The image above shows Miss Jackson in her garden. As you walk around campus today, amidst the blooming rhododendrons, you can almost imagine coming across a spot where a student or professor would plant beans, and study their growth.

In addition to the wonder of this garden and the hay piles in the middle of campus, this image also allows me to tell an interesting tale about a campus building.

The “stem” of the “T” on Alpha Hall can be seen on the right; this section was separated from its location on 23rd Street and later moved to Orchard Street. Alpha Hall, the first residence hall on campus, was constructed in 1889. It was later used by the School of Pharmacy, and moved off campus in 1922. Mechanical Hall built.

In our MC collection, I found a pamphlet for this “Young Ladies’ Dormitory;” included was some great information about what young ladies could expect from their time at Alpha Hall.

“Surrounded with grounds tastefully arranged and ornamented with choice vines and flowers, the Hall is a typical home for young ladies from abroad who desire to live with the family of one of the Professors while attending College. Tennis courts and other means of amusement furnished by the student and the faculty afford ample opportunity for recreation and wholesome exercise on the grounds near the Hall where young people may mingle with the Faculty and their families and share with them in their games and pleasures during hours of recreation. Furthermore the Hall has reception room, piano and many other conveniences calculated to contribute to the comfort and home life of young ladies while in College.”

All of this for only $3.00 per week — which includes rent, board, heat, electric light, hot and cold water, and a bathroom.