Pearsons Hall of Science facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Pearsons Hall of Science
|
|
Pearsons Hall of Science
|
|
| Location | Beloit, Wisconsin |
|---|---|
| Built | 1892-1893 |
| Architect | Daniel Burnham/John Wellborn Root/Edward Ware |
| Architectural style | Romanesque Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 80000190 |
| Added to NRHP | June 30, 1980 |
Pearsons Hall of Science is an important building on the campus of Beloit College in Beloit, Wisconsin. It was built in 1892. This historic building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. This means it is a special place recognized for its history and design. It was designed by the famous architect Daniel Burnham. The hall also shows how science learning grew at the college.
Contents
Building History
How Pearsons Hall Started
Pearsons Hall was built with money given by Dr. D. K. Pearsons. He was a kind man from Pawnee, Illinois, who belonged to a group called the Quakers. Quakers are a Christian group known for their peaceful beliefs. Dr. Pearsons once traveled through Beloit. He saw the college being built and was very impressed. This memory inspired him to donate $100,000 to the school almost 40 years later.
Pearsons Hall's Early Use
For many years, Pearsons Hall was the main science center for Beloit College. Students learned about different sciences there until 1968. It was a key place for scientific discovery and education on campus.
What Pearsons Hall Is Today
Today, Pearsons Hall is a busy center for students. It has many different spaces for college life. You can find meeting rooms, places to eat, and student lounges there. It also has offices for student services and a mailroom. There is even a radio station and a computer area for students. The building houses student government and publication offices. It also has a popular spot called Grace's Place.
The building was officially renamed the Jeffris-Wood Campus Center. It was named after Pierpont J. E. Wood, a businessman, and his wife, Helen Jeffris Wood. However, many people on campus still call it Pearsons Hall.
Building Updates
First Renovations in 1931
Pearsons Hall has been updated several times over the years. The first major updates happened in 1931. During this time, the building's wiring, plumbing, and flooring were improved. The ventilation system was also upgraded. A new skylight was added, bringing more natural light into the hall.
Second Renovation and Renaming
A second big renovation took place in 1985. Architect Edward Ware led this project. After these updates, the building was rededicated as the Jeffris-Wood Campus Center. The college bookstore also moved into the Jeffris-Wood Campus Center after this renovation. It had previously been in the Smith building.
Recent Updates in 2024
More recently, in the summer of 2024, the first floor of Pearsons Hall was renovated. This renovation created a new dining spot called DK's. DK's offers grab-and-go style food options for students. These updates were completed by September 2024.
