Chase R. Whitcher

Dow Academy in Franconia, designed by Whitcher in the Colonial Revival style and completed in 1903. Colebrook Academy in Colebrook, designed by Whitcher in the Colonial Revival style and completed in 1911. The Soldiers Memorial Building in Deerfield, designed by Whitcher in the Colonial Revival style and completed in 1914. The Lisbon Public Library in Lisbon, designed by Whitcher in the Colonial Revival style and built in 1926. The chapel of Valley Cemetery in Manchester, designed by Whitcher in the Gothic Revival style and completed in 1932. Spaulding High School in Rochester, designed by Whitcher in the Colonial Revival style and completed in 1939. Chase R. Whitcher (December 8, 1876 – August 25, 1940) was an American architect in practice in Lisbon and Manchester, New Hampshire, from 1903 until his death in 1940. He served as State Architect from 1913 until the office was abolished in 1915.

Life and career Chase Roy Whitcher was born December 8, 1876, in Lisbon, New Hampshire, to Ward Priest Whitcher and Pheeb H. Whitcher, née Perkins. He studied architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and with architects in Boston, but did not receive a degree. In 1898 Whitcher returned to Lisbon, where he began working as an architect, probably with local contractor L. W. Goudie. In 1903 he established an independent architect's office in Lisbon. Circa 1907 he moved this office to Manchester, but kept his residence and family in Lisbon. By 1909, his wife and children had joined him in Manchester. For his entire time in Manchester, Whitcher kept his office in the Beacon Building, the city's most prestigious business address. Whitcher was in continuous practice in Manchester until his death in 1940. He was assisted during his career by at least two other architects, George O. Peabody and Roland S. Simonds, and several draftsmen.

In August 1913 Whitcher was appointed New Hampshire's second and last State Architect, having charge of design and construction of buildings at the various state institutions. The office was abolished in 1915.

Personal life In 1898 Whitcher married Eda M. Aldrich, also a native of Lisbon. They had two daughters.

At least six of Whitcher's works have been listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places, and others contribute to listed historic districts.

Architectural works Bank Block, Lisbon, New Hampshire (1902) Boynton Block, Lisbon, New Hampshire (1902) Littleton Hospital (former), Littleton, New Hampshire (1906–07) Laconia Hospital, Laconia, New Hampshire (1907–08, demolished) Pembroke Village School (former), Suncook, New Hampshire (1907–08) Remodeling of the Dunlap Building, Manchester, New Hampshire (1908, NRHP-listed 2004) Beaumont Hall, Tilton School, Tilton, New Hampshire (1909) Bedford Town Hall, Bedford, New Hampshire (1909–10, NRHP-listed 1984) Quinby Building, Laconia State School, Laconia, New Hampshire (1909) First Congregational Church, Lisbon, New Hampshire (1914) Merchants National Bank Building, Manchester, New Hampshire (1915, demolished) Stratford Public School, North Stratford, New Hampshire (1915–16) Hampshire House, The Balsams, Dixville Notch, New Hampshire (1916–18, NRHP-listed 2002) Manchester Practical Arts High School (former), Manchester, New Hampshire (1920) A. Crosby Kennett High School (former), Conway, New Hampshire (1922–23) Manchester Country Club, Bedford, New Hampshire (1922–23) Capitol Theatre and Masonic Temple, Concord, New Hampshire (1925–27) Rhodes Hall, Keene State College, Keene, New Hampshire (1927–28) Cogswell Memorial School, Henniker, New Hampshire (1930–31) Pembroke Fire Station (former), Suncook, New Hampshire (1930) Spaulding Memorial School, Townsend, Massachusetts (1932) Pfeiffer Hall, Tilton School, Tilton, New Hampshire (1938) Spaulding High School, Rochester, New Hampshire (1938–39)