Wright Zoological Laboratory

Date

1870-1927 (church); 1927-1959 (college)

Location

West College Street, site of Bibbins Hall

Architects/Collaborators

Builder unknown

Style

Gothic Revival

History

Wright Zoological Laboratory was named in honor of Albert A. Wright, for thirty-one years Professor of Geology and Natural History in Oberlin College. The building was erected by the Second Congregational Church during the years from 1867 to 1870, and was used by that church until the union of the First and Second Churches in 1920. In 1927 the College purchased the property, removed the steeple, and remodelled the building as a temporary home for the department of Zoology. It contained a large auditorium, two class rooms, five laboratories, a departmental reading room, and offices. The marginal floor space and gallery were occupied by the Zoological Museum. A tablet, placed in Spear Laboratory in 1908 as a memorial to Professor Wright, occupied a conspicuous place near the entrance. Wright Zoological Laboratory was demolished in August, 1959. Bibbins Hall of the Conservatory complex currently occupies Wright’s former location.

Source

Oberlin College Archives, Office of the Secretary Records.