Campus Life

Dear Old State: Early campus views

A glimpse at how the now-University Park campus appeared in the mid-to-late 1800s

In this photo, taken in downtown State College in the late 1880s, the children sitting on the fence in the foreground are facing what is today's Beaver Avenue. At right is the intersection of today's College Avenue and Pugh Street. The original Old Main in the background had its original 1863 bell tower. Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

In 1859, when the first students arrived at what was then called The Farmers’ High School of Pennsylvania, Penn State’s University Park campus and surrounding town looked much different than they do today.  

This photo gallery shows views that students and visitors to the campus might have seen in the mid to late 1800s. 

A mid-1890s view of the Chemical Laboratory from the tower of the Main Building. Behind that is the grandstand of Old Beaver Field. To the right are faculty residences, and in the background is the Agricultural Experimentation Station. Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

A reversed view from the previous picture, showing the rear of faculty residences, the Chemical Laboratory and the Main Building in an undated photo. The picture was likely taken prior to 1893, when Old Beaver Field, pictured here in the foreground, had a grandstand built for spectators to view sporting events such as football, baseball, and track and field. This picture shows the previous wooden bleachers, with a seating capacity of 100. Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

A picture of Old Botany, built in 1887 and which still stands as University Park's oldest building whose exterior has not been altered over the years, taken in spring 1898. According to the handwritten caption on the back of the photo, the custom of spelling the college yell in flowers was continued over a period of years leading up to the turn of the century. Also seen in the photo are the ruins of "Old Barn" (at the site of today's Carnegie Building). At left in the background is the then-residence of Professor Magnus Ihlseng, the first dean of the School of Mines. The Ihlseng Cottage still exists at University Park and currently houses the College of the Liberal Arts' Humanities Institute. To the right of Ihlseng Cottage is the Willard house, and next to that is the first cottage to be built on campus, beside the Ghost Walk. The mound behind the Willard house is "Old Reservoir." Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

A picture of how the nearby village, across what is now College Avenue, looked in 1890, as published in the 100th anniversary edition of La Vie in 1955. According to Penn State University Libraries, “By 1890, the village had barely 200 year-round inhabitants, nearly all of whom relied directly or indirectly upon Penn State and its 200 or so students for their livelihood.” State College was incorporated as a borough in 1896. Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

Looking south from Old Main, circa 1893. The Obelisk and the tower of the Armory can be seen in the foreground. Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

Elm Cottage, also known as the Stone House, was built in 1880. Over time it was occupied by Penn State vice presidents and a women's social club named Nita-Nee that later became Kappa Alpha Theta. The Stone House was razed in 1971. The handwritten note on the back of this photo reads: "Elm Cottage, c. 1895. The people playing croquet are probably Dr. Benjamin Gill and his daughter Helen. Operating the pump behind them is Dr. Gill's son Arthur. Mrs. Gill is on the porch. The view of Old Main shows the large windows for stairways put in at Dr. Atherton's request prior to the 1895-96 remodeling of the roof." Editor's note: According to "Penn State: an illustrated history," Benjamin Gill served as the first dean of the school of Language and Literature in 1895. Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

In Penn State's early years, the campus had more than 200 acres of orchards, pastures, gardens and vineyards, like this one near the Armory in 1882. Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

The note on the back of this photograph reads: “East campus. Old east road, lined by fence. Pollock Road and gateway. The house at left is the Armsby house, at right, Fernald. Early 1890s."  Editor's note: Henry Armsby came to Penn State in 1887 as director of the Agricultural Experiment Station. He later designed a respiration calorimeter to monitor an animal's metabolism to determine the net energy value of food that an animal used to produce milk or meat. It attracted worldwide scientific interest and helped to develop feeds of higher nutritive value. According to the 1892 issue of La Vie, Henry Fernald was an associate professor of zoology who came to Penn State in 1890. Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

The stile at the entrance to campus at Allen Street and College Avenue in the late 1880s. Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

The caption on this undated photo reads: "Penn State's front campus was frequently used as a playground for children. 'Wes' Sauers, son of Henry Sauers (Sauerstown), runs the lawnmower drawn by one of the college's famous mules." Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

A mid-1890s view of the Chemical Laboratory from the tower of the Main Building. Behind that is the grandstand of Old Beaver Field. To the right are faculty residences, and in the background is the Agricultural Experimentation Station. Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

