Dickinson House (1st & 2nd)

Date

Dickinson House 1st: ?-1908 (private); 1908-1924 (college)
Dickinson House 2nd: ?-1924 (private); 1924-1931 (college)

Location

Dickinson House 1st: 166 W. College Street.
Dickinson House 2nd: 166 W. Lorain Street.
(Both demolished)

Architects/Collaborators

Builders unknown

Style

Building in photograph: Queen Anne

History

Prior to the purchase in 1908 of the private residence property at 166 West College Street, the College had acquired the back ends of lots fronting on West College Street, North Cedar Avenue, and West Lorain Street, and had developed in the area a field for intramural sports for women. In recognition of the gift of Miss Julia A. Dickinson in 1893 for the endowment for the chairs of the Dean of Women and the director of the Women’s Gymnasium, the new field house and social center for the Women’s Gymnasium and Field Association, and in further recognition of Miss Dickinson’s gift, the house was named Dickinson House. The gift of Galpin Field in 1923 and the obsolescence of the West College Street property after sixteen years of use led to the purchase in 1924 of a new field house on West Lorain Street, whereupon Dickinson House (1st) was torn down. When the Dickinson House on West College Street was discontinued the property at 166 West Lorain Street was purchased to take its place. The first floor of the building was remodelled to meet the needs of the young women for a field house. It accommodated teams and groups engaged in outdoor sports and was also used for social affairs and club meetings. The use was discontinued in 1931 and the house removed to clear the site.

Source

Oberlin College Archives, Office of the Secretary Records.