South Hall

Building Name:
South Hall
Historical Note:
Built 1868-1869, South Hall was the first of the three “Professors’ Houses”, and stood on what is now Union Drive. The two-story structure featured a mansard roof, a west-facing front porch, second-story windows that extended into the roof, and a tower-like element at the southwest corner. It was occupied by President Welch from 1869 to 1879, during which time an addition was completed in 1871. After the Welch family moved to The Gables, the building was repurposed for the Botany and Veterinary Medicine departments. In 1880, it was modified for use by Domestic Economy and sustained damage during a tornado in 1882. By 1896, South Hall had become Music Hall, serving that role until it was destroyed by fire in 1912. It was connected to the campus sewer system in 1897.
Year Built:
1868; 1871
Year Removed:
1912
Architect:
C.A. Dunham
Contractor:
N.P. Starks
Photographs Containing South Hall:
Old Chemistry building, Maples,...
This picture "taken about '70" probably was taken in 1876. Large building at right rear is the Main Building, built in 1868, with an additional wing built in 1871. It burned about the turn of the century, and was replaced by a new limestone building which was first known as Central and now is known as Beardshear Hall (after an early president). Beardshear is near center of present campus and is headquarters for the administration of the college as well as classroom building. Building in foreground is president's residence, built in 1869. At far left (rear) is the Maples, built in 1869, and now known as Music Hall, the headquarters of the music department. (It is only building visible in picture still standing.) In left center toward rear is Chemistry Building, built in 1870 with an addition in 1875. Smaller building behind Chemistry is not completely identified.
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Photograph of South Hall,...
Photograph of South Hall, the former home of President Welch and, later, the building where veterinary science was first taught
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Photograph of South Hall...
Photograph of the burned remains of South Hall after a fire on January 5, 1912. The image shows a partially destroyed brick structure with standing walls and arches, surrounded by leafless trees and snow. The view is looking southeast. Annotation: "Professor's Residence. President's House. Burned Jan 5, 1912. Music Hall in 1912."
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Photograph of South Hall...
Photograph of South Hall on the Iowa State campus in winter, showing the north and west elevations. The view looking is southeast. The image depicts a large brick building with a covered porch, surrounded by snow and leafless trees. Annotation: ''1st President's Home, then 1st Domestic Tech. Bldg., then Music Hall, burned in 1912. Music Hall (Old South Hall) Built in 1869, burned in 1912. South Hall, Green Hills, p. 20.''
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Photograph of South Hall...
Photograph of South Hall on the Iowa State campus in winter, showing the west elevation. The view is looking east. The image depicts the building partially obscured by snow-covered trees and deep snow on the ground. Annotation: "South Hall."
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Photograph of South Hall...
Photograph of South Hall on the Iowa State campus, showing the north and west elevations. The view is looking south-southeast. The image depicts a large brick building with a covered porch, partially framed by trees. Annotation: "Music Hall (Old South Hall), burned in 1912. South Hall. neg no 009597."
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Photograph of South Hall...
Photograph of South Hall on the Iowa State campus, showing the north and west elevations. The view is looking southeast. The building is partially obscured by a landscaped setting of leafless trees and open lawn with light snow on the ground. Annotation: "Music Hall (Old South Hall, built in 1869), located south of Campanile. Burned in 1912. South Hall."
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Photograph of South Hall...
This photograph shows the western and northern sides of South Hall as it appeared around 1890. A dirt road that would become Union Drive runs along the north side of the building.
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Source
Preferred Citation:
"South Hall", Campus Cornerstones, Digital Scholarship and Initiatives
Reference Link:
https://digital.lib.iastate.edu/historic-buildings/items/buildingprofile0002.html