Alvah T. Ramsdell (1852–1928) was an American architect from Dover, New Hampshire. During his career he designed many substantial New Hampshire civic buildings.
Alvah Ramsdell was born April 15, 1852, in York, Maine. He remained there until the age of 18, when he went to South Berwick to learn the carpenter's trade. There, he served a three-year apprenticeship with William A. McIntyre. He stayed for three more years, before going to Boston. There he was employed by several notable contractors, and was kept busy with construction supervision. It was at this time that he took up architecture, studying drawing and design in the city's night schools."Alvah T. Ramsdell". Biographical Review: Containing Life Sketches of Leading Citizens of Strafford and Belknap Counties, New Hampshire. Vol. 21. 1897.
In 1889, Ramsdell went north to Dover, where he opened his own office. He worked as an architect until he was elected state Senator. By the time of his retirement, Ramsdell was Dover's leading architect.Pearson, Harlan C. "Official New Hampshire, 1919–1920". Granite State Monthly May 1919: 225. He died in 1928.
He designed several buildings which are presently on the National Register of Historic Places.
Works 1893 – Rollinsford Town Hall, 667 Main St, Rollinsford, New HampshireRollinsford Town Hall NRHP Nomination. 1999. 1894 – Alton Town Hall, 1 Monument Sq, Alton, New Hampshire 1895 – Strafford Banks Building, 83 Washington St, Dover, New HampshireNye, A. E. G. Dover, New Hampshire: Its History and Industries. 1898. 1895 – Wakefield Town Hall, 2 High St, Wakefield, New HampshireWakefield Town Hall and Opera House NRHP Nomination. 2007. 1897 – Dover Children's Home, 207 Locust St, Dover, New Hampshire 1897 – Wentworth Home for the Aged, 795 Central Ave, Dover, New Hampshire 1898 – Chandler School, Green & Pleasant Sts, Somersworth, New Hampshire 1902 – North Berwick High School, 21 Main St, North Berwick, MaineNorth Berwick Historical Society. Images of America: North Berwick. 2013. 1904 – Dover High School, 61 Locust St, Dover, New HampshireAmerican Architect and Building News 13 Feb. 1904: xi. 1908 – New Durham Town Hall, 4 Main St, New Durham, New HampshireNew Durham Town Hall NRHP Nomination. 1980. 1910 – School Street School, 13 School St, Rochester, New Hampshire 1911 – Ricker Memorial Chapel, Pine Hill Cemetery, Dover, New HampshirePark and Cemetery Oct. 1911: 681. 1913 – Haverhill High School, 9 High St, Woodsville, New Hampshire 1913 – Hotel Henderson, 47 Central St, Woodsville, New HampshireExhibitors' Times 27 Sept. 1913: 33. 1917 – Spalding School, 18 Maple St, Salisbury, Massachusetts
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