Cutler Hall facts for kids
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Cutler Hall
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 Location in Colorado
Location in the United States
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| Location | 912 N. Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado |
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| Built | 1877-1880 |
| Architect | Joseph Dozier, Peabody & Stearns |
| Architectural style | Gothic |
| NRHP reference No. | 86001410 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | July 3, 1986 |
The Cutler Hall is a beautiful old building on the Colorado College campus in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It looks like a castle with its Gothic style. This special building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's important to American history.
It was the very first building built for Colorado College, between 1877 and 1880. Back then, it was simply called "the College" because it held everything! Classrooms, offices, the library, and even an auditorium were all inside. Today, it's still a busy place, used by the financial aid and admissions departments.
Contents
A College's First Home: Cutler Hall's Story
Building the First College Building
The land for Cutler Hall was given by Major Henry McAlister. A design company from Boston, Peabody and Stearns, created the plans. The building was built between 1877 and 1880.
It took several years to finish the building. This was because there wasn't enough money. William Jackson Palmer, who helped found Colorado Springs, understood how important the college was. He gave the money needed to complete the building.
This first college building was called "the College." It had classrooms, a library, and a room used as both an auditorium and a chapel. There was even a chemistry lab. The college also taught students for Cutler Academy, a school that prepared students for college.
Early Learning and Discoveries
The school offered courses in metallurgy (the study of metals) and chemistry. These included classes like assaying (testing ores for metals) and blowpipe analysis. These courses attracted people like Winfield Scott Stratton, who became a successful miner.
Students also studied physics and other sciences. The college was involved in early studies of x-ray photography. A student named Artus Van Briggle studied local clays. He later started the famous Van Briggle Pottery company.
New Names and a Special Bell
In 1889, the building was first named "Palmer Hall." This honored William Jackson Palmer for his support. Later, Palmer funded a new science building. That new building was then named Palmer Hall.
The original college building was renamed Cutler Hall. This new name honored Henry Cutler, a generous person who also contributed to the college. Cutler Academy classes continued to be held here until 1914.
A bell on top of Cutler Hall called students to class. Students would also ring it loudly after sports victories. At the end of World War II, Marine students rang the bell so hard it broke. The Navy then loaned the school a bell from a World War II ship, the U.S.S. Geneva.
Changes and Renovations Over Time
Cutler Hall was updated in 1937. It became home to college administrative offices. Geology classes were still taught there. In 1966, the main administrative offices moved to Armstrong Hall. The Education Department then moved into Cutler Hall.
The building was remodeled again in 1972. Offices for alumni affairs, public information, and college publications moved in. In the 1980s, college relations and development offices also moved to Cutler Hall.
In the 1990s, grants from Colorado Historical Fund helped restore the outside of the building. They also fixed the windows.
Current Use
Today, Cutler Hall is still a busy place. It houses the financial aid and admissions offices for Colorado College.
Recognition
The American Institute of Architects recognized Cutler Hall. They named it one of the top 20 buildings in the Pikes Peak Region.
Images for kids
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Cutler Hall, Colorado College, 1882
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Cutler Hall, Colorado College, about 1901
