The Gym Cottage is one of the original buildings of the Walton Estate. It was built in 1914 for ex-slave Elis Clark and his family. Clark was the head coachman for the Walton's. While cars where gaining popularity, they could still be fickle, and it could take hours to do something as simple as change a tire. The Walton family often depended on Clark to provide reliable transportation or rescue in the event of an automotive issue.At the time, the Waltons owned a Maxwell and two Italian Simplexes in addition to a pair of horses and several carriages, all of which were stored across campus at the garage and stable (now Andrews Hall). The materials left over from Andrews Hall's construction allowed the Gym Cottage to maintain the Spanish Mission theme shown throughout the rest of the property, and a courtyard was added to the outside of this small property that stood at the edge of the boat lake (now McGraw Lake).There is a bit of a legend, or unsubstantiated rumor, that when the Walton Property was purchased, Eastern allowed the occupants of the Gym Cottage to stay until they were too elderly to continue living alone.Through the years, the gym cottage has been used for student housing, particularly honors students. The most notable former resident is Shane Claiborne, '97 alumnus and founder of The Simple Way in Philadelphia.With a total square footage of 1,075, this one level building converted the one-time bedrooms into offices for the Conference and Special Events in 2001. As Eastern has grown, so has this team's need for a dedicated space. This team has taken on University Wide Scheduling, Day to Day Event Logistics, and most recently Strategic Space Management.

Poster for a walking tour created by Eastern's alumni office.

Gym Cottage, circa 1910s, as the Coachman's Cottage

Website

The Conferences, Special Events, Scheduling, and University  Logistics Department

The Gym Cottage has long been the home of people who keep things moving. It started off as the home for head coachman Elis Clark. It is currently home to Eastern's Conferences and Special Events Department. In the interim, it served as home to many students, including social advocate and Eastern alumni, Shane Claiborne.

The Gym Cottage

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of our founding institution, Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (now Palmer Theological Seminary), Warner Memorial Library Archives proudly presents the walking tour of the main campus at St. Davids, Wayne, PA. Please see our driving tour for more information on related locations from our institution's history: https://theclio.com/tour/2745

Eastern Centennial Walking Tour

Director

The early 2000s were a time of significant change and growth in Eastern’s history. In 2001, the school was granted university status. Eastern also purchased the northern part of its property. This is the part of the property one enters from Eagle Road. One of the multiple buildings constructed on that property was the Eagle Learning Center.The creation of the Eagle Learning Center allowed for graduate programs to be brought in from their secondary location at Valley Forge. Upon completion, the Eagle Learning Center had ten classrooms, a nursing laboratory, and counseling-psychology rooms. The building was also equipped with solar panels, which are estimated to generate between 10 to 20 percent of the energy used by the building.  Renovations that occurred in 2012 at McInnis Learning Center which allowed the Nursing and Health Sciences programs to move from ELC into McInnis. However, several graduate programs have remained in this building. For a while, Public Safety was located in this building, so many students, staff and faculty remember it as the place they received their IDs and parking stickers.It was renamed Centennial Hall in 2024, in honor of the upcoming hundred year anniversary of Eastern. Currently, Centennial Hall is the home for the College of Education &amp; Behavioral Sciences, College of Business &amp; Leadership, University Marketing and Communications, and Admissions.

Originally referred to as the Eagle Learning Center, Centennial Hall is one of the first buildings visitor's see when coming onto campus. Built in the late 2000s, this building is home to the graduate studies program, along with a number of other assorted classes. For a while, public safety was stationed in this building. As of 2024, it is now referred to as Centennial Hall.

Centennial Hall

Eagle Residence Hall is the newest dorm hall on Eastern University's Saint Davids campus. Radnor Township approved the final plan for the building's construction in September 2006. Revisions needed to be made based on concerns from neighbors about increased road activity in the area, as well as issues regarding the surrounding wetlands. In response to these concerns, Eastern administration agreed to build a parking lot below Doane Residence Hall near Fairview Drive to assist with parking issues, along with a turn-around, and efforts were made to preserve as much of the wetlands as possible.The groundbreaking ceremony for the building was on October 23, 2006, hosted by then-President Dr. David Black, then-Vice President of Student Development Bettie Ann Brigham, and then-Student Government Association president Jared Bass. Construction was finished by the following year, with the dorm hall ready for student habitation by the beginning of classes on August 23, 2007. The Waltonian, Eastern's student newspaper, reported that exterior construction was still going on during the grand opening of the hall.Eagle Hall is 46,155 total square feet, with three levels, 70 rooms, and 178 beds. There are also meeting rooms that double as classroom space, and an apartment for the Resident Director. Parking for the residency hall can be found across the street.

One of the residence halls on Eastern University's main campus, Eagle Residence Hall is the latest dormitory to be added. Opened in 2007, Eagle Hall (as it is more colloquially known) is one of two dormitories on the northern side of campus, closest to the entrance. Despite being farther away from the "main hub" of the campus, Eagle Hall is a desired location to live due to its recency and proximity to parking. It is also the location of Campus Public Safety.

Eagle Residence Hall

Formerly the Harrison mansion at 1384 Eagle Road, it was purchased by Eastern in September of 1992. It was planned to be open for the fall of 1994. There was a fire during the evening of 10/12/1993 causing $200-300,000 of damage. Full occupancy was pushed back. On March 8, 1994 the property was named Heritage House to honor the rich heritage of the school. It was to house classrooms offices, 2 apartments, meeting and performance space, and the home for the Degree completion program.Dedicated 5/18/07 in honor of Conrad J Fowler EU trustee. Fowler was a benefactor to the college and served as a board member for many years and as the Chair of the Board. It was dedicated to him in honor of his generosity to EU. His wife, Julia Fowler has the planetarium named for her. In 2008 Plans were announced to extend Fowler to include a recital hall, dance hall and recital and practice rooms.In December of 2010 it was announced that Palmer Seminary was moving to Fowler and music and Dance was moving to Walton. In 2012 Fowler was the home of the registrar. In January 2017 Fowler housed the Templeton honors college. In April of 2107 Fowler was housing almost all of Eastern’s administration offices. In 2018 the registrar moved out of Fowler and into the Mall cottage.Currently Fowler is undergoing renovation and in the 2024-2025 school year will house the entirety of the music department.

Fowler Hall was purchased by Eastern in September 1992. It was originally named Heritage House to honor the rich heritage of the school. Later dedicated for EU trustee Conrad J. Fowler, the building changed roles frequently, going from the home for the registrar to administration offices. Currently, Fowler is undergoing renovation and in the 2024-2025 school year will house the entirety of the Music Department.

Fowler Hall

The newly-christened Templeton Hall was named as such on January 23, 2024. It was announced as the new home for Templeton Honors College, first opened in 1999 thanks to the efforts of Drs. John "Jack" and Josephine "Pina" Templeton, and is currently undergoing an expansion including new classrooms and communal spaces, recital and performance space for the neighboring music department, and an art gallery. Groundbreaking for the expansion was on May 10, 2024, and construction is slated to be completed in 2025, during Templeton Honors College's 25th anniversary year.Just recently, however, this building was known as Workman Hall, named in honor of trustee Maurice C. Workman in 1999. Its original name, however, was the "Eagle House," and it underwent a number of roles. Due to its original permits as a residential area from when the university purchased it in 1978 as the Butcher estate (built in 1930), it hosted various presidents and their families including Bob Seiple (1983-1987) and Roberta Hestenes (1987-1991), as well as Provost Ward Gasque (1992-1995). It then hosted the offices for the Fast-Track MBA Program from 1996-1997 before becoming the Fine and Performing Arts Center on February 6, 1998.Templeton Hall is 9,971 total square feet, with classroom, studio, and office space spread throughout approximately two levels.

