Old Kenyon

If a single building could serve as a symbol for the whole College—its beauty, traditions, and spirit of community—Old Kenyon would surely be the leading candidate. With its proud spires and massive stone walls (four feet thick at the base), Old Kenyon dates from the era of the College's founding. It was, in fact, the school's first permanent building, constructed between 1827 and 1829. For most of its history, it has been a residence hall—and a particularly popular one, because of its historic character and its central location at the southern end of Middle Path, near many of the College's major classroom buildings. Today Old Kenyon houses independent students, as well as the members of two fraternities (Delta Kappa Epsilon and Alpha Delta Phi) and a coed group, the Peeps o' Kenyon.

Old Kenyon also has importance as an architectural landmark. It is considered the earliest Collegiate Gothic building in America. A number of prominent architects participated in its design, among them Charles Bulfinch, who designed the central tower. Destroyed by fire in 1949, the building was reconstructed in 1949-50, with the external stones set in their original places but the interior completely fireproofed.

Old Kenyon Fast Facts

Built: 1827-29

Named for: Lord Kenyon, the Anglican nobleman who provided funds and support that proved crucial in the founding of the College. The College itself is named for him as well.

Original use: In addition to housing students, Old Kenyon originally housed faculty members and classrooms

Current use: Residence hall

Historical notes: The Old Kenyon fire of 1949 remains the greatest tragedy ever sustained by the College. Nine students lost their lives.

Old Kenyon trivia: When the College inaugurates a new president, Old Kenyon is "illuminated"—its windows are lit in welcome, a tradition whose origins date back to the early nineteenth century.