McMillan Hall (Washington & Jefferson College)
Encyclopedia
McMillan Hall is a building on the campus of Washington & Jefferson College
in Washington
, Pennsylvania
, United States
. Built in 1793, it is the only surviving building from Washington Academy. It is the eighth oldest academic building in the United States that is still in use for its original academic purpose and is the oldest surviving college building west of the Allegheny Mountains
.
The building is situated on the corner of South Lincoln Street and East Wheeling Street in Washington, Pennsylvania
. It is 120 feet by 40 feet in size. McMillan Hall is named after College founder and Presbyterian missionary John McMillan
. Throughout its history, McMillan has also been known as the "Old College," the "Academy Building," and the "Administration Building." It is currently home to administrative offices, including the Office of Communications and the Office of the President. The College's ceremonial mace is carved from the original wooden pillars.
In 1977, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places
. The National Register described the building's architecture as achieving a "unique quality and charm from the fact that vernacular builders selectively borrowed Georgian
, Roman Classical, Adamesque, and other European Renaissance
architectural forms, elements, and details and combined them in the builder's own esoteric way." The National Register described its historical importance as a "unique variation of a Western Pennsylvania stone building," calling it "irreplaceable on a regional or national level."
In 1793, the Trustees of Washington Academy authorized the construction of a new building. The 2 story stone building was ready for occupation in 1797. Two wings and a portico were added in 1818, allowing the building to house dormitories and dining facilities for students. In 1900, the building was saved from planned demolition by a benefactor who insisted that it be preserved. In order to make room for the proposed library, it was moved 40 feet towards Lincoln Street. The building was remodeled in 1912 to house administrative offices. In 1928, the north wing, which had been used as student housing, was remodeled to create office space. At various times, the basement housed a dining hall, a lunch counter, classrooms, and the bookstore. It was restored to its 18th century appearance in the late 1980s.
It is designated as a historic public landmark by the Washington County History & Landmarks Foundation
.
, leaving Washington Academy without anywhere to hold classes. In 1793, the Trustees of Washington Academy authorized three men, James Brice, Absolom Baird and David Bradford
, to form a committee to build and superintend a new building built on property donated by William Hoge
. The foundation and walls of that building were finished in the fall of that year. On March 4, 1794, the Trustees entered into a contract with William Sherrard to complete the stone building, which was 35 by 30 feet in size and stood two stories. It is believed that the building had an external staircase, but this is unclear. The building was placed into use for the first time on April 10, 1797. In addition to having a library and a reading room for students, the main hall was used as a Presbyterian place of worship.
." Up until then, the original building, which was now referred to as the "Old College," had been the only building on the campus of Washington College. These additions were used as dormitories and dining facilities for the students, while the second floor was sealed off from use. In May 1826, the interior of the original center portion of the building was renovated. During his tenure, President David McConaughy
lived rent-free in the south wing. Plans to enlarge the dormitories facilities, including the possibility of using the entire building as a boarding house, were discussed in 1848 and 1849.
The building was remodeled in 1912, opening the second floor for use for the first time since 1835 and adding an interior stairway. The funds for this remodeling project were donated by President James D. Moffat
. The interior was painted while and the first floor received new fixtures, including new railings, partitions, and windows. It was rechristened the "Administrative Building," because it then housed all of the administrative offices, including the President's office. The "Administration Committee" met on the second floor. A cement walkway was added to connect the building to Old Main
. Other proposals asked that the center portion of the building be used as "the long wanted student smoking room on the campus."
In 1928, the north wing was converted from a residence hall into office space, while the south wing continued to be used as a faculty residence. In 1937, the building was repainted and refurbished with new floor coverings. The College bookstore opened in the basement in 1938 and was enlarged in 1939 to add a refreshment and lunch counter
. In 1942, a room under the South wing was turned into a classroom and a faculty dining room was added.
With the increased enrollment after World War II
, the building's dining hall was moved to the Chapel in Old Main
and the bookstore was moved to Hays Hall
, allowing the former bookstore location to become part of the faculty dining hall. The south wing faculty residence hall was converted into office space in 1947, with administration office on the first floor and faculty offices on the second floor. By 1949, the entire building was used for administrative offices. By 1952, the postwar enrollment figures had stabilized, allowing the bookstore to reopen in the basement and the dining hall to return to Hayes Hall.
Washington & Jefferson College
Washington & Jefferson College, also known as W & J College or W&J, is a private liberal arts college in Washington, Pennsylvania, in the United States, which is south of Pittsburgh...
in Washington
Washington, Pennsylvania
Washington is a city in and the county seat of Washington County, Pennsylvania, United States, within the Pittsburgh Metro Area in the southwestern part of the state...
, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Built in 1793, it is the only surviving building from Washington Academy. It is the eighth oldest academic building in the United States that is still in use for its original academic purpose and is the oldest surviving college building west of the Allegheny Mountains
Allegheny Mountains
The Allegheny Mountain Range , also spelled Alleghany, Allegany and, informally, the Alleghenies, is part of the vast Appalachian Mountain Range of the eastern United States and Canada...
.
The building is situated on the corner of South Lincoln Street and East Wheeling Street in Washington, Pennsylvania
Washington, Pennsylvania
Washington is a city in and the county seat of Washington County, Pennsylvania, United States, within the Pittsburgh Metro Area in the southwestern part of the state...
. It is 120 feet by 40 feet in size. McMillan Hall is named after College founder and Presbyterian missionary John McMillan
John McMillan (pastor)
John McMillan was a prominent Presbyterian minister and missionary in Western Pennsylvania when that area was part of the American Frontier. He founded the first school west of the Allegheny Mountains, which is now known as John McMillan's Log School...
. Throughout its history, McMillan has also been known as the "Old College," the "Academy Building," and the "Administration Building." It is currently home to administrative offices, including the Office of Communications and the Office of the President. The College's ceremonial mace is carved from the original wooden pillars.
In 1977, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
. The National Register described the building's architecture as achieving a "unique quality and charm from the fact that vernacular builders selectively borrowed Georgian
Georgian architecture
Georgian architecture is the name given in most English-speaking countries to the set of architectural styles current between 1720 and 1840. It is eponymous for the first four British monarchs of the House of Hanover—George I of Great Britain, George II of Great Britain, George III of the United...
, Roman Classical, Adamesque, and other European Renaissance
Renaissance
The Renaissance was a cultural movement that spanned roughly the 14th to the 17th century, beginning in Italy in the Late Middle Ages and later spreading to the rest of Europe. The term is also used more loosely to refer to the historical era, but since the changes of the Renaissance were not...
architectural forms, elements, and details and combined them in the builder's own esoteric way." The National Register described its historical importance as a "unique variation of a Western Pennsylvania stone building," calling it "irreplaceable on a regional or national level."
In 1793, the Trustees of Washington Academy authorized the construction of a new building. The 2 story stone building was ready for occupation in 1797. Two wings and a portico were added in 1818, allowing the building to house dormitories and dining facilities for students. In 1900, the building was saved from planned demolition by a benefactor who insisted that it be preserved. In order to make room for the proposed library, it was moved 40 feet towards Lincoln Street. The building was remodeled in 1912 to house administrative offices. In 1928, the north wing, which had been used as student housing, was remodeled to create office space. At various times, the basement housed a dining hall, a lunch counter, classrooms, and the bookstore. It was restored to its 18th century appearance in the late 1980s.
It is designated as a historic public landmark by the Washington County History & Landmarks Foundation
Washington County History & Landmarks Foundation
Washington County History & Landmarks Foundation is a non-profit educational institution in Washington, Pennsylvania. Its purpose is to encourage and assist the preservation of historic structures in Washington County, Pennsylvania...
.
Initial construction
In 1791, a fire destroyed the original log Washington County CourthouseWashington County Courthouse (Pennsylvania)
The Washington County Courthouse is located in on Main Street in downtown Washington, Pennsylvania and is currently still in operation.It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 30, 1974....
, leaving Washington Academy without anywhere to hold classes. In 1793, the Trustees of Washington Academy authorized three men, James Brice, Absolom Baird and David Bradford
David Bradford (lawyer)
David Bradford was a successful lawyer and deputy attorney-general for Washington County, Pennsylvania in the late 18th century. He was infamous for his association with the Whiskey Rebellion, and his fictionalized escape to the Spanish-owned territory of West Florida with soldiers at his tail...
, to form a committee to build and superintend a new building built on property donated by William Hoge
William Hoge
William Hoge was a member of the United States House of Representatives from Pennsylvania.William Hoge was born near Hogestown, Pennsylvania. He received a limited schooling and moved to western Pennsylvania in 1782, where he and his brother John founded the town of Washington, Pennsylvania...
. The foundation and walls of that building were finished in the fall of that year. On March 4, 1794, the Trustees entered into a contract with William Sherrard to complete the stone building, which was 35 by 30 feet in size and stood two stories. It is believed that the building had an external staircase, but this is unclear. The building was placed into use for the first time on April 10, 1797. In addition to having a library and a reading room for students, the main hall was used as a Presbyterian place of worship.