Templeton Hall is the new home for Templeton Honors College, first opened in 1999 thanks to Drs. Jack and Josephine Templeton. The building was previously known as Workman Hall, renamed on January 23, 2024, and was originally the location of the Music Department (who have since moved to Fowler Hall). Templeton Hall is currently undergoing extensive construction, slated to be completed in 2025. Additions include new classroom and communal spaces, recital and performance space for the neighboring music department, and an art gallery.

Templeton Hall

Sparrowk Residence Hall was built in 2000 with a groundbreaking ceremony in March of that year. The building opened on January 14, 2001 and was dedicated on February 2, 2001 under the name of North Campus Hall – or NCH, as it was soon called. With the addition of this residence hall, the on-campus population of the university jumped to over 1,000 students for the first time in the university's history. At the time, Eastern had agreed to a limit of 1,000 students living on campus, so NCH was imagined to be the last dormitory to be built on campus (a fact that changed seven years later when Eagle Residence Hall was built).NCH was later named Sparrowk Hall on October 19, 2007 in memory of Drs. John and Cora Sparrowk. Dr. Cora was a board of trustees member for over twenty years, donated $1 million to the university, and was present at the ribbon cutting ceremony, along with then-President of the University, Dr. David Black, and Mr. W. Donald Gough, '67 alumni and board member himself.Sparrowk Hall is 45,815 total square feet, with three levels, 79 rooms, and 180 beds. There is also a seminar room that doubles as a classroom, and an apartment for the Resident Director. Parking for the residence hall stretches along the front of the building, following the U-shape of the dormitory. The building is split between East and West wings, with triples containing community bathrooms to the west and double suites on the east.

Sparrowk Residence Hall first opened in 2001, making it the second to latest dormitory on campus. It is also the second residence hall located on the northern half of campus, featuring its own parking and connected to the "main hub" via a paved pathway. Originally named North Campus Hall (or NCH), Sparrowk Hall received its name in 2007. Located nearby is The Grove, an outdoor hangout spot for students including picnic tables and lights strung throughout the trees.

Sparrowk Residence Hall

McInnis Learning Center is the first dedicated academic building on Eastern University's St. David's campus. The groundbreaking ceremony was on October 15, 1970, with its dedication and completion in 1972. McInnis Learning Center was named for "J. Wesley McInnis," a family member of Charles B. McInnis who was a Board of Trustees member who'd made a $300,000 pledge to the building's construction in 1969 and had suddenly died of a heart attack in August 1970 before the building's completion.In addition to the building itself, a planetarium was built on the roof in 1972, thanks to the efforts of Helen Craymer of the Education Department and financed by Mrs. Grace Kea (for whom Kea Residence Hall is named after). It became the home of several astrological shows, including The Star of Bethlehem, a Christmas show which ran consistently for over fifty years. Originally beginning as a rooftop observing deck with a Celestron 8 telescope, the permanent Bradstreet Observatory was added in 1996, thanks to fundraising efforts started in 1987 by Dr. David Bradstreet, '76 alumni and current faculty member of Eastern University.The Planetarium was later named the Julia Fowler Planetarium on May 18, 2007, in memory of the wife of trustee Conrad Fowler (the namesake of Fowler Hall across campus). Since then, both the planetarium and observatory have played an important role in the university's science departments, as well as a larger part of the community. "The Zula Patrol: Under the Weather," a television show produced by E&amp;S Spitz Creative Media, was filmed in the planetarium in September 2007, and the observatory was named the "Best Place to Ponder the Heavens" by Main Line Today Magazine in July 2009.McInnis was renovated in 2012 and has a total square footage of 65,554, the largest building on campus. It is approximately three levels high, including an auditorium of almost 4,000 square feet and a state of the art nursing lab that is over 8,000 square feet.

Largest building on campus, McInnis Learning Center is the first dedicated academic building on Eastern's St. Davids campus. The building was completed in 1972 and includes an auditorium and a state of the art nursing lab on the third floor, along with classrooms and faculty offices. There is also a rooftop observatory named for Dr. David Bradstreet, current faculty member of Eastern University. Tied with the observatory is the Julia Fowler Planetarium, and the two features have played important roles in the university's science departments, as well as the larger community.

McInnis Learning Center

Janet Long Mall Cottage is the last of the seven original buildings of the Walton estate, built in 1916 as the gardener's house with a greenhouse attached. During that time, it was the home of the Walton estate groundskeeper.After the campus was bought by Eastern Baptist College (now Eastern University), the greenhouse was converted into an infirmary in 1953, dedicated a year later as Suzanne Walton Infirmary. The newly-christened infirmary was named for Charles Walton Sr.'s granddaughter who died in 1929 at age six from lupus (though her death later became fantasized and transformed into the source of the Suzie Walton "ghost stories" from Walton Hall).The 4,973 total square footage building eventually became the home of the Financial Aid and Student Accounts departments, transforming into the Mall Cottage with the Health Center moving to Doane Residence Hall.On October 1, 2010, the building was dedicated as the Janet Long Mall College, in honor of Janet L. Long, Ed.D, the former Executive Director of Student Financial Services for Eastern University who passed away from cancer in 2010. Some of Dr. Long's favorite Biblical verses can be found hanging inside the cottage, along with two pictures of Dr. Long presented to the university by her family.

Janet Long Mall Cottage is the last of the seven original buildings of the Walton estate. It was built in 1916 as the gardener's house with a greenhouse attached. The building also was used as an infirmary for the campus starting in 1953, named for Suzanne "Suzie" Walton (Charles Walton Sr.'s granddaughter). Now named for the former Executive Director of Student Financial Services for Eastern University, Janet Long Mall Cottage is now the home of the Financial Aid and Student Accounts departments.

Janet Long Mall Cottage

Andrews·        Constructed in 1914·        Original building on Walton Estate·        Garage and stable·        Companion to waterwheel; water was pumped to large tank on upper level of Andrews, highest point on estate – then relied on gravity to flow to fountains and flowerbeds·        Apartment for Walton's chauffeur and his family, and two other bedrooms for servants·        1952 – converted into Science Building for EBC – all science taught there until 1972 (then just Chemistry and Physics)·        1980s – named Andrews·        Now the center for Business, Communications, Language, and English departs.

