Clarion University of Pennsylvania - Sequelle Yearbook (Clarion, PA)

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Becht Hall Lounge— 1944.

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CLARION ' S GLORIOUS PAST Over a period of one hundred years, the institution of learning presently known as Clarion State College has undergone dramatic changes in its physical plant, concepts of education, and curriculum. How did it all begin and how has it de- veloped through the years? In 1867, Clarion State College consisted of only one building — that which is presently known as Seminary Hall. It was then known as Carrier Seminary and was established by the Methodist Episcopal Church. The twin-towered, red brick building was built on a hill overlooking the Clarion River. All classes met in this building and were conducted on a secondary level. In 1886, the counties of Clarion, Forest, Jefferson, McKean, and Warren bought the land for the purpose of establishing a normal school. Their capital consisted of forty thousand dollars in the form of contributions and twenty-five thousand dollars in an allotment from the state. After the completion of two wooden dormitories, Stevens and Navarre Halls in February of that year, the normal school was formally opened on April 12, 1887. Under the joint ownership of the stockholders and the state, Clarion Normal School ' s building program continued. Music Hall was erected in 1890, followed by the completion of the Heating, Boiler House and Laundry Building in 1893. The continuing need for new facilities necessitated the building of Science Hall in 1894 and the Chapel in 1902. Soon the original wooden dorms were razed to make way for the erection of Becht Hall in 1908. On February 8, 1916, the Commonwealth purchased the outstanding stock and formally took over the institution. In 1928, the State Council of Education granted Clarion the authority to confer the degree of Bachelor of Science in Education to students completing the new four-year course.

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Ground-breaking ceremony for Harvey Gymnasium — 1931. State Normal School, Clarion, Pennsylvania, 1904. row 1, Train Station, Heating Plant, Founders Hall (Old Science Hall), Chapel, row 2. Navarre Hall (Later called Becht Hall), Music Hall, Seminary Hall, Old Stevens Hall (Men ' s Dormitory).