A reversed view from the previous picture, showing the rear of faculty residences, the Chemical Laboratory and the Main Building in an undated photo. The picture was likely taken prior to 1893, when Old Beaver Field, pictured here in the foreground, had a grandstand built for spectators to view sporting events such as football, baseball, and track and field. This picture shows the previous wooden bleachers, with a seating capacity of 100. Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

A picture of Old Botany, built in 1887 and which still stands as University Park's oldest building whose exterior has not been altered over the years, taken in spring 1898. According to the handwritten caption on the back of the photo, the custom of spelling the college yell in flowers was continued over a period of years leading up to the turn of the century. Also seen in the photo are the ruins of "Old Barn" (at the site of today's Carnegie Building). At left in the background is the then-residence of Professor Magnus Ihlseng, the first dean of the School of Mines. The Ihlseng Cottage still exists at University Park and currently houses the College of the Liberal Arts' Humanities Institute. To the right of Ihlseng Cottage is the Willard house, and next to that is the first cottage to be built on campus, beside the Ghost Walk. The mound behind the Willard house is "Old Reservoir." Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

A picture of how the nearby village, across what is now College Avenue, looked in 1890, as published in the 100th anniversary edition of La Vie in 1955. According to Penn State University Libraries, “By 1890, the village had barely 200 year-round inhabitants, nearly all of whom relied directly or indirectly upon Penn State and its 200 or so students for their livelihood.” State College was incorporated as a borough in 1896. Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

Looking south from Old Main, circa 1893. The Obelisk and the tower of the Armory can be seen in the foreground. Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

Elm Cottage, also known as the Stone House, was built in 1880. Over time it was occupied by Penn State vice presidents and a women's social club named Nita-Nee that later became Kappa Alpha Theta. The Stone House was razed in 1971. The handwritten note on the back of this photo reads: "Elm Cottage, c. 1895. The people playing croquet are probably Dr. Benjamin Gill and his daughter Helen. Operating the pump behind them is Dr. Gill's son Arthur. Mrs. Gill is on the porch. The view of Old Main shows the large windows for stairways put in at Dr. Atherton's request prior to the 1895-96 remodeling of the roof." Editor's note: According to "Penn State: an illustrated history," Benjamin Gill served as the first dean of the school of Language and Literature in 1895. Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

In Penn State's early years, the campus had more than 200 acres of orchards, pastures, gardens and vineyards, like this one near the Armory in 1882. Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

The note on the back of this photograph reads: “East campus. Old east road, lined by fence. Pollock Road and gateway. The house at left is the Armsby house, at right, Fernald. Early 1890s."  Editor's note: Henry Armsby came to Penn State in 1887 as director of the Agricultural Experiment Station. He later designed a respiration calorimeter to monitor an animal's metabolism to determine the net energy value of food that an animal used to produce milk or meat. It attracted worldwide scientific interest and helped to develop feeds of higher nutritive value. According to the 1892 issue of La Vie, Henry Fernald was an associate professor of zoology who came to Penn State in 1890. Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

The stile at the entrance to campus at Allen Street and College Avenue in the late 1880s. Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

The caption on this undated photo reads: "Penn State's front campus was frequently used as a playground for children. 'Wes' Sauers, son of Henry Sauers (Sauerstown), runs the lawnmower drawn by one of the college's famous mules." Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

The original “Old Main” served as the institution’s main building, housing the entire college including classrooms, offices and living quarters in its west wing. Construction on the east wing, which wasn’t yet completed by the time students arrived in 1859, was paused at the start of the Civil War and completed in 1863. Other campus facilities at the time included blacksmith and carpenter shanties — one which temporarily served as a dining hall — the college barn, a granary, and several faculty residences and other outbuildings. The main building was the only building on campus for nearly 30 years. It became known as “Old Main” c. 1906. 

The first major building program was launched in 1887 due to maintenance funds provided through the first biennial state appropriation of $100,000. Plans began to construct: 

  • Agricultural Experiment Station, which opened in 1887. Students and researchers used the station to perform soil tests; analyze fertilizers; identify plants, insects and fungi; and report on samples of various agricultural products. In 1975 the building was renamed Arts Cottage and still exists today, housing studios for art students and faculty in the College of Arts and Architecture. 

