Historic Mount Allison: College Hall, Lodge, Science Building (1863-1933)

This building had various names: College Hall (1863-1883), The Lodge (1883-1894), Old Lodge (1894-1904), McClellan School of Applied Science (1904-1921), Science Hall (1921-1931), and Old Science Building (1931-1933).

It was built on a site below the President’s Cottage on Main Street and measured 68 feet by 40 feet long. It originally housed administrative offices and classrooms for the Mount Allison College. A portico was added in 1871. When the new Centennial Hall opened in 1883, College Hall was moved next to Salem Street, where the Bennett Building currently stands, and was remodeled for use as a men’s residence. At that point, it became known as The Lodge. When the First University Men’s Residence was built in 1894, the men moved out and it became known as the Old Lodge.

During the summer of 1903 the building was raised five feet to accommodate a basement and the interior was fitted with facilities for engineering, physics, chemistry, biology and geology. The renovated building became known as the McClelan School of Applied Science.

In 1921 the building was once again renovated. It was was enlarged to 40 by 80 feet long, finished in stucco, and equipped with fire protection and heating equipment as well as gas and electricity. Both chimneys and furnaces were removed and a small steam heating plant and a stack built on the north end. Nineteen new windows were also added. At this time, the building became known as the Science Hall.

In 1931 when the New Science Building (later named the Flemington Building) was opened, only physics and engineering remained in the Old Science Building. It was destroyed by fire on 17 March 1933 and was not rebuilt.