Northrop Collegiate School - Tatler Yearbook (Minneapolis, MN)

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HISTORY OF NORTHROP SCHOOL The building that today houses Northrop Collegiate School was built in 1916. The school itself, however, existed sixteen years prior to this time under the name of Graham Hall. Graham Hall, located at 1800 First Avenue South, was a boarding school and it enjoyed such facilities as horseback riding which we no longer have. On the other hand, Graham Hall was very similar to Northrop in curriculum, school spirit, and tradition. Many of the traditions we honor today such as the Old Girl’s Party for the New were begun at Graham Hall. Eventually, as Graham Hall took in more and more girls, the old buildings became unable to accommodate the growing school. Arrangements were made for the construction of a new school on Kenwood Parkway which was to be called Northrop Collegiate School in honor of Cyrus Northrop, the distinguished president of the University of Minnesota, who was at that time retiring. Northrop in 1916 consisted only of the center building and the east wing. Because there was no residence area in the new building, the school was made a day school although home accommodations near the school were provided for the few students who did not reside in Minneapolis. Northrop was, also, at this time, a one year junior college. In 1923 a west wing which included the Upper School gymnasium, locker rooms, a music wing, and study halls w as added to the school. The third floor of the wing, however, was left unfmished for future expansion. 5

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Auditorium Front Stairs The third floor was expanded in 1949 when dormer windows were sei in the west roof and a large, multi-purpose room for dining room expansion, FT A meetings, dances and recreation was dedicated as a memorial to Albert Crosby. In the 1957 remodeling program, the Crosby room was made into a new library, and the kitchens and dining room were moved to the ground floor, vacating space fora language laboratory, four classrooms and one study hall. Students were unhappy to see their beloved Purple Cow Room changed into a classroom and to see the charming Swedish dining room turned into the Taller room. The students, however, were recomposed with the installment of a study-lounge on the third floor. Accompanying these changes in the building, there has been from 1957 to 1963 a controlled growth from 274 to 425 students. Northrop has also seen, through the years, a continual enrichment and modernization of curriculum. . Art Room lounge 7