  • Old Botany, which was completed in 1888 and still stands today as the oldest building at University Park whose exterior has not been significantly altered since its construction. The building was the original home to the institution’s botany department, and in the late 1800s and early 1900s had an attached greenhouse where students conducted studies on exotic plants. Students also kept a botanical garden, arranged in a series of geometric patterns in front of the building along Pollock Road. 

  • The Women’s Building, which was also known as Ladies’ Cottage and completed in 1889. The building, which was north of Old Main where Oswald Tower is presently located, was the primary residence hall for women students. The building was later used as temporary office space until its demolition in 1970. 

  • The Armory, which was completed in 1892 and served as the site for military training. Prior to World War I, participation in the Cadet Corps was mandatory for all physically able male undergraduates. The Armory was also used for physical education, varsity athletics and social events. The building was demolished in 1964 to make way for a new wing of Willard Building. 

  • The Chemistry and Physical Laboratory, which was completed in 1890 and renamed Walker Laboratory in 1948 for William Hulk Walker, a graduate of 1890 and head of the Chemical Engineering Department. The building was demolished in 1969 and replaced by the existing Davey Laboratory. 

  • Faculty Cottages, which served as on-campus residences for instructors as part of faculty compensation. 

Other Penn State landmarks on campus before 1900 included:  

  • Beaver Field, Penn State’s first permanent home for football, which stood between present-day Osmond and Frear laboratories. It was named after James Beaver, then-governor of Pennsylvania and a member of the Penn State Board of Trustees. The first game at Beaver Field was played on Nov. 6, 1893, against Western University of Pittsburgh (now the University of Pittsburgh). Penn State won 32-0. Beaver Field, which had a seating capacity of 500, was relocated in 1909 to the present location of the Nittany Lion Inn and Nittany Parking Deck and became known as “New Beaver Field.” 

  • Old Willow, which was planted on campus by Professor of Horticulture William G. Waring in 1859. The tree quickly captured students’ hearts and has become a longstanding tradition. The original tree fell during a windstorm in 1923, but its offshoots have carried on its legacy over the last 100 years. The fourth-generation Old Willow was planted on the Old Main lawn in April 2024, and saplings were also distributed to Penn State campuses and locations across the commonwealth. 

  • The Ghost Walk, which consisted of two rows of trees planted by horticulture professor William Warin in the 1860s. A path between the trees led from the rear of Old Botany to Park Avenue. Popular as a lovers' lane because of its seclusion, the Ghost Walk may have gotten its name from a 19th-century legend about a student who got lost on campus and froze during a blizzard, leading to stories of strange spirits seen at night among the row of trees. A solitary Norway Spruce remains today, standing between Old Botany and Burrowes Building. 

  • The Obelisk, also called the polylith, was erected by a local stonemason in 1896 in front of the Armory and currently sits between present-day Willard and Sackett buildings. The monument, which stands more than 32 feet tall and weighs more than 50 tons, is comprised of 281 blocks of building stone from 139 different localities, mostly in Pennsylvania. The stones are arranged to represent the geologic column of rocks in the commonwealth, with the oldest rocks at the bottom and the youngest on top. 

  • University House, was built in 1862-1864 using native stone and employing student labor, was designed by Evan Pugh, the institution’s first president. It was remodeled in 1895 and again renovated in 1940, each time with significant additions to the original plans. From 1864 to 1970, University House was home to 11 Penn State presidents. It was designated University House in 1971, to be used for official University functions. University House was incorporated into the Hintz Alumni Center in 1999.

The original “Old Main” served as the institution’s main building, housing the entire college including classrooms, offices and living quarters in its west wing. Construction on the east wing, which wasn’t yet completed by the time students arrived in 1859, was paused at the start of the Civil War and completed in 1863. The main building, pictured here in an undated photo from the 19th century, was the only building on campus for nearly 30 years. It became known as “Old Main” c. 1906.  Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

University House, designed by Evan Pugh, the institution’s first president, was built in 1862-1864 using native stone and employing student labor. It was remodeled in 1895 and again renovated in 1940, each time with significant additions to the original plans. From 1864 to 1970, University House was home to 11 Penn State presidents. It was designated University House in 1971, to be used for official University functions. The building was incorporated into the Hintz Alumni Center in 1999.  The caption on the back of this photo reads: “The president’s house at Penn State was started by Evan Pugh but he died before it was ready for occupancy. This picture was taken about 1872 when James Calder was president.”   Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

