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ARCHITECT
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Born: 9/19/1859, Died: 3/14/1925 An 1880 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania's program in architecture, William C. Prichett, Jr., was born in Philadelphia to William C. and Meeta Theresa (Patrullo) Prichett. His early education was gained from the Rittenhouse Academy and the Lauderbach Academy; then Prichett entered the University's Towne Scientific School and became the first student to receive a degree in architecture from that institution. After colege and a course in a business school he began work at the Midvale Steel Works, but by 1885 he had entered the office of Edward Hurst Brown, remaining there until 1888, when Brown removed his office to Arch Street and established a new firm with Samual Hall Day. Prichett chose to stay on in the old office at 1430 South Penn Square, replaced Brown with Adrian W. Smith, and launched the new firm of Smith & Prichett. This arrangement, however, endured approximately two years; and in 1890 Smith withdrew from the partnership, leaving Prichett and his brother Thomas B. Prichett to operate as William C. & Thomas B. Prichett, Architects. By 1899 Thomas had also withdrawn from the office, and William C. Prichett continued his practice alone.Although Prichett's interests in architecture were chiefly residential, he also designed a number of churches, commercial buildings, and clubhouses. Often cited among his works is the former J. B. Lippincott Publishing Company on East Washington Square in Philadelphia (1900). Nor was Prichett's work limited to Philadelphia. Both Lancaster, PA, and West Chester, PA, provided sites for several Prichett designs (St. Johns Episcopal Church Parish House, 1915-16, Lancaster; Farmers National Bank, Market and High streets, West Chester, 1907). Prichett joined the T-Square Club in 1894. He was also active in the Philadelphia Chapter of the AIA, serving as treasurer in 1890. He attained fellowship in the national AIA in 1892. Always loyal to the University of Pennsylvania, Prichett served as president of his class continuously from 1880 until his death. After his death George I. Lovatt wrote the obituary which appeared in the Journal of the American Institute of Architects. In it he characterized Prichett: "He was a man of highest standards and loved the work in which he so long labored. His practice was of a varied nature, but probably his closest devotion was to residential work, and he has designed many homes of importance throughout the eastern section of the state." Philip H. Goerr of the Public Ledger newspaper added a memorial poem to the tribute, a portion of which reads: "Thy spirit, Will, was big and sound, Within an artless nature bound. Unwittingly the highest didst achieve, A life forever giving, ne'er thinking to receive." Clearly Prichett had earned an affectionate place in the community of Philadelphia architects.
Written by Sandra L. Tatman. Clubs and Membership Organizations
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