Old Central facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Old Central
|
|
Oklahoma State University's Old Central
|
|
 Location in Oklahoma
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Oklahoma State University campus, Stillwater, Oklahoma |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Stillwater, Oklahoma |
| Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) |
| Built | 1893-94 |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000672 |
| Added to NRHP | July 27, 1971 |
Old Central is the oldest building at Oklahoma State University (OSU) in Stillwater, Oklahoma. It was built in 1894 and was the very first permanent building on the campus, which was then called Oklahoma A&M.
Did you know Old Central has a special connection to sports? Its bell clapper used to be a trophy! It was given to the winner of the "Bedlam Series," a big sports rivalry between Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma. Today, a new "Bedlam Bell" made of crystal looks like Old Central's bell. It is given to the winner of each game in the series, and to the overall yearly winner.
Building a Landmark
The plan to build Old Central started on June 20, 1893. Many students at the time were very excited to have their own building. They even helped the fifty construction workers! Students earned ten cents an hour for simple jobs. They carried bricks and water to the masons, who were building the walls.
The building was officially opened on June 15, 1894. Classes began there on September 15, with 144 students ready to learn. This building, first called "The College Building," was the only permanent building on campus until 1900.
Facing Challenges
Old Central was built on shifting red clay soil. Its foundation was made of soft sandstone. This was not a good combination! The moving clay pushed against the soft stone. This caused serious cracks in the building. In 1914, large metal rods were put in to try and make the building stronger.
By 1925, officials said Old Central was unsafe. But the university really needed the space. So, the building kept being used. In early 1927, some plaster fell and slightly hurt a student. After that, the building was finally closed.
A New Beginning
In 1930, a lot of major repair work was done. This allowed the building to be used again. It hosted classes until 1969. In July 1971, Oklahoma State University let the Oklahoma Historical Society use Old Central. The building was also added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect important historical places.
Outside repairs started in 1973. They finished in 1989 when a new metal shingle roof was put on. It looked just like the original roof!
Modern Restoration
On October 10, 2007, a big new project began. This project was a $7 million restoration and renovation for the 113-year-old building. Important people from Oklahoma and the university were there. They rang the Old Central bell to celebrate the start of the work.
This project gave Old Central a brand new foundation. It also meant students would be back in the building. The renovation was finished in July 2009. Today, Old Central is home to the OSU Honors College. It also houses the Oklahoma Museum of Higher Education.
