From its quaint porch swing, to the women of the College Club, to the mysterious ghost tales that are passed down to each generation of students, the building remains a intricate part of Wesleyan’s landscape and mystique.

Built at a cost of $25,000, Agnes Howard Hall was the first residence hall constructed on the college grounds. Known originally as “Ladies’ Hall,” it was designed to supply a traditional “school home” for Wesleyan’s young female students. In a rush to furnish its rooms during completion of the building, local women gathered to sew pillows, sheets, and other accessories for the Hall. The College Club was formed from this group, an organization which still exists today and supports the residence hall by furnishing the lounges in the building.

The name “Ladies’ Hall” remained until 1920 when the Board of Trustees renamed the building Agnes Howard Hall, in honor of the youngest daughter of C. D. Howard, a leading financial contributor to the building’s construction. Agnes, who lived in the Ladies’ Hall was described as a vibrant young lady that had strong Methodist convictions. She entered the College as a freshman in 1916 but passed away in 1917 due to a respiratory infection.

Following the untimely death of Agnes Howard, the whispers of a mysterious ghost who roamed the building made their way onto the campus. From doors being open and closed in an empty room to a professor seeing a figure looking out from the bell tower, the legend of “Aggie” has grown in stature over the decades and continues to flourish to this very day.

The residence hall has undergone several transformations during its illustrious history. In 1929, an extension, what is known today as the ‘suite-side’ was completed. During World War II, the dorm was home to the 49th College Training Detachment, supplanting the regular students to housing elsewhere in town. Extensive renovations were made to the building in 1952, including a modern electrical system and plumbing repairs. The building continues to evolve as evident with new lighting and new carpet being installed last year.

Despite the personality of the building itself, Agnes Howard Hall would certainly be a less noteworthy residence if it were not for the students that have passed through her entry. Within her hallowed hall, students have developed lasting friendships, found Mr. Right lurking nearby, and created traditions that still survive to this day. Agnes Howard Hall has allowed young women to live, learn, grow and develop on the Wesleyan campus.

The OrangeLine Online staff would like to hear your memories of Agnes Howard Hall. Whether your story is about a special relationship, a friendship, or a joyous memory, please share it with us and our readers. Send your story to orangeline@wvwc.edu.

A perpetual fund has been established for Agnes Howard Hall. Alumni who would like to make a gift to the Helen Howard Hunter Endowment Fund for the maintenance of Agnes Howard Hall, may phone the Office of College Advancement at (304) 473-8542 or (800) 768-8264 or give a gift online at http://www.wvwc.edu/alu/makeagift.asp