Montgomery Hall (1950-present)

Montgomery Hall, c.1965

Long before Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania actually purchased Montgomery Hall, the building had a place in the history of the College. Built by Professor Robert Emory in 1837, it served as his home until 1842. The house was later owned by Professors William H. Allen (1847-1849) and John McClintock (1853-1870).

The College finally acquired the house from Reverend Harry B. Stock, class of 1891, on March 27, 1950. Purchased for $25,000, the house was then named for Colonel John Montgomery, who, along with Benjamin Rush, was instrumental in the founding of Dickinson College. A subsequent remodeling and enlargement project designed to convert the house into apartments for faculty use cost an additional $96,500.

In 1968, Montgomery Hall became a women’s dormitory. Soon after, the house began to serve various Student Developed Learning Communities, and over the years it has been home to the French and Spanish House, as well as the Volunteer House. The house was renovated in 2002 to become the home of the Department of Theatre and Dance.

Author of Post: 
Dickinson College Archives
Date of Post: 
2005