Brown Hall (1905-1976) Ohio Northern University

Beginning with a generous donation in 1902 and a groundbreaking ceremony in October 1904, Brown Hall served Ohio Northern University as an auditorium and location for chapel services until the decision was made in September of 1976 that the building would be demolished. During its seven decades, Brown Hall also provided space for entertainment and held a gym, a cafeteria, and a university library.

On December 3, 1902, President Belt announces the generous pledge of $10,000 by Edwin Brown, of Carey, to build an auditorium for Ohio Northern University’s growing campus. The new structure was primarily planned to be a part of the Old Normal School building, but the idea was abandoned and would be placed in front of the old brick buildings on the northeast corner of campus. It was decided to be built with stone and have the ability to seat 1,400 people. The official name of this new structure would be “Cinderilla C. Brown Memorial” in memory of Edwin Brown’s wife. 

The ground was broken on October 11, 1904 by Ralph Collins and the construction was under the authority of John Burkhart, who had built the Dukes Memorial building. The new Brown Hall would first be used for chapel and commencement services, as well as lectures and space for a general public assembly hall. There was also the promise that the building would be supplied with a fine pipe organ.

Brown Hall was dedicated on July 2, 1905. News of a new gymnasium to be added was told on September 29, 1915. Additionally, the construction of a cafeteria was authorized on June 8, 1920. From 1930-1953, Brown Hall functioned as the university library.

Brown Hall continued to serve Ohio Northern University until 1976. With a record number of students enrolled for the 106th academic year, new degrees were being added and construction for new buildings was beginning. The demolition of Brown Hall, one of ONU’s oldest buildings at that time, occurred on Labor Day weekend in 1976 and was complete by mid-September.

Brown Hall, Campus Buildings. Accessed November 14th 2020. https://library.onu.edu/c.php?g=357885&p=2416204.

"Another College Building." The Ada Record (Ada) December 3rd 1902. .