‘Hidden history’ of Brown’s University Hall highlighted by Hometalk

PROVIDENCE – Brown University’s University Hall has made it on to a list that highlights the “hidden history” behind some of the oldest college buildings in America, compiled by Hometalk, a home and garden website.
University Hall was No. 5 on the list, which also highlighted the Wren Building at the College of William and Mary in Virginia, Massachusetts Hall at Harvard University, Connecticut Hall at Yale University, Nassau Hall at Princeton University, Old East at University of North Carolina, Old College at University of Georgia, Old North at Georgetown University, Old Queen’s at Rutgers University and Waller Hall at Willamette University in Oregon.
According to information on the website, in 1770, the Brown University building committee published an ad requesting donations of building materials to assist in the building’s construction. Within that first year, the building, then known as The College Edifice of Brown University, was completed.
Now called “University Hall,” the building served as barracks for American troops during the Revolutionary War and as a hospital for French soldiers.
“University Hall was once Brown’s only building and was used for many purposes throughout its history,” the website stated.
Today, it is used as the university’s administrative center, with offices of the president and provost housed there, as well as the Corporation of Brown University, the school’s governing body.
Brown University has a tradition to place lights in each of University Hall’s windows on ceremonial occasions.
Interim Communications Director Mark Nickel told the website that this tradition dates back to George Washington’s visit in August 1790.
“Students had illuminated the building with candles to welcome Washington and his party, who took a walk on the College Green in the evening of Aug. 18,” Nickel said.

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