2122 Adams Avenue in Ogden, Utah
- referenced in Ogden’s Central Bench Historic District:
William W. Fife is the most noted early professional architect in Ogden; prior to this era in Ogden and Utah in general the housing design at the local level was usually the responsibility of the person in the building trade. As an architect Mr. Fife designed several early structures in the district, as was the case with the Gay House. Mr. Fife was born in Ogden in 1856. His father, William Nicol Fife, was a well-known builder and contractor from whom W.W. Fife received his training at a very young age. While just a teenager, W.W. Fife helped run his father’s business. And although W.W. Fife died in his fortieth year, his accomplishments in the building of the city were second to none. Mr. Fife also resided in the district at 2122 Adams Avenue, building the Vernacular-Classical style hall-parlor family home c. 1885. In addition to William N. and William W. Fife, some other early builders in the district include D.D. Jones, who was also listed as an architect in the late 1880s. Henry Mortensen, who resided and ran the family business M.F. Mortenson and Sons in the district, lived just above Madison Avenue on 23rd Street. Nils C. Flygare, who was a contractor, resided in the district on 24th Street just above Monroe Boulevard.