Agricultural Experiment Station, which opened in 1887, is pictured here shortly after its construction. Students and researchers used the station to perform soil tests; analyze fertilizers; identify plants, insects and fungi; and report on samples of various agricultural products. In 1975 the building was renamed Arts Cottage and still exists today, housing studios for art students and faculty in the College of Arts and Architecture.  Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

This c. 1891 photo shows a view of the northern end of campus from the main building. Old Botany is in the foreground on the left, with the Ladies' Cottage to its right. The Ghost Walk, a tree-lined path, leads from the rear of Old Botany to present-day Park Avenue. To the left of the Ghost Walk is a faculty residence. Notice the electrical light poles in the center of the photo leading to service the faculty houses. Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

This picture of the Women's Building, also known as Ladies' Cottage, was taken in 1890, a year after its construction. The building, which was north of Old Main where Oswald Tower is presently located, was the primary residence hall for women students. The building was later used as temporary office space until its demolition in 1970. Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

The Armory, pictured around the time of its construction in 1892. The facility served as the site for military training. Prior to World War I, participation in the Cadet Corps was mandatory for all physically able male undergraduates. The Armory was also used for physical education, varsity athletics and social events. The building was demolished in 1964 to make way for a new wing of Willard Building.  Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

The Chemistry and Physical Laboratory in 1890, shortly after its construction. The building was renamed Walker Laboratory in 1948 for William Hulk Walker, a graduate of 1890 and head of the Chemical Engineering Department. It was demolished in 1969 and replaced by the existing Davey Laboratory.  Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

Pictured here are several of Penn State's Faculty Cottages -- from left, Maple, Pine and Spruce Cottages -- on the University Park campus, circa late 1800s. Originally built where Osmond Lab stands today, Spruce and Pine were moved to their current location, behind Ritenour Building, in 1938. Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

Beaver Field, pictured here circa 1899, was Penn State’s first permanent home for football and stood between present-day Osmond and Frear laboratories. It was named after James Beaver, then-governor of Pennsylvania and a member of the Penn State Board of Trustees. The first game at Beaver Field was played on Nov. 6, 1893, against Western University of Pittsburgh (now the University of Pittsburgh). Penn State won 32-0. Beaver Field, which had a seating capacity of 500, was relocated in 1909 to the present location of the Nittany Lion Inn and Nittany Parking Deck and became known as “New Beaver Field.”  Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

"Old Willow" was planted on campus by Professor of Horticulture William G. Waring in 1859 and is pictured here c. 1899. The tree quickly captured students’ hearts and has become a longstanding tradition. The original tree fell during a windstorm in 1923, but its offshoots have carried on its legacy over the last 100 years.  Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

The caption on the back reads: "The Old Barn on the site of present-day Carnegie Building. The barn, which was designed by Frederick Watts, the first president of the Board of Trustees, was removed c. 1889. The 'tool house' shed on the left was used twice weekly in the 1880s as a meat market. "Abe" Markle would stand at the door and blow his horn to announce to the villagers that meat was for sale. The shed in the center of the picture became the pig house. The shed-like house at the right with three chimneys was used as a laundry house until about 1878. The mule in the center is probably Old Coaly. This is a reproduction of one of the four oldest pictures in the Penn State collection." Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

The "Old Engineering Building" was constructed in 1891-1892, and housed the Civil, Electrical, Mechanical and Mining Engineering Departments. According to University Archives, the building was "located at the corner of College Avenue and Allen Street, the current site of Sackett Building. Old Engineering was a massive structure with a great arched entrance, onion-dome roofs on bartizans, and other dramatic ornamentation. It firmly established the campus location for engineering for the next century." Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

The original “Old Main” served as the institution’s main building, housing the entire college including classrooms, offices and living quarters in its west wing. Construction on the east wing, which wasn’t yet completed by the time students arrived in 1859, was paused at the start of the Civil War and completed in 1863. The main building, pictured here in an undated photo from the 19th century, was the only building on campus for nearly 30 years. It became known as “Old Main” c. 1906.  Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

