Whitman College Facilities records, 1884-2019

The Whitman College Facilities records trace the history of campus development from its earliest years as a small frontier institution to its present identity as a nationally recognized liberal arts college. After its reorganization as a college in 1882, Whitman's first significant campus expansion came under the leadership of President Stephen B. L. Penrose. He envisioned a unified and enduring physical campus that reflected the ideals of Eastern liberal arts colleges. Notable early buildings from this era include Memorial Building (1899), Billings Hall, Science Hall, and the Carnegie Library, the latter funded by Andrew Carnegie. Penrose's careful planning helped shape a sense of academic seriousness and architectural cohesion that still defines parts of the campus today.

Post–World War II development marked a turning point, as increased enrollment from returning veterans created an urgent need for space. Temporary military structures were brought in, and permanent additions like Jewett Hall and Olin Hall were constructed during this period. By the 1970s, facility planning shifted focus toward modernization, long-term maintenance, and sustainability. Newer buildings such as the Baker Ferguson Fitness Center and Fouts Center for Visual Arts reflected updated student needs and environmental awareness.

The history of these developments is preserved in the Whitman College and Northwest Archives. The collection came together gradually as blueprints, memos, surveys, maps, and planning documents were recognized not only for their administrative value but also for their historical significance. These records now offer a detailed view into how the college's physical space evolved in response to shifting academic priorities, student life, and institutional identity over time.