Constructed in 1923, Ganfield Gymnasium replaced Carroll's original athletic facility, which had been in the basement of Main Hall. The new Ganfield gym quickly became both a social and academic hub, hosting sporting events, dances and even academic classes. Although small compared to the more modern sports complexes on today's campus, Ganfield still represents Carroll University's commitment to developing the whole student--and the growth of NCAA athletics on campus.
Recognizing two of Carroll University's greatest--if little known--financial supporters, Voorhees Hall certainly lives up to the Voorhees' commitment to the education of women. Originally a women's dorm, this building quickly became premier destination for a long-time courting tradition among student couples. Today, other important, albeit less romantic rituals are performed at Voorhees Hall. Visiting high schoolers shake hands with admission counselors while parents wait nervously in the lobby. Students stop by to request graduation audits, pay tuition bills, and--if they're lucky--pet the Gnadingers' puppy.
117 Wright Street started as the simple family home of Fred and Dora Wolfe. However, when Carroll bought the house in 1994, it became home to one of the school’s most unique programs, the Walter Young Center for Counseling and Career Development. Unfortunately, this extraordinarily helpful program found its origin in a tragic event for the Carroll community.
Main Hall is probably the most recognizable buildings on Carroll's campus, and figures prominently on institutional publications and swag. Since its $4 million renovation (2001-2), Main has housed classrooms and a gallery space. Earlier generations of students and faculty, however, remember Main as the heart and soul of campus. In all its incarnations, Main Hall is known for the bell tower, stained glass and steep central staircase.
MacAllister Hall is characterized by its bright columns, light bricks, and its old world feel. This building has had a long history of Carroll University, housing academic offices and even students. However, this building is home to many of Carroll University’s ghost tales. One such tale involves Lydia Morgan, benefactor and ghoulish resident of the building.
With its pristine siding and columned porch, Sneeden House has long been a beacon of welcome on East Avenue. The nearly hundred year-old home reminds guests of Waukesha's past and Carroll's commitment to hospitality. From students and alumni to faculty, staff and trustees, thousands of Pioneers have enjoyed good food and rich conversation in Sneeden House.
In its historic 113 years, Rankin Hall has housed multiple departments and countless general education courses. And all of it is thanks to a massive donation from a friend of Carroll's second president, Walter Rankin. However, Ralph Voorhees, a blind philanthropist from the East Coast who went to school with Walter Rankin, and his wife, Elizabeth, never visited the school.
An old building alongside an historic campus, the Walter S. Chandler House is a beautiful example of the architecture both on and around Carroll University. Though no longer owned by Carroll, the Chandler House, with its state-renowned Victorian Gothic architecture, continues to wow passersby and provide a scenic focal point for students climbing the College Avenue hill to class or the Campus Center.
This Mediterranean-style home, located just up the hill from Carroll University's softball field, was once the home of Carroll alum and U.S. Army veteran Frank L. Roberts. The Kenosha native--and Christmas baby--left his position as assistant cashier at Waukesha's Teller National Bank Exchange to pursue a Carroll degree in 1915. Less than two years later, Roberts left Carroll to join the U.S. Army Signal Corps, which sent him to France in 1918.
Richard Smart, one of the earliest settlers to Waukesha, found his calling after immigrating from England. His house was built in 1850, predating the civil war, and served as a parsonage for the Methodist church. However, there weren't full neighborhoods then, in fact, his house stood in the land where he farmed. The Smart family watched the nearby Carroll University campus grow before their eyes and eventually were able to become a part of its history.
If you are looking for an example of Pioneer spirit, look no further than Andrea and Tony Bryant's home at 108 N. Barstow Street. The building itself is significant to Carroll due to their shared origins--the house was constructed from the same Waukesha limestone as Main Hall. More importantly, the Bryant family’s dedication to serving the community reflects and inspires Carroll’s commitment to helping our community as we pioneer the future.
One of Waukesha County’s oldest industries, limestone mining, remains active to this day, and colors the cityscape a creamy white. you can still find buildings in Waukesha County that were built from Waukesha limestone. On the Carroll Campus alone you have four buildings, Rankin, Voorhees, Main, and the Ganfield gymnasium. If you go into downtown Waukesha, you’ll find the intersection of Clinton and Main which has several buildings showcasing Waukesha Limestone. Another impressive example is the old courthouse on East and Main which now is home to the Waukesha County Historical Museum.
Carroll University is committed to pioneering the future, and a part of this commitment is ensuring the next generation is prepared to do the same. Graduates from Carroll’s Education program have dedicated themselves to guiding future generations. Training future educators that are versatile and resourceful requires a unique space that exhibits that level of flexibility. This is why Carroll is excited to welcome students back to the newly renovated Education Hall.
Anyone who researches Carroll today will undoubtedly hear about our many successful health science majors. This makes sense as Nursing and Exercise Science are among the largest programs offered by the university. But there's much more to a Carroll education; the University guides students through over 95 areas of study. In fact, the building that now serves as the administrative offices for the College of Health Sciences is a wonderful example of the variety of educational experiences offered by Carroll University.
The Sam Thompson Building, built in 1929, has long had a connection to Carroll University. This is of no surprise given the location of the building and that it was also owned for a time by the university. Though the property is no longer owned by Carroll, the shared history still connects the two locations. With a storied history as both a local business, hosting a variety of stores such as a grocery store and a pharmacy, to being a campus library and a beauty school, the Sam Thompson Building has had a storied history in the Carroll University neighborhood.
This Tour is a Walking Tour.
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Stroll through nearly 175 years of local history at Wisconsin's first 4-year institution of higher education! This tour draws attention to the people & stories hidden in the brick-and-mortar structures on and around campus.