University House, designed by Evan Pugh, the institution’s first president, was built in 1862-1864 using native stone and employing student labor. It was remodeled in 1895 and again renovated in 1940, each time with significant additions to the original plans. From 1864 to 1970, University House was home to 11 Penn State presidents. It was designated University House in 1971, to be used for official University functions. The building was incorporated into the Hintz Alumni Center in 1999.  The caption on the back of this photo reads: “The president’s house at Penn State was started by Evan Pugh but he died before it was ready for occupancy. This picture was taken about 1872 when James Calder was president.”   Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

Agricultural Experiment Station, which opened in 1887, is pictured here shortly after its construction. Students and researchers used the station to perform soil tests; analyze fertilizers; identify plants, insects and fungi; and report on samples of various agricultural products. In 1975 the building was renamed Arts Cottage and still exists today, housing studios for art students and faculty in the College of Arts and Architecture.  Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

This c. 1891 photo shows a view of the northern end of campus from the main building. Old Botany is in the foreground on the left, with the Ladies' Cottage to its right. The Ghost Walk, a tree-lined path, leads from the rear of Old Botany to present-day Park Avenue. To the left of the Ghost Walk is a faculty residence. Notice the electrical light poles in the center of the photo leading to service the faculty houses. Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

This picture of the Women's Building, also known as Ladies' Cottage, was taken in 1890, a year after its construction. The building, which was north of Old Main where Oswald Tower is presently located, was the primary residence hall for women students. The building was later used as temporary office space until its demolition in 1970. Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

The Armory, pictured around the time of its construction in 1892. The facility served as the site for military training. Prior to World War I, participation in the Cadet Corps was mandatory for all physically able male undergraduates. The Armory was also used for physical education, varsity athletics and social events. The building was demolished in 1964 to make way for a new wing of Willard Building.  Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

The Chemistry and Physical Laboratory in 1890, shortly after its construction. The building was renamed Walker Laboratory in 1948 for William Hulk Walker, a graduate of 1890 and head of the Chemical Engineering Department. It was demolished in 1969 and replaced by the existing Davey Laboratory.  Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

Pictured here are several of Penn State's Faculty Cottages -- from left, Maple, Pine and Spruce Cottages -- on the University Park campus, circa late 1800s. Originally built where Osmond Lab stands today, Spruce and Pine were moved to their current location, behind Ritenour Building, in 1938. Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

Beaver Field, pictured here circa 1899, was Penn State’s first permanent home for football and stood between present-day Osmond and Frear laboratories. It was named after James Beaver, then-governor of Pennsylvania and a member of the Penn State Board of Trustees. The first game at Beaver Field was played on Nov. 6, 1893, against Western University of Pittsburgh (now the University of Pittsburgh). Penn State won 32-0. Beaver Field, which had a seating capacity of 500, was relocated in 1909 to the present location of the Nittany Lion Inn and Nittany Parking Deck and became known as “New Beaver Field.”  Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

"Old Willow" was planted on campus by Professor of Horticulture William G. Waring in 1859 and is pictured here c. 1899. The tree quickly captured students’ hearts and has become a longstanding tradition. The original tree fell during a windstorm in 1923, but its offshoots have carried on its legacy over the last 100 years.  Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

The caption on the back reads: "The Old Barn on the site of present-day Carnegie Building. The barn, which was designed by Frederick Watts, the first president of the Board of Trustees, was removed c. 1889. The 'tool house' shed on the left was used twice weekly in the 1880s as a meat market. "Abe" Markle would stand at the door and blow his horn to announce to the villagers that meat was for sale. The shed in the center of the picture became the pig house. The shed-like house at the right with three chimneys was used as a laundry house until about 1878. The mule in the center is probably Old Coaly. This is a reproduction of one of the four oldest pictures in the Penn State collection." Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

The "Old Engineering Building" was constructed in 1891-1892, and housed the Civil, Electrical, Mechanical and Mining Engineering Departments. According to University Archives, the building was "located at the corner of College Avenue and Allen Street, the current site of Sackett Building. Old Engineering was a massive structure with a great arched entrance, onion-dome roofs on bartizans, and other dramatic ornamentation. It firmly established the campus location for engineering for the next century." Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

Read more about the history of Penn State's University Park campus on the University Libraries website.

Last Updated May 31, 2024

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