Beardshear Hall

Pictured between 1910 and 1920, and again in early 2017. Not much has changed with Beardshear hall in its 111-year life, but much has changed around it.

Sidewalks have been added, trees planted, rails added to the stairs and buildings constructed. Carver Hall can be seen in the background of the current photo, and Beardshear Hall is now partially obstructed by trees from this angle.

There are modern vehicles parked outside of the building. The inscription at the top of the building has been updated from “Iowa State College” to “Iowa State University.”

With construction beginning in 1903 and ending in 1906, Beardshear Hall was originally named “Central Building.” It was built to replace the Old Main Building, which had been destroyed by a series of fires in years past. The Old Main housed classrooms, dining halls, a chapel, the library and was also a residence hall for students.

The Old Main was completely destroyed after the final fire in 1902. It was quickly decided that there was a great need for another, more fireproof building. Construction began at the same location that next year and was finished in 1906.

Originally, Beardshear Hall housed the offices of the president, secretary and treasurer, as well as the math, English, elocution, history, botany and modern languages departments.

It was not until 1938 that “Central Building” was renamed “Beardshear Hall” in memory of William M. Beardshear, who was president at the time of construction.

Classes moved out slowly and were all out by the 1970s, according to Facilities Planning and Management. Beardshear Hall currently houses the offices of the president, vice president, provost, treasurer, secretary, registrar and the office of student financial aid.

Legend says that the halls of Beardshear are haunted by an old custodian of the Old Main, Tom Thompson.

William M. Beardshear became president of Iowa State College in 1891, according to the library’s special archives. He had a history in education as he was president of Western College and later superintendent for West Des Moines in 1889. He even fought for the Union Army in the Civil War at the age of 14 and served several pastorates.

Under the leadership of President Beardshear, new agricultural programs were developed at Iowa State. He even expanded administration and hired key faculty members, including Anson Marston. (Read about the Marston Water Tower here.) The school colors also were named under his leadership, and we even became officially known as the Cyclones while he was president in 1895. Beardshear died after complications due to a heart attack in 1902.

For any suggestions for future publications of Throwback Thursday, send an email to [email protected].