Fenwick Hall

42° 14.330 N, 071° 48.534 W - The College of the Holy Cross

Brief History

Fenwick Hall is named after one of the founders of the College of the Holy Cross, Benedict Joseph Fenwick S.J.. Originally called "The College Building", Fenwick Hall served as the main building for the college in its early days where students lived in dormitories, prayed in the chapel and participated in activities in designated areas. The 3 1/2 storey brick building was completed in 1844 and cost $19,000 to make. It was built on land previously inhabited by members of the Nipmuc Nation, a Native tribe to New England. In 1868, the building received a major facelift when the west wing was added along with the two iconic towers. Fenwick Hall, through the late 1800s and 1900s, was introduced to many technological upgrades including the installation of gas lighting 1875, a telephone in 1894 and a sprinkler system in 1950. In 1980, Fenwick Hall was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Architecture

Little of the original building remains as a 1852 fire destroyed most it. The original building had elements of Greek Revival which were later did away with by the architect Elbridge Boyden who opted for Collegiate Gothic and Second Empire styles. Some of the most iconic elements of the building are the two north-facing towers and a portico (also known as the Commencement Porch designed by Patrick W. Ford and built by Fuller & Delano) in front of the main entrance styled with 6 Corinthian columns. "Fenwick Hall's architectural intricacy, grand size, prominent towers, symmetrical windows and classic columns portray its importance on campus. It is perhaps one of the most striking buildings on campus because of its complex combination of many rich architectural forms" (DeArango, "Fenwick and O'Kane: The Heart of the College").

Source(s):

https://www.holycross.edu/175th-anniversary/historical-timeline-holy-cross/1843-1899

https://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/wmGGCF_Holy_Cross_College_Worcester_MA

https://college.holycross.edu//projects/worcester/neighbors/holycross.htm#heart