Cutler Hall Rededication Collection

In a celebration complete with fanfare, the historic and newly renovated Cutler Hall was rededicated on October 18-19, 1947. Staff at Ohio University spent the year 1947 meticulously planning and gaining publicity for this event. The week of October 12th, 1947, was, by order of the mayor of Athens in conjunction with Ohio University president John Baker, dubbed “Cutler Hall week.” The week culminated in festivities, including museum exhibits at Cutler Hall, a student parade, a football scrimmage, a visit from the governor, and even a student dance. The university truly celebrated the historic Cutler Hall and the man it was dedicated to, Manasseh Cutler.

In 1787, Manasseh Cutler, a Yale-educated scientist, and reverend, convinced Congress to grant land from the Northwest Territory to the Ohio Company for the establishment of a state and to set aside two townships of that land for the establishment of a University. Although he would never revisit Ohio to see the University, Cutler's role in securing this land was crucial to its establishment—a role which in 1914 was celebrated with the dedication of the university's first building. The building, now known as Cutler Hall, was the first college building in the Northwest territory. Originally named the College Edifice and also known as the Center Building, this building was built between 1816 and 1819 and has since been used as housing, classroom space, and faculty offices. After falling into disrepair, the building was condemned as a classroom space in 1936. However, in 1945, under Ohio University president John Baker, the building was repaired to restore and preserve its original architectural integrity. Finally, in 1966, Cutler Hall was designated a National Historic Landmark, and the building has remained in use for over two centuries after its establishment.