The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Johnson Hall

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Johnson Hall (original building, ca. 1912), Culver-Stockton College

Johnson Hall (entrance, three-quarter view), Culver-Stockton College

Johnson Hall (front facade), Culver-Stockton College

Institution Name: Culver-Stockton College
Original/Historic Place Name: Culver-Stockton Hall
Location on Campus: 102 Hilltop Dr.
Date(s) of Construction and Designer(s):

1911-1912	original construction; begun in June Lynch, J. Hal Oder, William R.
1924	wings rebuilt after fire Unknown
1965	renovation of interior Unknown
1979	renovation of exterior Unknown
1996	renovation of interior Unknown
2003	repaired after tornado damage Unknown

Type of Place: Individual building
Style(s): (Glossary)
Materials:

Foundation: concrete

Walls: brick

Roof: asphalt/fiberglass composite

Function:

1912-1923	gymnasium (with swimming pool)
1912-1968	dining hall
1912-present (2007)	residence hall
1923-1968	classrooms
1968-1996	theater
1996-present (2007)	administration
present (2007)	other (student development office)

Significance:
Landmark designation:

none

Narrative: see below
References: see below

Narrative:
Culver-Stockton College was founded as the first co-educational institution west of the Mississippi River. Accordingly, Johnson Hall, built in 1912, was a residence hall for 44 men to live in one wing and 44 women in the other. A superintendent's office was located in the middle to prevent communication between the sides.

Culver-Stockton historically has placed a high priority on the students' physical fitness. A gymnasium occupied the main floor of the center portion of the building. A swimming pool, dining hall, and laundry room occupied the basement.

The hall represents an early collaboration between important pioneer donors, Mary Culver and Robert Stockton, each of whom contributed $25,000. The dormitory wings of Johnson, originally called Culver-Stockton Hall together, burned in 1923 but were rebuilt to house 100 women. Male students moved to another building at this time. A new gymnasium building with swimming pool was constructed nearby and the former gymnasium and swimming pool area were remodeled to include parlors, classrooms, meeting rooms, practice rooms and a YWCA room.

Johnson Hall, is an imposing structure that today commands one of the finest campus views of the Mississippi River. It continues to house women students. The basement (which had served as a dining hall and a theater) currently serves as administrative offices for student organizations and the Student Development office.

References:

I. Bibliographic sources:

Lee, George R. Culver-Stockton College: The First 130 Years. Canton, MO: Culver-Stockton College, 1984.

Peters, George L. Dreams Come True: The Story of Culver-Stockton College. Canton, MO: Culver-Stockton College, 1941.

II. Location of other data:

University: Library, Special Collections, Facilities Management Office