A History of Wells College's Main Dormitories and Campus Evolution
Wells College, established in 1868 by Henry Wells with the dream of promoting higher education for women, has undergone significant transformations throughout its 156-year history. From its initial buildings to later additions and unfortunate closures, the college's landscape has evolved alongside its academic mission. This article explores the history of Wells College's main dormitories and the broader evolution of its campus.
Early Structures and Faculty Row
The earliest days of Wells College saw the construction of several key buildings. While the provided text focuses more on structures at another institution, some parallels can be drawn to understand the context of early campus development.
Inspirations from Afar: College Hall and Saints' Rest
Drawing inspiration from other institutions, we can infer that Wells College likely had a primary building for classrooms, laboratories, and offices. This building would have served as the central hub for academic activities. Similarly, a first dormitory would have been essential to house students.
Faculty Row: Housing the Educators
Like other institutions, Wells College may have had a designated area for faculty housing. These homes would have housed early faculty members and their families, possibly even accommodating some of the college's first female students.
Dormitories Through the Years
As Wells College grew, the need for more student housing became apparent. Several dormitories were built and adapted over time.
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Wallcourt Hall: From Preparatory School to College Dorm
Wallcourt Hall, built in 1909, initially served as a dormitory for Miss Goldsmith’s School for Girls, a preparatory school run by Anna Goldsmith Taylor, a Wells College graduate. The school thrived under Anna's leadership, eventually requiring additional housing in the form of Wallcourt Hall. After Anna's death in 1921, her sister Kate Goldsmith continued to run the school until its closure in 1928. Subsequently, Anna’s stepson Myron gifted both Taylor House and Wallcourt Hall to Wells College. By 2014, Wallcourt Hall had been abandoned.
Pettibone House: From Presidential Residence to Admissions Building
Pettibone House, a gothic-style manor, was constructed in 1857. Ironically, the Pettibone family never resided there due to financial difficulties. The house served as the President’s home until 1913, after which it was converted into an infirmary during various outbreaks of illness. In 1935, Pettibone was transformed into a residence hall, becoming a favorite among students. However, it was closed as a residence hall in 1984 due to its failure to meet updated fire code regulations. In the early 1990s, alumnae donations enabled the renovation of Pettibone into the admissions building, which it remains to date.
Academic and Support Buildings
Beyond dormitories, Wells College also saw the construction of academic and support buildings.
Cleveland Library: A Gift from the First Lady
In 1911, the Cleveland Library was dedicated by First Lady Frances Folsom Cleveland. Alice E. Sanborn, the college’s librarian, played a significant role in planning the interior of the library. In the 1960s, with the dedication of the Louis Jefferson Long Library in 1968, Cleveland was remodeled and became The Cleveland Hall of Languages.
Morgan Hall: A Hub for Music, Art, and Book Arts
Morgan Hall was given to the college in 1879 by Mrs. Edwin B. Morgan. The building has housed various departments, including music, biology, and art history. Today, the Book Arts Center occupies the first and third floors, featuring functioning old printing presses and a bindery where students hand-print and bind books. Victor Hammer, an internationally renowned printer, founded the Wells College Press in 1941 and taught fine arts at Wells College until his retirement in 1948.
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Helen Fairchild Smith Hall: Gymnasium and Recreation
Helen Fairchild Smith Hall, the college’s gymnasium and recreation building, was formally dedicated in 1905. The building included a gymnasium, a stage, a running track, showers, lockers, and a banquet hall. In 1910, a swimming pool was installed. With the opening of the new Student Union, Helen Fairchild Smith Hall was remodeled as an auditorium for college lectures and classrooms.
Campus Evolution and Notable Events
The campus landscape of Wells College has been shaped by various events and developments.
Reunions and Traditions
Since 1871, alumnae/i have been returning to the Wells College campus for reunions. As the number of alumnae/i grew, it was decided in 1923 to honor class years in groups of four.
The Boathouse: A Waterfront Gathering Place
During President William E. Waters’ tenure, a boathouse was built in 1898 to replace the existing "small patched shanty." Henry A. Morgan funded the building. The boathouse served as a lounge for students.
A Visit from a Chinese Delegation
In February 1906, Wells College hosted a Chinese delegation sent to inspect American educational institutions. The delegates were impressed by the college, with one delegate recommending ‘Wells as a model for women’s colleges in China.’
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Kerr Duncan Macmillan's Presidency
Kerr Duncan Macmillan served as the seventh president of Wells College from 1913 to 1936, the longest tenure in the college’s history. During his presidency, the college increased its net worth and became self-sufficient.
Wells College's Final Chapter
Despite its rich history and contributions to higher education for women, Wells College faced significant financial challenges in recent years. In April 2024, the college announced that it would close at the end of the spring 2024 semester. Wells College ceased its operations and closed on June 30, 2024.
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