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Cliosophic Hall

Original Cliosophic Hall

Other Names: "The Halls", "The Literary Societies"

Date of Commission: 1836

Date of Occupancy: 1838

Other Dates in Building's History:

1835: Trustees confer with Cliosophic and Whig Societies about site for new buildings. (TM, 29 Sept 1835)

1836: Site for Whig and Clio Halls accepted. (TM, 28 Sept 1836)

1889/90: Demolished for new marble structure.

Architect(s): John Haviland ; Charles Steadman

Donor(s): Trustees, College of New Jersey

Named for: American Cliosophic Society

Other Agent(s): Unknown (builder of)

Materials: Brick; Stucco; Wood

Function: Library; Meeting Rooms

Style: Greek Revival

Second Cliosophic Hall

Other Names: "The Halls", "The Literary Societies"

Date of Commission: 1887

Date of Occupancy: 1893

Other Dates in Building's History:

1887: "Whig Hall designed 1887-1888; plans acquired by Clio ca. 1890; both buildings erected 1890-1892." (Longstreth, Edge of the World, p. 435)

1889: Building committee of Literary Societies decided there was a need for new halls. (Princetonian, 11 Nov 1889)

10 June 1890: Announcement for laying cornerstone during Commencement Week. (Princeton College Bulletin, Jan 1893)

14 June 1892: Dedicated.

1893: Marble halls opened. (Leitch, p. 505)

1914: Clio & Whig reciprocity treaty (Princeton Pictorial Review, 7 Oct 1914)

1928: Two societies merged and moved into Whig Hall. ( Leitch, p. 506)

1928: Societies began a process of merger, completed after WWII. (PAW, Summer 1974, Chauncey, Laurie, "Tradition Lives . . .") 1941: Deeds to two buildings turned over to the University. (Princetonian, 8 May 1947)

1960-1961: Interior renovations made in preparation for 'the Halls' 200th anniversary.

Architect(s): Arthur Page Brown, New York City ; Stratton & Ellingwood, New York City

Donor(s): American Cliosophic Society

Other Agent(s): H. Wales Lines Company of Meriden, CT. (builder of); Charles E. Page (builder of)

Materials: Brick; Marble; Vermont Marble veneer

Function: Library; Meeting Rooms; Offices-Administration

Style: Greek Revival