David J. Russo

James Building

23-25-27 Main Street
Madison, N.J.

Year Built: 1899

It was not known before that Charles Brigham was in partnership with Willard P. Adden. As noted in the illustration above, the architects used their full names to emphasize their independence, “Charles Brigham and Willard P. Adden,” suggesting that the partnership was somewhat limited or for this particular purpose. Architects in formal partnership commonly used their surnames, (i.e., "Sturgis and Brigham") as a moniker to define their practice. Brigham and Adden also designed the Madison Public Library together, which is right across the street from this design.

Adden was from Reading, Mass. and was a draughtsman for Brigham from ca.1891 until ca.1895, whereupon he became an architect according to the Boston Directory. He was associated with the Brigham until ca.1903 and these designs are the only ones known in which Brigham and Adden were given equal billing in a design.

Some of the design elements likely contributed by Brigham include the Flemish-inspired gables, window sashes on the top level and above the various doors. It was built in ca.1898.