Inlow Hall

Introduction

Text-to-speech Audio

Also known as the Administration Building, Inlow Hall is the oldest building on the campus of Eastern Oregon University. It was erected in 1929, the year the university opened, and is an impressive example of Renaissance Revival architecture. It was, in fact, an important work of architect John V. Bennes, who served as the architect of the Oregon State System of Higher Education. The building is situated on the northern side of campus and features a grand staircase, stucco exterior, red terra cotta roof tiles, and arched windows. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Inlow Hall houses various university offices including admissions, financial aid, and career services.

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Built in 1929, Inlow Hall was the first building erected for the university, which was originally called Eastern Oregon State Normal School.

Backstory and Context

Text-to-speech Audio

In 1926, Oregon residents voted to establish a teaching school called Eastern Oregon State Normal School in a general election. They recognized the need for such an institution in a large and rural area. La Grande was chosen to be the site of the new school and in 1927 the city acquired the property on which Inlow Hall now stands. The property was an abandoned cemetery and a few interred individuals had to be relocated.

The school opened in 1929 and it housed teaching classrooms where college students trained to become teachers; they also served as mentors to the students they taught. The first class of 88 students graduated in 1930. In the coming years, the school built dormitories and, in 1935, an elementary school. The school continued to grow over the years, adding buildings and academic programs. In 1973, it changed its name to Eastern Oregon State College to reflect these changes. It became Eastern Oregon University in 2018.

Sources

Evans, John W. "Administration Building." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. February 27, 1980. https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/80003384_text.

"Our History." Eastern Oregon University. Accessed August 27, 2020. https://www.eou.edu/about/history.

Image Sources(Click to expand)

Ian Poellet, via Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:EOU_Admin_Building_distant_-_La_Grande_Oregon.jpg