Historical Timeline

The history of

Archives
WU Photo
esy of W

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1904

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-Kristina Couch, WWU Junior

Old Main,1902

1901

Institution named State

Normal School at
Whatcom. South Annex
added - Gymnasium built.

Name of institution
changes to State Normal
School at Bellingham.

ritage

WU He

A beautiful
building on a
beautiful campus

1896

1899

Institution opens Sept. 6,

composed of 88 students.

Photo Courtesy of WWU Photo Archives

State legislature passes bill

establishing a State Normal
School and considers various
building sites.

Old main building finalized.

Construction begins on four
adjoining buildings.

Photo

Located on the campus of Western Washington University.

State legislature gives

$40,000 to construct
institution.

Phoebe
Goodell
Judson
started
the Nor
thwest
Normal
Sc
which b hool in 1886,
ecame W
e
Washin
gton Un stern
iversity
.

Photo Co
urt

Old Main

1895

1893

1914

Construction completed on
adjoining buildings.

1928

Library built. Old Main not

only academic building.

1964

1937

Name changes to Western

Washington College of
Education. Four-year
education now standard
for students.

Fire almost destroyed Old Main.

1971

Rennovation took place,

adding theater.

1976

Old Main placed on the

National Historic Registry
list.

1977
Photo Co

urtesy of

Institution named
Western Washington
University.
WWU Ph

oto Arch

ives

1907, con
str
on four a uction continue
d adding
djoining
building
Main.
s to Old

Photo By: Matthew Anderson

Old Main, Spring 2010

1999

Centennial celebration.

2016

Majority of rooms used for

administrative purposes while
some classrooms are still in use.

he college we now know as Western
Washington University has undergone five name
changes over the years before establishing its
official title in 1977, when the institution gained
university status. The Old Main building has also
undergone several rennovations to keep its unique
and historical structure up to date.

Today, the Old Main building is occupied
as the home for the majority of the administrative
offices at Western, though some classrooms are
still in use.

Katie Rothenberg, Director of Athletic
Marketing for Western Washington University,
says that the Old Main building has always
maintained its historic features. The history
behind Old Main is what makes its features so
spectacular, Rothenberg said.

Western Senior Sara Fontenot says that the
grass out front of Old Main is here favorite spot to
study during the springtime. Its so relaxing and
you have the most beautiful view! Fontenot said.

To this day, the Old Main building still
captivates students, staff and vistors with its
beauty. But the historical legacy of the building
will never be forgotten.

Photo Courtesy of WWU Instagram

Location of Old Main