Andrews Hall

Warner Memorial Library is the heart of Eastern University. It is located right in the center of campus, and it helps to keep our students going by providing them with academic resources, research help, printing and scanning access, and a peaceful place to study.The idea of a proper college library began in 1957, when it was stated that a library was the college’s “greatest need.” Before the library building was completed, library books were housed in different areas across campus, and there was a reading room in Walton Hall. In 1959, after two years of no plans yet of building a library, Ethel Klingerman, the college’s head librarian, wrote up a report that showed that the capacity for books and study spaces in their current setting would reach capacity in three years.In 1962, Eastern launched a new capital campaign in celebration of its 10th anniversary on St Davids Campus, and its 30th anniversary as an organized school within the Seminary. The goal of this campaign was to raise $750,000. A library for the college was the principal building that would be constructed from the proceeds of the campaign.In 1963, Mr. and Mrs. H. Warner donated $60,000 towards the campaign in honor of his father, Frank Warner, whom the library would eventually be named after. Former U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower also made contributions to the building of the library.In 1964, the two-story building was completed in September. The building was then dedicated on October 3rd during convocation. At this event, the key to the new library was given to Ethel Klingerman. The ground was broken on October 5th of that year.Since its grand opening, there have been quite a few small but special editions to the library. Some of these editions include the collection near the reference area dedicated in memory of Ho Oh, the George H. Rothacker Gallery, the Mazie B. Hall collection, the Thomas Jefferson collection, the Thomas Edison collection, and a beautiful wooden eagle that was carved in 1850.The library eventually expanded into the Harold C. Howard center several decades later.The Harold C. Howard Center is a building visited by many of Eastern’s students. It is a physical addition to Warner Memorial Library and it houses the Human Resources department, the school store, several classrooms, and more.The idea of the then-unnamed building was first introduced in early 2000, when overcrowding was becoming a concern for the growing student body. The idea of an expansion for Warner Library to include an academic wing was in the works. The building took 4 years of planning.Construction began in August 2004. Although some heavy snowfall in the winter months halted the project for a little while, the building was completed on July 29, 2005. The building was named after previous vice president and academic dean of Eastern College, Harold C. Howard. Howard served at Eastern College for 15 years in several roles, such as academic dean, provost, and interim president prior to President Black’s election. He was known for “putting students first”, and for being “a man who truly cared.”The building added 21,000 square feet to the library. Seating was increased by 146 chairs and seven new classrooms, which were able to hold 176 students. There were five new study rooms and four new library offices. The new college bookstore also opened in this building in Spring 2006.

Harold C. Howard Center is located at the heart of the campus as an addition to Warner Memorial Library. It is located right in the center of campus, and it helps to keep our students going by providing them with academic resources, research help, printing and scanning access, and a peaceful place to study. The library was built in 1964 while the HHC expansion was built in 2005. Together they act as a central hub for Eastern students as both classroom locations, Human Resources, and now Academic Resource Center. HHC was named for the previous vice president and academic dean of Eastern College, while the library was named for Frank Warner, father to trustee member H. Warner.

Warner Memorial Library & Harold C. Howard Center

In 1973, softball was being played on the soccer field. There were improvements made to the softball field in 1974 and the Spotlight (student newspaper) bemoaned the inadequacy of the new softball field. For many years, softball continued to be played on the soccer field.Women’s softball, for many years, was within the NAIA conference, then a move was made to join the NCAA conference. This required substantial changes to the softball field, requiring a skinned (dirt) infield and a perimeter fence. The softball seasons on 1997 and 1998 were skipped in order to complete the field in the required manner. In September of 2000, new bleachers for the softball field were purchased by the Student Government Association. In the Waltonian in 2003, there are multiple complaints of the softball field being squishy with poor drainage and that the scoreboard still says Eastern College instead of Eastern University.In 2018, extensive flooding throughout the area caused flooding on campus and especially the fields, and the softball season had to be cancelled when the top layer of soil was stripped and most of the sand washed away. In 2019, the softball season was played without a home field while the softball field reconstruction took place. Athletic director Eric McNelly prioritized restoration of the softball field and made some changes. The field was flipped 180 degrees, drainage and irrigation was added. New dugouts and backstops were added. In 2023, pitcher Jania Long pitched the only no-hitter game in Eastern’s history.

The Softball Field went through many changes while on campus. Many improvements were made in 1974 and again in 1998, while new bleachers were purchased in 2000 by the Student Government Association. However, In 2018, extensive flooding throughout the area caused flooding on campus and especially the fields, and the softball season had to be cancelled when the top layer of soil was stripped and most of the sand washed away. In 2019, the softball season was played without a home field while the softball field reconstruction took place. A new field made of turf was added by 2019, flipped 180 degrees and including drainage and irrigation along with new dugouts and backstops.

Softball Field

One of Eastern’s most iconic structures is the Eagle Statue that is nestled in the center of campus by the Walton Hall patio. The Eagle was a gift from the Hecht Company, who had acquired the statue after purchasing the John Wanamaker department store in the local Oxford Valley Mall in Bucks County. The Eagle was installed on November 28, 1995.One of 10 store icons, the Eagle is more than 1,000 pounds of hollow bronze with a 15 foot wingspan. According to Rev. William Zulker, author of John Wanamaker's biography titled John Wanamaker: King of Merchants, the eagle was sculpted by Joseph A. McDonnell in 1973. It was donated in honor of the Eastern Eagle sports teams, and former baseball coach Dan Hare helped Eastern's efforts to obtain the statute. Photographers from The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Main Line Times, and the Wayne Suburban Times were on campus to report on the event, along with news teams from Channels 6 and 10.Dr. Patricia Reger, one time Dean of the College of Health and Social Sciences, was quoted as saying, "One of my favorite spots is the bronze Eagle that rests in front of Walton. I fondly remember the massive eagle perched in the Grand Court of the Wanamaker department store in Philadelphia on which my siblings and I sat, listening to concerts from the world's largest pipe organ and watching the Christmas light show. Thus, as I pass the Eagle, I retreat to the joyful memories of my childhood and thank God for the precious gift of family."

One of Eastern’s most iconic structures is the Eagle Statue that is nestled in the center of campus by the Walton Hall patio. The Eagle was a gift from the Hecht Company, who had acquired the statue after purchasing the John Wanamaker department store in the local Oxford Valley Mall. The Eagle was installed on November 28, 1995.

