Manasseh Cutler Hall facts for kids
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Manasseh Cutler Hall, Ohio University
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Cutler Hall
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | Athens, Ohio |
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| Area | 10 acres (4.0 ha) |
| Built | 1819 |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| Part of | Ohio University Campus Green Historic District (ID79001783) |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000604 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | December 21, 1965 |
| Designated CP | June 11, 1979 |
Manasseh Cutler Hall, often called Cutler Hall, is a very old and important building at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. It's the oldest school building there, and also the oldest in what was once the Northwest Territory of the United States. This territory was a huge area of land in early America. Cutler Hall is so special that it's a National Historic Landmark. This means it's a place recognized for its important history. Today, it still holds university offices. The building is named after Manasseh Cutler, a smart person who was a doctor, a plant expert, and a minister. He helped create Ohio University by writing its official plan in 1804.
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About Cutler Hall's History
Building the Oldest School Building
Cutler Hall was first built in 1816. It was known as the College Edifice back then. However, a fire stopped it from opening right away. The building finally opened its doors in 1819. This makes it the oldest academic building in the historic Northwest Territory.
What Cutler Hall Looks Like
Cutler Hall stands right in the middle of the Ohio University Campus Green. It's a three-story building made of brick. It has a pointed roof with a wooden tower and a small dome on top. The front of the building has nine sections, with the main door in the middle. Above the door, there's a special fan-shaped window. The windows on the floors above the entrance have a classic style, with a half-round window at the very top. The tower has two parts: a square base and an eight-sided top with open slots.
Changes Over the Years
When Cutler Hall first opened in 1819, it had student dorms and lab spaces. The university president's office was also there. In 1882, the roof was made about three feet taller. Later, in 1937, the inside of the building was completely updated. New metal staircases and an elevator were added. In 1949, the roof was changed back to its original height. Because of this, the outside of Cutler Hall looks very much like it did when it was first built.
Cutler Hall Today
What Happens Inside
Today, Cutler Hall is home to important university offices. The Office of the President is here, along with other senior leaders. These include the Executive Vice President and Provost, and the Vice President of Student Affairs.
A Campus Landmark
Cutler Hall is a main feature of the University's historic area. Many students take photos in front of it, especially when they graduate. It's also a popular meeting spot on campus. Student groups often gather outside Cutler Hall to share information about their clubs and university events.
The Chimes of Cutler Hall
The building's chimes ring out across the campus every thirty minutes. They play the Westminster Quarters tune to mark the half-hour and the hour. On Founder's Day, which is February 18 each year, the chimes play a special song called "Alma Mater Ohio." This day celebrates when the University was officially created in 1804. The chimes play the song at the same time as the University's age. For example, in 2021, on the 217th Founder's Day, the bells rang at 2:17 PM.
Images for kids
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Cutler Hall under the elms of the College Green of Ohio University.
