The North and South Dormitories were Ohio State’s first campus dorms. Though both were demolished a century ago, their design and scale represents the university’s small size at that time. Honestly, the way the dorm situation is on south campus, I’m surprised these aren’t still standing and housing students to this day. I’ll start with the North Dormitory.
North Dormitory History
The completed North Dormitory. (Historic Campus Map)
The North Dorm’s planning began in 1872, when the Board of Trustees authorized the construction of a “boarding-house” designed by Jacob Snyder, the architect of University Hall. Its construction did not begin until mid-1873, and the building was fully completed by January 1875. With a large tower and elaborate balcony, the North Dormitory was an example of the Italianate style.
A different angle of the building. (Knowlton Archives)
The North Dorm was built with a 65-student capacity and a room for the family that operated the dorm. Rooms were apparently spartan in their furnishings, and they were heated by coal stoves, lit by kerosene lamps, and water was supplied via a rooftop tank fed by a cistern. Bathrooms were an outhouse and a privy built onto the rear.
A group of men on the stairs of the North Dormitory. Nice hats! (Historic Campus Map)
In 1906, the Board of Trustees voted to leave the building vacant in order for renovations to occur at some point. However, it was decided that it would be demolished instead, and its demolition was completed on July 18, 1908. Today, the site is occupied by Hamilton Hall.
South Dormitory History
The South Dormitory’s original appearance. (Historic Campus Map)
The South Dorm was a smaller and simpler structure, taking the form of an Italianate house. The Board of Trustees approved its construction in June 1874, and it was completed by December of that year.
The South Dormitory with its addition and Hamilton Hall in the background. (Knowlton Archives)
In 1914, the South Dorm was converted into the university’s first hospital--the “Homeopathic Hospital.” A year later, a sun porch was added to the west side of the building, and at some point another addition was built onto the north side. This building was essentially the predecessor of Starling-Loving Hall, which ultimately replaced it. The Board of Trustees voted to demolish the South Dorm in March 1924. 10th Avenue runs through the site today.
An operating room inside during the building’s use as a hospital. (Knowlton Archives)
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