Eagle Statue

The earliest records regarding the land where Walton Hall would one day stand can be traced as far back as 1681, when William Penn purchased the land from local Lenni-Lenape Native American leaders who had lived in the area for over 700 years. In 1858, Jason L. Fenimore – namesake of nearby Fenimore Road – purchased the area where the St. David's campus resides. At one point during the 1870s, a six-hole golf course was installed over part of the future campus, said to have been the second golf course built in the country. However, the history of the location would forever be changed when Charles S. Walton Sr. purchased 42 acres of the land from Fenimore in 1911. Born on April 16, 1892 in Philadelphia, Charles S. Walton Sr. was a seventh generation Quaker who then became a Baptist. He grew up in Haddonfield, NJ, which led to his nickname at University of Pennsylvania to become "Jersey." When he graduated with a mining engineering degree in 1882, the original plan was to go to Colorado and take advantage of the booming mining market for silver, gold, and lead. Instead, he met, fell in love, and married Martha E. Walton in 1887, joining his father-in-law's leather and tanning business and eventually becoming president of the company. A heart seizure in 1910 forced him to spend "less time at office, more time in pursuit of pleasure," and so he bought the 42 acres that would become the Walmarthon estate. As "a euphonious rearrangement of his wife's name," Walmarthon was described in local newspapers as a "sweeping mass of stone," with 18-inch-thick walls and most of its stonework imported from Italy, along with the rough tile and marble columns of the interior stairwell. Charles Walton Sr. made many of the decisions regarding the look of the building, but its architect was David Knickerbacker Boyd, a family friend of the Waltons who also designed Wayne's Central Baptist Church and Radnor High School. The Waltons vacationed in Southern California near the Redlands and wanted their Pennsylvanian house to be reminiscent of their vacation home. Thus they commissioned Boyd to create an estate inspired by the old Mission style of California with Sicilian pergolas and gardens, including landscaping designed by Sears and Wendell. At the time of its completion, the Walmarthon estate boasted all of the necessary conveniences for the "modern home of spacious dimensions" for the age. Each room in the estate claimed individuality: stucco dotted the great hall (now the main entrance to Walton Hall), exotic plants and fruits were grown in the conservatory (now the entrance to the Dining Hall), and marble decorated the rotunda (now the entryway to the Office of Faith &amp; Practice). In the end, the estate had 55 rooms, 5 gables, 5 lavatories, and 8 baths. Other major locations within the estate included the living room, the library, and the billiard room. The living room stood where the lobby outside the Dining Hall now stands. Over the fireplace hangs the coat of arms from Walton Sr.'s mother's family, the Spittalls, proudly displaying In Deo est omnis mea fide (In God is all my faith) – in front of which his daughter would later be married on May 20, 1916. Opposite of the living room was the rotunda where his wife Martha would entertain her friends for tea. Charles Walton Sr.'s library was given an English Gothic look with natural mahogany woodwork. This room was later named the John A. Baird Jr. Library on November 12, 1998. Baird was a founding trustee of Eastern Baptist College and had married Virginia Walton, Charles Walton Sr.'s granddaughter who had been born in the Gatehouse of Walmarthon (the officiant at their wedding was Dr. Gordon Palmer, then-president and future namesake of Palmer Theological Seminary!). Their billiard room was later converted into the Prayer Chapel in 1971, described at the time as "masculine, medieval and modern." Charles Walton Sr. and his wife Martha were well-known in the community for their charity fetes and fundraising efforts. They contributed to the causes of the Radnor Board of Education, the Central Baptist Church of Wayne, and the Wayne Chapter of the Red Cross, and even helped found the Wayne Neighborhood League. "Cultured, well-educated, and traveled people," both Charles Sr. and Martha entertained everyone from missionaries and pastors to senators and educators… while at the same time welcoming children to swim in the boating lake during the summertime, or inviting an elevator boy who needed a good meal to a dinner in their home. They also employed over 15 servants to help manage the estate, offering the going wage at the time plus room and board: key figures on the Walmarthon staff included Sara Hardesty as the housekeeper, Antonio Falcone as the Italian chauffeur, and Billy Huston as the half-Cherokee life guard who would row a boat over the swimming lake as he "could not swim a stroke." However, the lively household would be hit with a tragedy early in its life: Charles Walton Sr. died on December 26, 1916 after having a stroke on Christmas night. The estate was then run by Martha who continued hosting charity events and raising their four children (who, in turn, raised their own families on or near the property). Two years after Walton Sr.'s death, a nineteen-minute silent film titled Oh! Johnny! was filmed on location by the Betzwood Film Company, and for a time, the Walmarthon estate regained normalcy. This changed again on November 22, 1931 when a wheelchair-bound Martha Walton passed away, having included her children, grandchildren, key servants including Hardesty and Falcone, and various charities in her will. The Walmarthon estate then remained closed until 1942, when it was used by the Army Air Force during World War II to occupy 800 soldiers – and ten years later, it was purchased by Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary as the future home of their collegiate department. The original use of Walton Hall in the 1950s was massively different than now. Without McInnis Learning Center or Warner Memorial Library, classes were held on the third floor of Walton with faculty offices in the bathrooms on the same floor, and the library was in Charles Walton Sr.'s study. The Dining Hall as we know it was not built until 1961, so students ate in Walton 3 during the 1950s. Chapel was even held in the current Dining Hall lobby, often spilling out into the patio. All of these locations eventually underwent changes as additions were added. After McInnis was built in 1972, the third floor of Walton became home to various academic departments and student organizations. Walton 3 went from a student dining hall to a faculty dining room and even was once a president's office. In memory of the original inhabitants of the estate, a set of carillon bells was added to Walton Hall in 1964. Three of Walton Sr.'s children – Thomas Walton, Martha Wiedersheim, and Charles Walton Jr. – donated $10,000 to have the set of electronic bells installed by the Schlumerich Carillons of Sellersville, PA into the Walton Hall tower. The set included loudspeakers and a console that would strike each hour from 7:00 AM to midnight, playing a set of twenty-five different hymns twice a day all throughout the morning and evening. This went on until the 1990s when the bells were turned off; perhaps one day, they will be heard again… While the university has expanded its usage of the estate in the years since its purchase, the exterior of the mansion has remained relatively intact. One exception was in 1979, when an extended entrance was built over the Walton's circular drive at the front of the house and Martha's rose garden, now comprising the Lower Walton Lounge and coffee shop respectively. The extension was designed by Walter Thaete who also completed the glassed-in entry way outside Walton 3. Of course, as an administrative building, Walton Hall has its share of familiar faces who come with their own stories. One, who has seemingly been present since the 1960s is the supposed ghost of little Suzy Walton. Formally named Suzanne Walton was a real person. She was the granddaughter of Charles Walton Sr. who suffered from lupus. While she had access to some of the best medical care available at the time, she did pass away shortly before Christmas in 1929 at age seven. Despite not passing at the Walton Estate, Suzy is rumored to haunt the fourth floor.   The haunting often looks different depending on who is telling the story. There are those who may not know better, or simply have a flair for the dramatic that retell Suzy’s death as the result of foul play. In these stories, Suzy is cast as a tormented spirit who is dangerous to anyone who may encounter her. Those who acknowledge Suzy as a young girl, who spent much of her short life sick, describe her presence as the “pattering of little feet."   “I have often felt as if someone about waist-high was walking next to me at Walton,” a student told author Charles J. Adams in 2001. “It’s not easy to describe the feeling, and it’s not what I thought a classical ‘ghost’, but I have just felt that someone was there with me. I felt as if it was a little girl, and that she was trying to get my attention. Sometimes I even caught myself looking over and down, as if I might catch a glimpse of her.”Walton Hall continues to serve the university community in many formats: as a gathering place, as an architectural marvel, and as an academic center at the heart of a campus.

Walton Hall is, perhaps, the most iconic building on Eastern's St. David's campus. Built in 1912-13, this 40,355 square footage building comprised of three levels was once the private residence of Charles S. Walton Sr. and his family. The property was purchased by Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary on April 17, 1951 to become the new headquarters for their collegiate department for $171,500. Eastern Baptist College started classes at the St. David's campus on September 13, 1952. Several extensions have been added over the years, including a Dining Hall in 1961 and a new entryway and attached coffee shop in 1979. It now serves as the main hub of campus life, becoming the location of various departments including Student Development, Career Services, Campus Housing, and the Office of Faith &amp; Practice.

Walton Hall

Willow Lake, also referred to as Walton Lake, is next to Walton Hall and boasts a scenic view of Walton, Doane Residence Hall, and the historic waterwheel. Charles Walton Sr. had the Walmarthon estate built from 1912-1916 with Willow Lake as the family’s swimming pool. At the time, Walton Sr. had trees planted to create a natural preserve, including white ash, black oak, ginkgo, and franklinia trees. The 1.4 acre lake still has a concrete bottom and sides, and it is believed that tiles from the original pool line the bottom of the lake.A silent film was shot on Charles Walton Sr.’s estate in 1918 called “Oh Johnny!” It is a comedy-western directed by Ira Lowry and produced by Sigmund Lubin from Betzwood Studios of Valley Forge, PA. The film starred Louis Bennison and Virginia Lee. The film shows the waterwheel, what are now campus grounds, an outdoor party on Walton patio, and guests diving and swimming in Willow Lake.Due to runoff from neighboring homes, mowing near the lake, and the concrete base, the lake has struggled with algae blooms and vegetative overgrowth. In February 1974, Willow Lake was dredged to pull out accumulated sludge and marine growth. This did not happen until the lake was so filled that ducks were able to walk atop the surface. Another restoration was completed in 2014.Now, the terrace next to the lake has been restored, and students can be seen looking out on the lake or getting homework done. Willow Lake has a large fountain in the center to help circulate the water.

