WILLIAM E. SIMON CENTER FOR ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS (formerly Jenks Hall)
Location: Southern edge of campus, on bluff overlooking Easton
Date Built: 1865; renovated in 1986
Architect: John McArthur, Jr., Philadelphia; renovation by Spillman Farmer Shoemaker Pell & Whildin, Bethlehem
Builder: Original builder unknown; renovation by Nedco Construction Co., Trexlertown, Pennsylvania
Jenks Hall, which is now part of the Simon Center, was built in 1865 as a hall of chemistry. It was named for trustee Barton H. Jenks, who contributed the costs of its construction. When Gayley Hall was built in 1901, Jenks became the home of the biology department. After biology moved to Kunkel Hall in 1969, Jenks housed the art and music departments. In 1986, it was renovated and merged with the old steam plant next door to become the William E. Simon Center for Economics and Business. The Center was named for trustee William E. Simon '52, its major benefactor.
SKILLMAN LIBRARY
Location: On the west side of the Quad
Date Built: 1963; renovated and north wing added 1986-87
Architects: Vincent Kling, Philadelphia; renovation and wing by Shepley Bulfinch Richardson and Abbott, Inc., Boston
Builder: Turner Construction Co., New York; renovation Irwin & Leighton, Philadelphia
Skillman Library is the main college library, built to replace Van Wickle Library. It is named for long-time secretary of the Board of Trustees, David Bishop Skillman. The north wing was funded by and named for William E. Simon '52 and Carol G. Simon.
Architectural essay on Skillman Library, Simon Wing
SOLES HALL
Location: On northeast end of campus, between Gates Hall and Hogg Hall
Date Built: 1949
Architect: Donald Innes, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Soles Hall was built as a student social residence hall It was donated by trustee T. Franklin Soles '04.
SOUTH COLLEGE
Location: On southern part of campus, south of Van Wickle Hall.
Date Built: 1833-34; wings added 1869 and 1873; center rebuilt 1961-62
South College, the original college edifice, was designed by President George Junkin. It was built in 1833-34 with Junkin serving as general contractor, doing much of the work himself with the aid of the students. The east wing was added in 1866-69 and was originally used as the college library. The wing was first called Eastonian Hall to honor the citizens of Easton, who provided the funds for its construction. The west wing, added in 1871-73, was designed by architect M.S. Morrill. It served as the chapel until Colton Chapel was built in 1916, and as a mess hall for Camp Lafayette during World War I. It was renovated in 1920-21. After a fire destroyed a large part of the west wing in March 1956, it was restored in 1956-57. In 1958, the east wing was renovated by Collins &Maxwell, Easton. The original central section was renovated in 1869 and 1907, and then was razed in 1961. Everett Associates, Allentown, designed the new section which was constructed in 1961-62. Over the years, South College has had many functions and currently serves as a residence hall.
SULLIVAN HOUSE (formerly Pardee Infirmary)
Location: At the southwestern edge of campus, on Sullivan Lane
Date Built: Unknown
Architect: Unknown
Builder: Unknown
Sullivan House was originally the college student infirmary, which was established in 1928 in an existing building bought by the college and endowed by Israel P. Pardee, Class of 1874. It was named the Anna Robison Pardee Infirmary for Israel Pardee's mother. Sullivan House is now home to the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority.
SULLIVAN VILLAGE (no longer standing)
Location: Southwest end of campus, west of Sullivan Lane.
Date Built: 1948
Sullivan Village was a community of temporary housing units for married veterans and their families who attended the college after World War II under the G.I. Bill. Designed and built by the U.S. Public Housing Agency, it was composed of two sections. One, called Vet Village, had 38 units, and was located on the site presently occupied by the tennis courts and parking lot on the south end of Sullivan Lane. The other section, called Passion Flats, had 44 units on March Field.
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Lafayette College Libraries, Easton, PA
Last updated 27 July 1995