MAPLE HALL
CONSTRUCTION DATES: Maple Hall was constructed in 1913 as the college
gymnasium and recreation center and dedicated in March of 1914.
REMODEL: The original floor was entirely replaced in 1920 due to its
weakened state. A snack bar was installed to serve the students in 1948.
In 1952, the ceiling was lowered, lighting installed, and the fireplace
was finished to create better atmosphere for the student recreation center.
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY: The initial construction was overseen by Stebinger
Construction, and the 1952 remodeling was completed by Cummings Construction
with C. Howard Kable as architect.
COSTS: Maple Hall was built for $9,000. President Ackerman saved the
funds through “efficient administration” of the university’s
budget. The 1952 remodel cost approximately $8,500.
ARCHITECTS AND BUILDING STYLE: A.E. Doyle of Portland designed Maple
Hall in a Tudor style to fit architecturally with the other buildings
of the inner quad. The barn-like structure features wooden lower walls
topped by a large vaulted hip ceiling and beamed plaster.
CURRENT USES: Dance classes are currently taught in the 4,603 square
feet of Maple Hall. Special events and student club functions are also
sometimes held in Maple Hall.
HISTORY: Maple Hall was originally built as a gymnasium and served that
purpose from 1914 through 1936. In 1936, the building became the recreation
hall for the campus until 1960. With the construction of a new student
recreation center, Maple Hall became the dance studio and site of intramural
sporting events until the construction of the first Physical education
building.
OTHER INTERESTING FACTS: It was a custom for the juniors to paint their
year on the roof of Maple Hall. In 1926, the senior preempted this painting
by capturing and holding the juniors in a railroad box car on the intended
night of the painting. In retaliation, the juniors planned to pelt the
seniors with rotten eggs. The juniors mistakenly attacked a group of OAC
students, not the responsible seniors from ONS.
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