Eagle Iron Foundry / David S. Cresswell

Ruffner Street (near Blaine Street), Philadelphia, PA

1891-92 | Foundry | Demolished by 1938

“The firm of David S. Cresswell, iron founders, intend on erecting on Ruffner Street, above Pulaski, Nicetown, a large foundry. This will take the place of the one recently destroyed by fire on Race above Eighth Street. The area to be built upon is 60 x 184 feet and the buildings will be from one to three stories high. Material to be of brick, stone and iron, also fitted with steam power and machinery.” (October 14, 1891; this description may refer to more than just Minerva’s contribution)

“Miss Parker also prepared the plans from which Mr. John C. Kelly is now erecting the iron foundry of David S. Cresswell at Nicetown [in Philadelphia].” (November 18, 1891)

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One of the more unusual projects in Minerva’s portfolio, this foundry represents an industrial departure from Minerva’s typical residential work. The image below depicts Cresswell’s full operation at Blaine and Ruffner Streets, located immediately adjacent to the railroad tracks in North Philadelphia. Although we cannot confirm with absolute certainty that this image depicts Minerva’s contribution, note the building in the foreground labeled “FOUNDRY” on the roof—this was likely her work, designing for a completely different scale and typology than she did for the rest of her portfolio.