Willow Lake, also referred to as Walton Lake, is next to Walton Hall and boasts a scenic view of Walton, Doane Residence Hall, and the historic waterwheel. Charles Walton Sr. had the Walmarthon estate built from 1912-1916 with Willow Lake as the family’s swimming pool. At the time, Walton Sr. had trees planted to create a natural preserve, including white ash, black oak, ginkgo, and franklinia trees. The 1.4 acre lake still has a concrete bottom and sides, and it is believed that tiles from the original pool line the bottom of the lake. Now, the terrace next to the lake has been restored, and students can be seen looking out on the lake or getting homework done. Willow Lake has a large fountain in the center to help circulate the water.

Willow Lake

Doane Residence Hall is the oldest residence hall on campus. The building is split into four sections lettering from Doane A to Doane D, with the original and oldest section being Doane B. Overlooking the campus' west side, Doane Hall was originally known as the "Bonalton" estate, built in 1911 for Charles S. Walton Sr.'s eldest son, Thomas England Walton. The three acres included the estate and the surrounding hills, and David Knickerbacker Boyd was the architect for the estate: the same man who designed the Central Baptist Church in Wayne, PA.Doane B was purchased by Eastern Baptist College (now Eastern University) in 1952 and was originally named Fairview Dormitory, due to the beautiful views of the campus from the top of the hill where the building stood. It remained a women-only residence hall from 1952 until it became co-ed in the 1980s, and the school's rapid growth prompted the hall's first extension, later known as Doane C, to be added in 1955-1957.By then, the hall had received a new name: Doane Hall, dedicated on October 14, 1957 on the same day groundbreaking began on the second extension (Doane A). The new moniker came from Marguerite Treat Doane, a benefactor of the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (now Palmer Seminary) Chapel at Overbrook, PA, as well as the college's athletic field. She also contributed $100,000 towards buying the original Bonalton estate and was the source of the Mozart manuscript that had been later discovered in a safe at the seminary in 1989. She had died on October 20, 1954, three years before the hall she had helped purchase was named in her honor.The Doane A addition was finished in August 1958, and the third and final addition – Doane D – was finished by September 1962, finishing the residence hall's U-shaped design atop the hill. Parking for the dorm remains behind the hall, primarily for resident students, though parking was later added to the front of Doane Hall in Fall of 2006 in response to township concerns about overcrowding and congesting the nearby roads. Before then, Doane Hill had been a popular location for events on campus, including concerts, club practices, and at least one commencement ceremony.Doane Hall remained a popular choice for residence life due to its vibrant community. However, when the university's traditional undergraduate attendance dropped, Doane Hall closed as a residence hall in 2016, though the Health Center located in Doane A remained open. Doane A was also selected as quarantine housing during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Thanks to increasing numbers, Doane Hall was able to reopen as a livable residence hall in Fall 2021.Combining all section of Doane Hall, the residence hall is 44,149 total square feet, with approximately three levels, 86 rooms, and 167 beds. Doane A is the largest of the sections and also houses the Health Center which can be accessed by non-Doane residents from the rear entrance. Doane B, the original Bonalton estate, also hosts the Resident Director, and the first addition of Doane C is the smallest section, being the one section that is two levels rather than three. Doane D, being the latest addition, is the section largest and extends out by the rear parking lot.

Doane Residence Hall is the oldest dormitory on campus. The building is split into four sections letter from Doane A to Doane D, with the original and oldest section being Doane B. Overlooking the campus' west side, Doane Hall was originally known as the "Bonalton" estate, built in 1911 for Charles S. Walton Sr.'s eldest son, Thomas England Walton. The three acres included the estate and the surrounding hills, and David Knickerbacker Boyd was the architect for the estate: the same man who designed the Central Baptist Church in Wayne, PA. It was originally named Fairview Dormitory, due to the beautiful views of the campus from the top of the hill where the building stands, and it remained a women-only residence hall until it became co-ed in the 1980s. Doane A is the largest of the sections and also houses the Health Center which can be accessed by non-Doane residents from the rear entrance.

Doane Residence Hall

Adams Hall was originally a carriage house, though now it is the location of Plant Operations for Eastern University. It still has a horse feeder, a drain in the floor, and you can still see some of the original structure of where the horses and carriages would pull through. There is very little known about this building’s history.The greenhouse was built around the turn of the century. Over the years, it had fallen into disrepair with broken glass, shattered pots, and an overgrowth with poison ivy. In 1960, the Biology Department was able to expand, and with this expansion came a newfound appreciation for the old greenhouse. The project to renovate the greenhouse was led by junior biology major, Edd Scott, who brought the attention to his professors, and volunteered to act as contractor on the project.Work began in the summer of 1960, and the renovations included new glass, a new furnace, rust-proofing metal parts, and four coats of paint. This revamped greenhouse was utilized by the general biology course, the botany class, and the Senior experimental problems course. Updates on the greenhouse were mentioned for a while in the school newspaper in a section called Green Thumb. The greenhouse was completed and dedicated that same year.In 1978, the campus formed a Plant Club and meetings were held in the greenhouse. The students in the club “made cuttings, re-potted, transplanted, and started new seedlings.”In March 1979, the University was trying to find ways to conserve energy, so the Biology department did its part by converting the greenhouse to solar energy. According to their projections, this should have saved 50% fuel by conservation and 25% by solar energy, at least. Dr. Marvin Meyer, a biology professor, led this project.

Adams Hall was originally a carriage house, though now it is the location of Plant Operations for Eastern University. A greenhouse stands nearby, previously used by the Biology Department from the 1960s-1980s. Both locations are tucked away in the corner of the campus, behind Doane Residence Hall and in front of the newly refurbished Ott Hall.

Adams Hall & Greenhouse 

Ott Hall was formerly known as the Frank Disston Property. Eastern acquired this building and named it Ott Hall in honor of its donor, Wallace Ott. When it was first obtained and renovated, it served as the home for administrative offices which were moved to make room in Walton for library expansion, and the bookstore. The building was dedicated on Saturday, September 20th, 1958. Since then, Ott Hall has been the home for many different departments on campus. From the Communications Department (now Marketing &amp; Communications), to the Alumni &amp; Advancement Department, and even Admissions, Human Resources, Security, Finance &amp; Operations, and Information Technology, Ott Hall has always hosted primarily administrative teams for the university.  Built in 1930, this three-story 11,042 square foot building just underwent its latest change: becoming the home for the President and Cabinet Team, Campolo Scholars, and Finance Team. Renovations including an infrastructure and aesthetic makeover began in January 2024 and were completed in early September 2024. Updates included the construction of a ramp extending from the front of the building, visible from the separated driveway accessible from Fairview Drive.

Ott Hall was formerly known as the Frank Disston Property. Eastern acquired this building and named it Ott Hall in honor of its donor, Wallace Ott. Since then, Ott Hall has been the home for many different departments on campus. Built in 1930, this three-story 11,042 square foot building just underwent its latest change: becoming the home for the President and Cabinet Team, Campolo Scholars, and Finance Team. Renovations including an infrastructure and aesthetic makeover began in January 2024 and were completed in early September 2024.

