Working on the grounds outside the Springfield College dormitory, ca. 1898
Description:
A picture featuring the Dormitory Building (now the Administration Building) at the International YMCA College (now Springfield College), ca. 1898. The image features a crowd of people out in the back of the building, clearing the grounds. The Administration Building was originally constructed as the college’s first dormitory and also housed classrooms, offices, and the school’s first dining facility. Construction began on the dormitory the last week in April of 1895 and the corner stone of the building was laid on Friday, May 10th, 1895 with President Charles H. Barrows officiating. The dedication took place on June 17th, 1896, at which, President Barrows introduced the college’s fourth President, Laurence L. Doggett. Consummating the transfer to the new campus, the completion of the new dormitory in January 1896 was a milestone in Springfield College history. With the erection of the first building, the East gymnasium (1894), and the new dormitory, Springfield College began to lay permanent roots on the land along Lake Massasoit. During World War II, when the campus became a center of Army Training and the Naval Convalescent Hospital, the old dormitory was deemed a fire hazard and its top floors were removed. The resulting two-story building eventually became the Administration Building. Written on back "By Wittig Grading '28 Nov. 1898." . Unsure if this is actual date of activity shown; Originally part of a collection of 9 black and white photographs all mounted on frameboard given to the college by Harland Vaughan (Class of 1900) and Richard L. Wittig (Class of 1900);
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