William H. Ranlett

William H. Ranlett Sr. (July 3, 1806 – November 8, 1865) was an American architect and author. He moved from the East Coast to San Francisco during the California Gold Rush and is thought to have brought Italianate-style architecture with him to the city.[1] He was a partner in the architecture firm, "Homer, Ranlett and Morrison".[2]

William H. Ranlett
BornJuly 3, 1806
Augusta, Maine, U.S.
DiedNovember 8, 1865(1865-11-08) (aged 59)
Hohokus, Bergen County, New Jersey, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
Occupation(s)Architect, author
Organization(s)Homer, Ranlett and Morrison

History

Ranlett published the periodical, The Architect.[1]

For two years between 1853 and 1854, Ranlett formed a partnership with Charles Homer (a general contractor), and Joseph H. Atkinson (a brick contractor) in order to design and build their own three houses (in the area now known as the Vallejo Street Crest Historic District) in the Russian Hill neighborhood of San Francisco.[1][3] It is thought that Ranlett had brought Italianate-style architecture to the city; and both the Atkinson House (1853) and Ranlett House (1853) were the first Italianate style buildings in San Francisco.[1]

By 1857, Ranlett went bankrupt, and he had returned to the East Coast.[3]

Some of Ranlett's architectural designs were published in Godey's Lady's Book, the influential fashion guide.

Works

Publications

  • William H. Ranlett, The Architect, Vol. I & II, New York: Dewitt & Davenport, 1849–1851. Reprint, New York: DaCapo Press, 1976.

References

  1. Wiley, Peter Booth (September 26, 2000). National Trust Guide / San Francisco: America's Guide for Architecture and History Travelers. John Wiley & Sons. p. 254. ISBN 978-0-471-19120-9.
  2. Michelson, Alan. "William Ranlett". Pacific Coast Architecture Database (PCAD). Retrieved November 29, 2022.
  3. "Early Residents". Russian Hill Neighbors (RHN). Retrieved November 29, 2022.
  4. Michelson, Alan. "Homer, Charles, House, Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA". Pacific Coast Architecture Database (PCAD). Retrieved November 29, 2022.

Further reading

  • Richard C. Muhlberger, “William H. Ranlett, 19th-Century Architect and Publisher,” Historic Preservation, 22 (Jan.-March 1970), 10–15.
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