File:E.F. Baldwin.jpeg

Summary

Ephraim Francis Baldwin (1837-1916) apprenticed as a draftsman in the architectural office of Niernsee and Neilson in Baltimore. He left in 1867 and practiced on his own for 2 years before forming a partnership with Bruce Price, whom he had met at his former employers. They practiced together until 1873 and Baldwin worked again on his own for the next decade. In 1883 he formed a partnership with a former employee, Josias Pennington.

Over a course of a 50 year architecture career Baldwin designed over 500 buildings, including churches, hospitals, banks, commercial buildings, and homes. In 1872 he was appointed the head architect for the B & O Railroad and he spent the next 25 years designing some of the best known railroad stations in Maryland and other eastern states. He was architect of the stations at Brunswick, Point of Rocks and Harpers Ferry.

Many of these structures are still standing and have been named historic places.

This photo was taken at the Harpers Ferry passenger depot, which was moved from its original location in the 1930s and later had its control tower removed. It was restored in 2007 and the tower was rebuilt. It was officially re-dedicated on Saturday, April 28, 2007.

(Photo by Peter Wenner; information from Maryland historical trust, as well as other art and architecture sources.)