Barker & Nourse


Barker & Nourse was an architectural firm from Worcester, Massachusetts, active from 1879 to 1904.

History

Barker & Nourse was formed March 1, 1879, as the partnership of architects Albert A. Barker and Walter B. Nourse. They were the successors to the practice of architect John E. Holman, former partner of Amos P. Cutting, Nourse's employer. In its day, the firm was primarily known for its residential and educational designs. They dissolved their partnership effective January 1, 1904, with Barker succeeding to the practice. Both architects practiced independently until their deaths in 1905 and 1906, respectively.

Partner biographies

Albert A. Barker

Albert Augustus Barker was born in Guadalajara to John Bixby Barker, a paper manufacturer, and Harriet Elizabeth Barker, née Newton. After the elder Barker's death in 1860 the family relocated first to Mrs. Barker's family home in Bennington, New Hampshire, and second to Worcester, where Barker completed his education. After leaving school he joined the office of architect Elbridge Boyden, for whom he worked until forming Barker & Nourse.
Barker was married in 1877 to Eacyetta Boyd. They had two children, both sons. Barker died June 9, 1905, in Worcester at the age of 52.

Walter B. Nourse

Walter Bailey Nourse was born in Westborough, Massachusetts, to Benjamin Bailey Nourse, a contractor and builder, and Mary Elizabeth Nourse, née Longley. He was a direct descendant of Rebecca Nurse, who was executed for witchcraft in Salem in 1692. He was educated in the Westborough public schools before joining the office of architect Amos P. Cutting as an apprentice. He worked for Cutting until forming Barker & Nourse.
Nourse was married to Emma L. McClellan. They had three children, two sons and one daughter. He died March 4, 1906, in Worcester at the age of 52.

Legacy

A number of its works are listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places, and others contribute to listed historic districts.

Works

Barker & Nourse, 1879–1904

Albert A. Barker, 1904–1905

Walter B. Nourse, 1904–1906