Ott Hall

Eastern University’s Gatehouse is nestled between McGraw Lake and Fairview Dr. The Gatehouse was originally known as the Entrance Lodge, built for the Walton Estate in 1914 to greet visitors at the main entrance, and it was the final building to be erected on the estate.The Gatehouse had a bell and pot that hung from the tower to represent an early English feudalistic era tradition. The tradition of the “noon-time bell” was to ring and signal where the noon meal would be served, so it was installed to symbolize a sign of welcome. The building continued to serve as the first to greet campus visitors at the previous main entrance once the property became a college.The building has gone through many changes over the years, and has had several residents. Charles S. Walton’s son, Charles Jr., lived in the Gatehouse with his wife, as well as his daughter Virginia, the future Mrs. John A. Baird, Jr. From 1952-1954, the building served as the home of the first Eastern Baptist College Dean, Lyle O. Bristol and his wife.While the Gatehouse is the building’s current title, it was once known as the Fine Arts Building. In 1954, it was dedicated as such during a time when the college’s music department was growing rapidly. It was said that “drifting across the lake just behind [the building] can be heard solos and harmony of many kinds.” The music department eventually moved in 1972, but by then, the Fine Arts Building name had already been replaced by the Gatehouse.The building has served several purposes since then, such as student housing, undergraduate honors students, MBA students, and even a group of 15 undergraduate men who had an entire article written about their friendship. Nursing had occupied the Gatehouse for many years, even resulting in a bench outside the building overlooking McGraw Lake being dedicated by the Korean Nurse Alumni Association in 2015. During the COVID pandemic, the Gatehouse was used as quarantine housing for students as they returned to campus for hybrid learning.Another purpose that the Gatehouse served in 2001 was being the headquarters for the Institute for Global Engagement, or IGE. This was an initiative led by former United States ambassador and former Eastern College president, Robert A. Seiple, whose mission was to resolve religious conflicts and promote religious freedom globally. Seiple was invited to establish the Institute on campus by Eastern University’s former president, Dr. David Black, who had known Seiple for many years. IGE was relocated to Washington, D.C. in early 2004.On August 23, 2007, the Thomas Drive exit by the Gatehouse was officially closed. This was done in agreement with Radnor Township in order to construct new campus buildings, and so the Eagle Road entrance became the only access point to the main campus (it had already been the main entry to the campus for ten years prior). The building now houses the Office of Advancement and Alumni department.

Eastern University’s Gatehouse is nestled between McGraw Lake and Fairview Dr. The Gatehouse was originally known as the Entrance Lodge, built for the Walton Estate in 1914 to greet visitors at the main entrance, and it was the final building to be erected on the estate. The building has gone through many changes over the years, and has had several residents and purposes. Now, the Gatehouse holds the Office of Advancement and Alumni department.

Gatehouse

The McGraw Lake, previously known as Upper Lake, is near the Gatehouse and inbetween the Gymnasium and Doane Residence Hall. The Historic Waterwheel branches off of it past a small, man-made canal, and the Log Cabin was located on its shores until 2010. This lake - though technically, it is a man-made pond set at a five-foot depth – was once used as a boating lake for the Walmarthon estate. In the winter, McGraw Lake freezes over; pictures can be found of people ice skating on its icy surface as far past as the 1970s.In January 1971, oil flowed into the lake, originating from Valley Forge Military Academy due to a lost 8,000 gallons of grade 2 heating oil. Eastern built two separate straw dams to try and catch the oil, which resulted in the oil only going to Upper and Lower Level lakes and missing Willow Lake. Two months later, the lakes were nearly oil free, though 100-150 fish out of 1,000 were lost, and seagulls and mallards were seen on the lake, having been drawn towards the oil spill.Upper Lake thus became an artificial standing pond, adjusted to be at a three-foot higher elevation above Willow Lake and ten-feet higher than Lower Lake. In 2002, a reed bed was installed to help alleviate the algae growth on the water's surface. Within the lake live numerous gold fish, some of which have grown to be over a foot long, and many turtles live in the lake.The lake was named McGraw Lake in honor of Joseph L. McGraw in 2003. As stated by a dedication plaque near the edge of the lake, he was honored "for his dedicated service as Chief Facilities Officer to the Eastern Community from 1979-2002." In 2014, a large scale restoration occurred to treat the algae and vegetation overgrowth at both McGraw and Willow Lakes, and bridges were replaced across campus, including the ones near McGraw Lake. Currently, the pedestrian walkway along McGraw Lake is undergoing construction to become a drivable path starting in August 2024.

The McGraw Lake, previously known as Upper Lake, is near the Gatehouse and inbetween the Gymnasium and Doane Residence Hall. The Historic Waterwheel branches off of it past a small, man-made canal, and the Log Cabin was located on its shores until 2010. Within the lake live numerous gold fish, some of which have grown to be over a foot long, and many turtles live in the lake. The lake was named McGraw Lake in honor of Joseph L. McGraw in 2003. As stated by a dedication plaque near the edge of the lake, he was honored "for his dedicated service as Chief Facilities Officer to the Eastern Community from 1979-2002." Currently, the pedestrian walkway along McGraw Lake is undergoing construction to become a drivable path starting in August 2024.

McGraw Lake

The waterwheel was originally constructed in 1912. The 1918 silent film “Oh! Johnny!” was filmed on the Walton estate and the waterwheel was among the scene locations. By the 1950s when the estate was converted to Eastern’s campus, the water wheel was already over 40 years old and was affectionately referred to as “the old water wheel” or “the old picturesque water wheel” in the campus newspaper The Spotlight.In 1956 Tony Campolo wrote a short letter of gratitude to Eastern on behalf of his graduating class (‘56) which included thanking Eastern “for the water-wheel.”According to a 1957 article about the waterwheel in The Spotlight by student Edward Warner, “The Eastman Kodak Company has also secured pictures of this historic marker which have been distributed in sample material sent into thousands of homes throughout the country.” In the same article, the author claims that students would often see artists on campus painting the waterwheel.In 1972 the waterwheel was restored after 60 years. Photographs documenting the restoration process can be found in the university archives. The waterwheel continued in working order for another nearly 40 years.It was restored again in 2010, just before the waterwheel’s centennial. During the 2010 renovation, additional features were added, which required new components to convert the waterwheel’s motion into electricity. According to Mainline Media News “After the death of beloved professor and 1973 alum Robert Thomas in 2007, accent lights were added to the structure to illuminate it at night in his honor.” A cake that looked like the waterwheel was commissioned in celebration of the waterwheel’s centennial.

The waterwheel was commissioned by the Walton family and built in 1912. Except during periods of renovation/reconstruction and/or flooding (e.g. in September 1960 during Hurricane Donna), the waterwheel has operated continuously for over 100 years. When the waterwheel was originally constructed it helped power multiple fountains in ponds and in the dining room of the Walton's residence. Now, the waterwheel powers the lights that illuminate the historic masterpiece at night.

The Waterwheel

Construction on the Log Cabin began in 1912, under noted architect David Knickerbacker. Besides being a staple of Eastern University culture for years, it was one of the first clubhouses built on American soil. In Europe, it was common for affluent families to build clubhouses so they could escape the demands of their daily lives and pretend to live a more rustic, down-to-earth life.  When construction was completed in 1915, the Log Cabin stood larger than most houses at the time. It was built in an L shape, with a lounge for relaxing and entertaining, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an apartment for the caretaker. When the property was obtained by Eastern Baptist College, it became a sort of hub for student life. It housed a barber shop, a book shop, and a snack bar. Students began to carve their names into the log mantle above the fireplace. When the first yearbook was published in 1953, it was titled The Log, in honor of this little rite of passage.Of course, change occurs. The snack bar was removed, perhaps to make room for the music annex. Students continued to use the area to socialize until the 1980s, when the Log Cabin was officially closed down due to concerns about the deteriorating condition and a bug infestation.  No one wanted to see the Log Cabin go, and there were multiple investigations from individuals on and off campus to see what could be done about restoring it to its former glory. The Radnor Conservancy had a structural engineer visit and do his own inspection in 2006. The National Trust for Historical Preservation donated $2,000 to help pay specialists - such as an entomologist and a structural analyst.  Despite the love for the Log Cabin, it was torn down in December of 2009. Former Vice President of Student Development Bettie Ann Brigham is quoted as saying “I was very sad watching it come down. When I was a student, I had class there.” Since that time, a plaque has been added to commemorate the location.

