University of Delaware - Blue Hen Yearbook (Newark, DE)

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Ow College embodies the heart and soul of undergrad- uate life at Delaware. Constructed in 1833-34 from funds made available by the State Legislature charter in 1833, it remained the sole college building until after 1870. The Oratory , as it was then called, was dormitory, refectory, and recitation hall combined, as well as public lecture hall and meeting place. In 1916 Old College was completely renovated. The archi- tects first unroofed the building and then removed the whole interior, so that little remained except the outer walls. The interior was then remodeled as we know it now with the commons , student activities room, lounge, and faculty rooms. The exterior of the building was altered only in minor details. The cupola, which had been a familiar part of the old building, was removed, the cld wooden steps were replaced by a granite stairway, and the old Doric pillars were replaced by new cnes. On the south wall beneath the main portico may still be seen the initials of past graduates laboriously carved in the bricks nearly a century ago.