Introduction
Ripon College Buildings: A Reference Guide is intended as a quick survey of the basic facts about the buildings and grounds of Ripon College, past and present. Although we have made every effort to be accurate, we do caution anyone using the information for publication to verify our facts.
The guide is not comprehensive: costs, names of architects, and, to our regret, names of many donors are not included for every building.
The last building guide, aside from the lists in the catalogs each year, was done in 1977. We hope this update will be useful.
How to Use This Guide
Buildings are arranged alphabetically in the main section under the most recent name known, with a section on related buildings and sites, also alphabetically arranged, following the main section. Each fact sheet is accompanied by a picture of the building or site, if available. An index at the end links topics in the left-hand column to building names in the alphabetical sections listed in the right-hand column. References are given on each fact sheet and at the end.
Beyond the Facts (Just for Fun)
- The Romeo and Juliet balcony -- the fire escape on Bartlett Cottage in the 1890s. (Ripon College: A History, p.67.)
- The legendary snake of Farr Hall -- a boa constrictor (named George?)-- who entertained at lunch, but finally got old and crochety and was sent to the Milwaukee Zoo around 1977-78, where he was welcomed, but not with open arms since he was a boa. (Dave Brittain)
- The various "presences" in campus buildings, including Raphael, who preferred to haunt theaters. (Bill Schang, Bob Otis et al.) Bartlett also was felt to have a ghost.
- The fraternity in West Hall which invoked Spencer Tracy's name in their rituals. (Alumni stories)
- Harrison Ford, 1964, was a Sigma Nu and performed in plays in the Red Barn Theater. Lee McCain '66 was also in Red Barn Theater productions. Al Jarreau '62 not only performed in a singing group on campus, but was among the basketball players who played in Storzer. Richard Threlkeld '59 was a Lambda at the time it became DU. (Crimsons 1959-1965.)
- The college barn back of Middle College where Professor Merrell kept a horse and cow. (Ripon College: A History, p. 61.)
- The pranks throughout the years -- coaxing a cow up the stairs into the cupola on the top of East Hall; and placing a wagon fully loaded with cordwood on top of West College. Placing a For Sale sign in front of Middle Hall. (Ripon College: A History, pp. 65, 164.)
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