadelphia Architects and Buildings. Retrieved 2022-08-25.
  25. ^ "Wellsboro Armory". Philadelphia Architects and Buildings. Retrieved 2022-08-25.
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