Constructed in 1912 as part of the Walton Estate, this large building was designed to resemble a log cabin. It included spaces for entertaining along with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an apartment for the caretaker. The Log Cabin later became part of the Eastern Baptist College campus and became a hub for student life, complete with a books store, barbershop, and other student essentials. A beloved memory for students of Eastern Baptist College (later Eastern University), the once-iconic building suffered neglect and was demolished in 2008. A plaque remains on the spot where it stood.

The Log Cabin, Eastern University (1915-2008)

The gymnasium was initially built in 1958. Even from the beginning, it was a two story building. It wasn’t just for lifting weights or shooting hoops. There was a dance studio included as well. After its initial construction, the gymnasium was the host for chapel. The first annex for this building was added in 1959, finishing in 1960.  The gymnasium was significantly renovated in 2015, with a reopening in 2016. These renovations included an expanded building for an expanding student body, new machines, new weight racks and weights, new treadmills, new stationary bikes, new stair and rowing machines, a new batting cage and a large turf area. It reopened at 11am on February 17, 2016 with a blessing by University Chaplain Joe Modica and a ribbon cutting by then-president Robert G. Duffett.It wouldn’t be long until the gymnasium was upgraded to The Nest. These changes occurred between 2020 and 2021, and led to a “cozy” viewing area for Eastern students to watch their athletic friends compete in basketball games. It’s easy to keep track of who is winning with the new scoreboard and lighting. The upgraded sound system helps you hear everything while you watch the video board. And our bleachers? Also new.The fitness center is open to students, staff and faculty. If walking across campus doesn't help you stay fit, this will.

Eastern's Gymnasium was one of multiple buildings built in 1958. While it served as the home for chapel for quite some time, it has never deviated from being a hub for physical education and athletic prowess. Some might be surprised to find that in its initial construction, there was space set aside for a dance studio. While you may find more dance classes in McInnis these days, you'll still find Athletics in The Nest.

The Gymnasium And Fitness Center

Opening in October 2005, Olson field is named for alumni Chip Olson '90 who is the president of the Olson Research Group and serves on Eastern Universities Board of Trustees. Olson was also a major donor to this project, donating a significant amount of money to have this turf field built. During his time at Eastern, Olson was a soccer player. He is in the Eastern University Athletic Hall Of Honor for his time on the field, so it is fitting that this field is used for soccer. This field also allowed Eastern to reintroduce Men's Lacrosse to campus. This field has also been used by the women's teams for both soccer and lacrosse.Eastern's Men's Soccer was the first team to win a game on this field. This occurred on October 8th in 2005. It was a 3-0 over Gwynedd Mercy's soccer team.In 2018 the field was resurfaced with a more durable and 'modern' turf, as well as upgrades to the netting system. Padding was added to the retaining wall in 2021.Olson Field is right next to the Auxiliary Field which is primarily used for Field Hockey.Notably, Olson Field occupies an ideal spot between residence halls. It's easy for students to find a shady place under a tree to watch their friend's practice; or they can peek out of the window to see who is winning as they hurry out to find a better vantage point.

Named for alumni Chip Olson, Olson Field is home to multiple sports teams. It occupies an ideal spot on campus between the gymnasium and several of the larger residence halls. This makes it easy for athletes to get to games or training, and for students to watch games. Go Eagles!

Olson Field

Gough Residence Hall was built in 1997 with a groundbreaking ceremony on April 16, 1996. At the time, the building was simply known as "New Residence Hall" and is still the largest and tallest dorm residence hall on campus. In order to secure approval from Radnor Township, the university agreed to build a new entrance to the campus via Eagle Road which opened traffic in January 1997, replacing the Fairview Drive entrance near the Gate House as the main entry to the campus. This also had the side effect of changing the official address of the school to its current address: 1300 Eagle Road.New Residence Hall was later named Gough Residence Hall during a ceremony on October 7, 2000 at halftime of the Homecoming Men's Soccer game. The building's name came from trustee W. Donald Gough and his wife Susan (Mudridge) Gough, both of whom were alumni of the university from 1967. Within Gough is also the Danny A. Hearing Indoor Golf Facility, dedicated on April 8, 2013 on behalf of the Athletics Department.Gough Hall is 54,694 total square feet, with four levels, 88 rooms, and 199 beds. There is an apartment within Gough for the Resident Director, as well as a large lounge room called the Gough Great Room where classes or events are sometimes held. This dormitory also has a separate classroom and game room, split between a West and East wing, with its fourth floor considered a "penthouse."

Gough Residence Hall is the largest and tallest dormitory on the St. Davids campus. Built in 1997, Gough was originally named "New Residence Hall," as at the time it was the first newly built dormitory for ten years. The building was later named for trustee W. Donald Gough and his wife Susan (Mudridge) Gough, both of whom were alumni of the university (then college) from 1967. There is also the Danny A. Hearing Indoor Golf Facility, dedicated on April 8, 2013 on behalf of the Athletics Department.

Gough Residence Hall

Kea Residence Hall is one of the older residence halls on campus, built from 1968-1969. The building was named in honor of Paul H. and Grace F. Kea, dedicated on May 18, 1969. Mrs. Kea specifically was a member of Seminary President from 1972-73 Henry R. Osgood's church in Hyattsville, MD and was given a certificate at the 40th anniversary dinner at Eastern Baptist Seminary (now Palmer Seminary).One of the most historically significant aspects of Kea Hall is its status as the host building for the college's radio station. Discussions for the radio station started by the Communications Majors in March of 1977, based off of the previous EBTS radio station, but the college station did not officially form until Fall 1985, thanks to a donation from the Student Government Association. Staff was gathered throughout the fall and the station was opened by Spring 1986 with the name WGWW, or "Whole Gospel for the Whole World" – though the name was quickly changed to WECR by September 1986. The station's original location was in the Kea smoking lounge kitchen, playing 80% music and 20% news, campus events, devotions and other features; thanks to its location, the station could not transmit much farther than campus itself. WECR was eventually shut down in September 2000, though it had a brief resurgence in 2010.Kea Hall is 26,222 total square feet, with three levels, 60 rooms, and 120 beds. There are several apartments within Kea, including one for the Resident Director, as well as a basement and main floor lounge. This dormitory is also split between a North and South wing, connecting to Guffin Hall at the center of the building.Guffin Residence Hall is one of the two original dorm halls on campus. Built in 1940, it was originally the estate of Virginia B. Taggart and stretched eight acres over what is currently the athletic fields. The land was purchased for campus in April 1952, and the dorm hall was the men's only hall for a year before Hainer Hall was built in 1953, after which it became the dorm for women while Doane Hall was being expanded. The hall's original name was Eagle Hall, later renamed Guffin Hall on March 4, 1965 in honor of Gilbert L. Guffin '35, the fourth president of Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (now Palmer Seminary) and first president of Eastern Baptist College (now Eastern University).Guffin Hall is 24,475 total square feet, with three levels, 39 rooms, and 80 beds. An addition was added in 1963-64; named "New Guffin," this section attached Guffin Hall to Kea Hall, prompting the entire structure to become known as Kea-Guffin Hall to the student body. The foyer and porch from the original Taggart home remains, though much of it is connected to the Breezeway, a late-night eatery which bridges Guffin and Kea that was added in 1996, expanded in 2008, and renovated in 2017.In fact, a great deal of student activity is centered out of Guffin Hall. The KAGE (pronounced "cage") opened in 2009 out of the Guffin apartment complex and promotes weekly student activities thanks to the Student Development Office. More recently, an additional Student Life Space opened in Guffin Ground Level on March 6, 2024, including a commuter student lounge, a student conference room, a first-year experience room, and offices for student groups such as Inklings (literary magazine), The Waltonian (newspaper), and Student Government Association.

