Skinner & Walker

C. Wellington Walker
Born	1889 Strang, Nebraska, U.S.
Died	1967
Occupation	Architect
Years active	1910–1967
Known for	Architecture in Bridgeport, Connecticut

C. Wellington Walker (1889–1967) was a distinguished American architect who practiced in Bridgeport, Connecticut from 1910 until his passing in 1967.

Life and career

Charles Wellington Walker Jr. entered the world in 1889 in Strang, Nebraska, born to Charles Wellington Walker, an inventor known for designing typewriters. The family relocated to Bridgeport in 1894. Walker initiated his architectural education in 1908 under the mentorship of Bridgeport architect Ernest G. Southey and pursued further studies at the University of Pennsylvania with noted architect Paul Philippe Cret. Upon earning his degree in 1910, he briefly joined the office of Leoni W. Robinson in New Haven before partnering with Walter J. Skinner to establish the firm Skinner & Walker in Bridgeport that same year. This collaboration continued until 1919, after which both architects launched separate practices.

In his solo career, Walker was responsible for numerous prominent commissions, including projects for the University of Bridgeport and other regional organizations, maintaining his private practice until his death in 1967. Following his demise, his practice briefly operated as C. Wellington Walker Associates under Flavian F. Arsenault.

Walker became a member of the American Institute of Architects in 1921 and was honored as a Fellow in 1953, receiving the highest distinction granted by the institute.

Skinner & Walker, 1910–1919

• Alfred C. Fones/Roy E. Tuthill Office Building, 10 Washington Ave., Bridgeport, Connecticut (1912) – Designed as their dental office; since demolished.
• F. Winthrop Pyle House, 170 Washington Ter., Bridgeport, Connecticut (1913)
• Harry L. Sterrett House, 32 Lookout Dr. S., Fairfield, Connecticut (1913)
• Tracy B. Warren House, 2354 North Ave., Bridgeport, Connecticut (1913) – No longer standing.
• American Chain Co., 955 Connecticut Ave., Bridgeport, Connecticut (1914)
• Charles D. Davis Apartments, 1519 Main St., Bridgeport, Connecticut (1917) – Demolished.
• Hearthstone Hall, N. Benson Rd., Fairfield, Connecticut (1919–21) – Residence for Walter B. Lashar; constructed solely by Skinner; currently Fairfield University's Bellarmine Hall.
• American Legion Annex, 307 Golden Hill St., Bridgeport, Connecticut (1919–20) – An extension added to an Italianate house dating from the 1850s.

C. Wellington Walker, 1919–1967

• Warren Harding High School, 1734 Central Ave., Bridgeport, Connecticut (1924–25)
• Masonic Temple, 3960 Main St., Stratford, Connecticut (1927)
• Y.M.C.A. Building, 651 State St., Bridgeport, Connecticut (1927)
• The Chimneys, 124 Old Battery Rd., Bridgeport, Connecticut (1929) – Commissioned by Dudley M. Morris; noted as Bridgeport's largest private home.
• U.S. Post Office, 120 Middle St., Bridgeport, Connecticut (1934)
• Stratford Town Hall, 2725 Main St., Stratford, Connecticut (1935)
• Stratford Fire Station, 2712 Main St., Stratford, Connecticut (1940)
• Y.W.C.A. Building, 263 Golden Hill St., Bridgeport, Connecticut (1941)
• Stratford High School Gymnasium, 45 N. Parade St., Stratford, Connecticut (1947)
• City Trust Co. Branch, 1071 E. Main St., Bridgeport, Connecticut (1949)
• Engineering-Technology Building at University of Bridgeport (1950)
• Carlson Library at University of Bridgeport (1954–55)
• Harvey Hubbell Gymnasium at University of Bridgeport (1956)
• Chaffee Hall and Cooper Hall at University of Bridgeport (1957)
• Rear additions to Bridgeport Hospital designed in International Style (1959)
• John J. Cox Student Center at University of Bridgeport (1960–61)
• Marina Hall and Barnum Hall at University of Bridgeport (1961–62)
• Eleanor Naylor Dana Hall and Seeley Hall at University of Bridgeport (1962)
• Warner Hall along with Bruell & Rennell Halls at University of Bridgeport (1962–65) – Bruell & Rennell Halls were later transferred to city ownership.
• Alfred V. Bodine Hall at University of Bridgeport (1967)

C. Wellington Walker Associates, post-1967

• Bridgeport Hospital, Front Wings, 267 Grant Street, Bridgeport, Connecticut (1968)
• Isaac E. Schine Hall, University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, Connecticut (1969–1970)