Pierce & Bickford


Pierce & Bickford was an American architectural firm active in Elmira, New York, from 1891 to 1932. It was formed as the partnership of architects of Joseph H. Pierce and Hiram H. Bickford, with later partner Robert T. Bickford.

Partners and history

Joseph Hart Pierce was born September 2, 1855, in Dundee, New York, to Herschel W. Pierce, a carpenter and builder, and Mariette Pierce. He attended the Dundee schools and the Starkey Seminary of Lakemont, New York, from which he graduated in 1878. After a period as a carpenter, in 1880 he moved to Elmira where he joined the office of architect Warren H. Hayes as a drafter. In 1881 Hayes relocated to Minneapolis, and Pierce purchased his Elmira practice. In 1884 he formed the firm of Pierce & Dockstader with Otis Dockstader as his partner. This was dissolved in 1890 over an ethics dispute between the partners. After an additional year of private practice, Pierce then formed the firm of Pierce & Bickford with Hiram H. Bickford.
Hiram Hooker Bickford was born November 22, 1864, in Barre, Vermont, to Daniel G. Bickford, also a carpenter and builder, and Cloe Marie Bickford. He was educated in the Barre Academy in Vermont before joining the office of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, architect Henry M. Francis as a student drafter. In 1887 he moved to Elmira and was hired as a drafter by Pierce & Dockstader, becoming Pierce's partner in 1891. In 1920 the partnership was expanded to include Bickford's son, Robert T. Bickford, as junior partner. The three became equal partners in 1925. The elder Bickford died November 8, 1929, with Pierce and the younger Bickford continuing in partnership. Pierce retired from the partnership effective January 1, 1932, and died August 28. Robert T. Bickford practiced architecture under his own name into the 1970s, and died in 1988.
Pierce joined the American Institute of Architects in 1889, followed by Bickford in 1893. Both served terms as president of the Central New York chapter.

Legacy

A number of their works are listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places.
Pierce and Bickford were among the co-founders of the Chemung County Historical Society.

Architectural works

Works by J. H. Pierce, 1881-1884 and 1890-1891

Works by Pierce & Dockstader, 1884-1890

Works by Pierce & Bickford, 1891-1932