Ernest G. Southey (January 23, 1874 - November 20, 1945) was an American architect in practice in Bridgeport, Connecticut, during the first half of the twentieth century.
Life and career Ernest Guy Southey was born January 23, 1874. His practice spanned almost the entire first half of the twentieth century. During that period he designed churches, commercial buildings, private homes and the Bassick High School (1929). He was a member of the American Institute of Architects from 1916, and was cited for his architectural achievement during Bridgeport's centennial celebration in 1931.Henry F. Withey and Elsie Rathburn Withey, "Southey, Ernest G." in Biographical Dictionary of American Architects (Deceased) (Los Angeles: New Age Publishing Company, 1956): 564.Grave marker, Park Cemetery, Bridgeport
In 1918 Southey was married to Lena Timoney, née Dean."Personal jottings," Bridgeport Telegram, August 19, 1918. Her first husband, with whom she had had a son, had died in 1912."Obituary," Bridgeport Evening Farmer, June 3, 1912. From 1936 until the outbreak of World War II Southey worked in partnership with his stepson, David Ludgate Southey, who had been educated at the University of Pennsylvania. Ernest Southey died November 20, 1945, and David Southey, who had returned to Bridgeport, practiced independently until 1952. He then joined the architectural staff of the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy. He lived and worked in Washington, DC, until his death in 1974."Southey, David L(udgate)" in American Architects Directory (New York: R. R. Bowker Company, 1956): 525."David L. Southey," Bridgeport Post, September 3, 1974.
Several of his designs contribute to historic districts listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places.
Architectural works 1902 — William N. Beardsley house, Park Ave, Bridgeport. 1982. A contributing property to the NRHP-listed Marina Park Historic District. 1902 — Danbury High School, White St, DanburyAmerican Architect and Building News 17 May 1902: x. Demolished. 1910 — Bijou Theatre, Fairfield Ave, BridgeportDunne, Susan. "A Restored Gem: Bridgeport's Bijou". Hartford (CT) Courant 2 Dec. 2011. Web. 1910 — William L. Taylor house, Soundview Rd, Westport. 1991. A contributing property to the NRHP-listed Compo–Owenoke Historic District. 1913 — William B. Leigh house, Waldemere Ave, Bridgeport"Waldemere Hall". http://hcap.artstor.org/ . 2006. Web.Architecture Feb. 1915: 97. As of 2025, Waldemere Hall of the University of Bridgeport. 1914 — City Savings Bank Building, Main St, BridgeportPalmquist, David W. Bridgeport: A Pictorial History. 1981. 1915 — Dudley M. Morris House, Linden Ave, Bridgeport"Wistaria Hall". http://hcap.artstor.org/ . 2006. Web. As of 2025, Wistaria Hall of the University of Bridgeport. 1918 — Casino, Seaside Park, Bridgeport, Connecticut. 1982. 1924 — Bridgeport Gas Light Building, Main St, BridgeportGas Industry 1924: 293. 1924 — Morris Plan Bank Building, Bank St, BridgeportSterner, Daniel. "Morris Plan Bank, Bridgeport (1924)". http://historicbuildingsct.com/. 20 Feb. 2012. Web. 1925 — Alexander L. DeLaney house, Lyon Ter, BridgeportBridgeport (CT) Telegram 29 Nov. 1924: 6. A contributing property to the NRHP-listed Golden Hill Historic District. 1929 — Bassick High School, Fairfield Ave, BridgeportIron Age 1928. 1930 — Mechanics and Farmers Savings Bank Building, Main St, Bridgeport. 1987. A contributing property to the NRHP-listed Bridgeport Downtown South Historic District. 1931 — Bridgeport Hydraulic Building, Main St, Bridgeport A contributing property to the NRHP-listed Bridgeport Downtown South Historic District.
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