Kea-Guffin Residence Hall are two halves of a single whole. Guffin is the northern section and is the older of the two, originally built in 1940 as the estate of Virginia B. Taggart and purchased by the campus in 1952. Kea is one of the older residence halls on campus, built from 1968-1969, and is located in the "south wing" of the overall building. Kea-Guffin remains a central hub for student activity for Eastern University, acting as the home for a commuter student lounge, a student conference room, a first-year experience room, and offices for student groups such as Inklings (literary magazine), The Waltonian (newspaper), and Student Government Association.

Kea-Guffin Residence Hall

Hainer Residence Hall is the third oldest dorm hall on campus and the first new residence hall built on the purchased land in 1952. It opened for students on September 14, 1953 and was dedicated on October 4, 1953, named for John A. Hainer, first honorary degree recipient of Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary and one of the original six founders of the seminary from March 19, 1925 (Founders' Day). Hainer was also the pastor of Blockley Baptist Church in West Philadelphia for approximately 27 years until his death in 1941. He famously donated the first monetary gift to the seminary: $26 in 1926.The resident hall was occupied by men only until 1976, at a time when female occupancy on campus was overflowing the women-only dorms. Space became such a commodity that the Hainer East extension was added in 1999. It has since become a co-ed dormitory that is known for its proximity to other dormitories Kea-Guffin Hall, Gough Hall, and Gallup Hall. It shares a parking lot with those three other residence halls.Hainer Hall is 32,827 total square feet, with approximately three levels, 88 rooms, and 145 beds. There are several apartments within Hainer, one of which is for the Resident Director, and a basement lounge in Hainer East that has offices and places to relax.

Hainer Residence Hall was the first dormitory to be built on the purchased St. Davids property in 1952. The building first opened on September 14, 1953 and dedicated the following October, named for John A. Hainer, one of the original six founders of Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (now Palmer Theological Seminary). Hainer was originally occupied by men only until 1976, and the Hainer East extension was added in 1999.

Hainer Residence Hall

Gallup, or The Gallup Residence Hall Complex is a four-building residence hall complex accommodating approximately 180 beds among 28 suites and 6 apartments. The buildings are labeled A, B, C, and D. On the first floor of Building A, there is a lounge and a classroom currently used as a quiet space. The first floors of the rest of the buildings house one apartment on either side of the walk-way. The courtyard was given by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph McGraw, Chief Facilities Officer for Eastern from 1979-2002 and the namesake for McGraw Lake.The Gallup Residence Hall Complex was built between 1985 and 1987. The original architectural plans were for a five-building complex but according to an October 1985 issue of the Waltonian, the plans were revised to save on costs resulting in the four buildings we see today. In the course of building the complex, there were numerous delays and hiccups that prolonged construction. The buildings did not open until Spring 1987, despite the administration’s original plan for them to open in Fall of 1986. The complex was named after C. Stanton (Stan) and Ellen Gallup who donated millions of dollars to Eastern during Stan’s time on Eastern’s Board of Directors, including pledging a total of $7 million dollars which at the time (1987) was the largest donation in Eastern’s history.

Gallup, or The Gallup Residence Hall Complex is a four-building residence hall complex. The buildings are labeled A, B, C, and D. On the first floor of Building A, there is a lounge and a classroom currently used as a quiet space. The first floors of the rest of the buildings house one apartment on either side of the walk-way.

Gallup Residence Hall Complex

The Baseball Field wasn't added to the campus' athletic fields until February 1966, with all games prior being played off campus at nearby high school fields. A friend of then-president Dr. McDormand gave a $1,000 donation to help build the field which then combined with other monies being raised throughout 1965.The field was later dedicated on May 17, 1969 as Hendler Field, named for Col. F.E. Hendler who was the college's business manager from 1959-1969. Col. Hendler had passed away suddenly on March 9, 1969, with the field being named in his honor for his many years of service.By 2016, the field had earned the name "The Yard," a name which has stuck since. This name first appeared in the box score during a game where the Eagles won against Wilkes with a score of 10-2.Dugouts were not added to the field until November 1990, thanks to a $5,000 donation from various alumni. More upgrades have occurred over the years, such as a manually-operated scoreboard added to left field in 2013, a new netting system to protect nearby Gallup Residence Hall installed in 2019, and batting cages behind the visitors bullpen were built in 2021.However, big changes are coming to the baseball field, starting in September 2024. New dugouts and bullpens are planned to be added, along with upgraded sound systems and scoreboard and a brand new synthetic turf field that can be used year-round. The construction is planned to be completed by Spring 2025.

Eastern's Baseball Field was added to the St. Davids campus in 1966. It was later dedicated to Hendler Field, named for college business manager Col. F.E. Hendler. However, the name has faded into obscurity, and now the field is simply known as the "Baseball Field." The field is currently under construction.

Baseball Field

Rock Lake, or Lower Lake, is nestled in the center of Eastern University’s campus. This artificial lake is surrounded by thick foliage, and often a great blue heron can found along its edge. In 1912-1916, when the Walmarthon estate was first built, the Rock Lake was once the water lily pond. A bridge near the baseball and softball fields provides a window into this sanctuary.This lake was best known as being the home for many species of wild birds over the course of ten years. They were brought on campus through the combined efforts of Eastern Biology professor Joe Sheldon and local dentist David "Fritz" Walker. Breeds included African geese, peacocks, Mandarin ducks, and dozens of other aquatic fowl, though perhaps most memorable were the paired swans.The first pair of white swans were purchased by Walker and his wife Ruthie for $750 in the 1980s after seeing them in a lake in Pittsburgh. Walker brought the swans to Eastern for his friend Sheldon to take care of them – and by 1990, a dozen aquatic fowl consisting of five species were living on campus. Eastern helped take care of the birds by feeding them 3,000 pounds of food a year, primarily out of the school's budget though the Athletic Department completed a fundraiser to help gather food for the waterfowl.Not everything went smoothly. In April 1989, Beatrice the white swan was beaten severely by two Villanova students who were later caught and fined. After three weeks of intensive care at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Beatrice recovered from her injuries and returned to her mate Bart. Later, Penny and Paul, a pair of black swans, were attached by a pair of Golden Retrievers who were owned by a Radnor couple that lived about five minutes from campus. And eight years ago, a snapping turtle living in the lake killed a swan.Since then, Rock Lake has undergone a number of restorations. John Munro, Eastern '73 alumni, helped to renovate all three lakes on campus, helping to reform them and stagger their heights. Rock Lake is at a seven-foot lower elevation than Willow Lake and ten feet lower from McGraw Lake, and it has since been drained to a depth of five feet. In 2014, bridges were replaced across campus, including the bridges crossing alongside Rock Lake.

Rock Lake, or Lower Lake, is nestled in the center of Eastern University’s campus. This artificial lake is surrounded by thick foliage, and often a great blue heron can found along its edge. In 1912-1916, when the Walmarthon estate was first built, the Rock Lake was once the water lily pond. A bridge near the baseball and softball fields provides a window into this sanctuary.

Eastern Centennial Walking Tour

The Gym Cottage

Introduction

Images

Backstory and Context

Sources

Additional Information