Expansion
On March 28, 1806, Washington Academy was chartered as Washington College. A decade later, on June 24, 1816, the College's Committee of Buildings began planning to expand the building by adding two wings and a two-story portico with four Tuscan columns. Following the completion of the wings in 1819, the College was carrying $3,004.18 in construction debt owed to the workmen. In 1835, constructing began on a new building, called the "New CollegeOld Main (Washington & Jefferson College)
Old Main is the main academic building at Washington & Jefferson College. It is the predominant building on campus and has served virtually every student since its construction. Its two identical towers, added in 1875, symbolize the union of Washington College and Jefferson College to form...
." Up until then, the original building, which was now referred to as the "Old College," had been the only building on the campus of Washington College. These additions were used as dormitories and dining facilities for the students, while the second floor was sealed off from use. In May 1826, the interior of the original center portion of the building was renovated. During his tenure, President David McConaughy
David McConaughy (college president)
David McConaughy was the fourth president of Washington College from 1831 to 1852.McConaughy was born in York County, now Adams County, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Dickinson College in 1795 and went on to be the pastor of a church in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. McConaughy was elected president...
lived rent-free in the south wing. Plans to enlarge the dormitories facilities, including the possibility of using the entire building as a boarding house, were discussed in 1848 and 1849.
Movement and re-dedication
In the late 1890s, the Board of Trustees was considering demolishing the "Academy Building," which then housed the library. However, the building was saved in 1900 when College benefactor W.R. Thompson donated $50,000 for the construction of a new library with the stipulation that the Academy Building be preserved. In order for make way for the new library, the Academy Building was moved 40 feet to the east and towards Lincoln Street by the John Eichley Corporation of Pittsburgh. After the move, the new foundation was of incorrect proportions, requiring the contractor to keep the building mounted on "skids and jacks" while a new foundation was constructed. The error cost the contractor dearly, and the whole operation cost the College $7,455.69.The building was remodeled in 1912, opening the second floor for use for the first time since 1835 and adding an interior stairway. The funds for this remodeling project were donated by President James D. Moffat
James D. Moffat
James David Moffat was the 3rd president of Washington & Jefferson College.Moffat, a native of New Lisbon, Ohio, was born on March 15, 1846. He spent his youth in St. Clairsville, Ohio and Bellaire, Ohio before working as a teacher and a bookkeeper. He entered Jefferson College in 1865 and...
. The interior was painted while and the first floor received new fixtures, including new railings, partitions, and windows. It was rechristened the "Administrative Building," because it then housed all of the administrative offices, including the President's office. The "Administration Committee" met on the second floor. A cement walkway was added to connect the building to Old Main
Old Main (Washington & Jefferson College)
Old Main is the main academic building at Washington & Jefferson College. It is the predominant building on campus and has served virtually every student since its construction. Its two identical towers, added in 1875, symbolize the union of Washington College and Jefferson College to form...
. Other proposals asked that the center portion of the building be used as "the long wanted student smoking room on the campus."
In 1928, the north wing was converted from a residence hall into office space, while the south wing continued to be used as a faculty residence. In 1937, the building was repainted and refurbished with new floor coverings. The College bookstore opened in the basement in 1938 and was enlarged in 1939 to add a refreshment and lunch counter
Lunch counter
A lunch counter is a small restaurant, much like a diner, where the patron sits on a stool on one side of the counter and the server or person preparing the food serves from the other side of the counter, where the kitchen or limited food preparation area is. As the name suggests, they were most...
. In 1942, a room under the South wing was turned into a classroom and a faculty dining room was added.
With the increased enrollment after World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, the building's dining hall was moved to the Chapel in Old Main
Old Main (Washington & Jefferson College)
Old Main is the main academic building at Washington & Jefferson College. It is the predominant building on campus and has served virtually every student since its construction. Its two identical towers, added in 1875, symbolize the union of Washington College and Jefferson College to form...
and the bookstore was moved to Hays Hall
Hays Hall
Hays Hall was a residence hall at Washington & Jefferson College. The architectural work was performed by Frederick J. Osterling and it was named after President George P. Hays. Construction was completed in 1903 and the new "fireproof" building was opened to Washington & Jefferson Academy students...
, allowing the former bookstore location to become part of the faculty dining hall. The south wing faculty residence hall was converted into office space in 1947, with administration office on the first floor and faculty offices on the second floor. By 1949, the entire building was used for administrative offices. By 1952, the postwar enrollment figures had stabilized, allowing the bookstore to reopen in the basement and the dining hall to return to Hayes Hall.