Joseph Nathaniel French facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph Nathaniel French, Sr.
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| Born | October 24, 1888 |
| Died | February 28, 1975 (aged 86) Livonia, Michigan
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| Education | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1911) |
| Occupation | Architect |
| Employer | Albert Kahn Associates, Inc. |
| Spouse(s) | Amie Gertrude Lathe (1885-1921) Yolanda Christina Tandberg (1902-2003) |
| Children | Joseph Nathaniel French, Jr. |
| Parent(s) | Joseph Brown Morse French Erlenia H.M. Faulkner |
Joseph Nathaniel French, Sr. (born October 24, 1888 – died February 28, 1975) was a very important architect. He worked for a famous company called Albert Kahn Associates, Inc. for many years, from 1914 to 1967. One of his biggest jobs was being the main architect for the amazing Fisher Building in Detroit, Michigan.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Joseph Nathaniel French, Sr. was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on October 24, 1888. He loved to learn and went to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This is a very famous school for science and engineering. He finished his studies and graduated from MIT in 1911.
Career as an Architect
After college, Joseph French started his career in architecture. In 1913, he helped finish building Henry Ford's large home, called Fairlane Manor, in Dearborn, Michigan.
Working with Albert Kahn
In 1914, Joseph French joined Albert Kahn Associates, Inc. in Detroit, Michigan. This company was well-known for designing many important buildings. He started as a draftsman, which means he drew detailed plans for buildings. Later, he became a full architect. He worked for this company for a very long time, until 1967.
Key Projects
One of Joseph French's most famous projects was the Fisher Building in Detroit. He was the chief architect for this beautiful skyscraper, which was completed in 1928. It is known for its stunning Art Deco design.
From 1930 to 1932, Joseph French worked in the Albert Kahn Associates office in Moscow. He was one of many architects and engineers who helped with projects there. He also worked on the design for the steel structure of the General Motors Futurama building. This building was a big attraction at the 1939 New York World's Fair. He also helped design a Chrysler car plant near Kansas City.
Family Life
Joseph French was married twice. His first wife was Amie Gertrude Lathe. She passed away in 1921. Later, in 1926, he married Yolanda Christina Tandberg. She was from Norway. They had several children together, including Joseph Nathaniel French, Jr.
Later Life and Legacy
Joseph Nathaniel French, Sr. passed away on February 28, 1975, in Livonia, Michigan. He was buried in Roseland Park Cemetery in Berkley, Michigan. He left behind a legacy of impressive buildings and designs that are still admired today.
