Willis Hall
From CarlWiki
Willis Hall is the current center for many social sciences (and education) classes, located next to Sayles-Hill. It was first completed in 1872, but rebuilt or remodeled in 1880 and 1953.
Floor layout
The basement contains a computer lab and education department offices, as well as a classroom.
The first floor is devoted to classrooms. Near the stairwell are several memorial plaques dedicated to Carleton students who were killed in "the Vietnam Conflict" and the two World Wars.
The second floor contains the economics department offices and lounge. The third floor holds the offices of political science faculty and the political science lounge. As there is no public elevator in the building, some POSC students gripe about the placement of these offices.
History
In 1869, construction began on what would be named Willis Hall. The building was designed by the firm of Alden and Howe of Minneapolis. It was completed in 1872 and is the oldest building on campus. Originally it housed the college's classrooms, offices, and chapel. Until the construction of Williams Hall in 1881, the college was located in Willis Hall.
When dedicated in 1872, the building was named for Susan Willis Carleton, a significant benefactor and wife of William Carleton.
In 1879, the building was either destroyed or badly damaged by fire (the available records are unclear about that) and it was rebuilt in 1880. Six years later the bells were added.
In 1953, Willis was extensively remodeled and became a student center. Until the renovation of Sayles-Hill in 1979, Willis housed the post office and the book store in the basement, a snack bar on the first floor, student lounges on the first and second floors, and offices for student activities. Campus radio station KARL and the Algol had offices on the top floor. The Carletonian office was on the third floor.
