Hays Hall, Historic residence hall at Washington & Jefferson College, Pennsylvania, United States
Hays Hall was a three-story stone structure with modern conveniences including steam heating and electric lighting, offering student rooms with shared bathrooms on each floor. The suite-style arrangement of the rooms represented an advanced approach to student housing in the early 1900s.
Construction began in 1901 and finished in 1903, reflecting the college's growth during that period. It became the institution's first dedicated student dormitory following the closure of Washington & Jefferson Academy.
Named after President George P. Hays, this building marked a shift toward modern student living at the college. The residence represented new ideas about comfort and privacy that were revolutionary for educational institutions at that time.
The building was conveniently located on campus and provided all necessary living facilities for students. Visitors can still observe architectural features from the early 1900s through preserved elements, even though the original structure no longer stands.
The building operated for about 80 years before safety concerns led to its closure in 1982. Although the structure was eventually demolished, preserved architectural elements continue to represent its place in the college's history.
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