MERICA HALL
Originally named Women's Hall, Merica Hall was constructed in 1907 to provide dormitory housing for women. Its construction was backed by the State Federation Women's Clubs and a legislative appropriation of $25,000.
Designed in a similar style to Old Main, the first building on campus, Merica Hall was dormer windows and other details which provided a less formal exterior more suitable to a dormitory. The facade entrance is flanked by doric columns and capped with a classic entablature used perhaps as a token gesture to the revival architecture. This entrance is the building's one extravagant element.
The first dean of women at the University of Wyoming, Minna A. Stoner, was hired after the construction of Women's Hall. In addition to her duties as women's adviser, Stoner taught domestic economy to the residents. Cost of 1907 housing was $20 per month. Prior to World War I, the number of residents never exceeded 43 women.
In 1922, President Aven Nelson suggested that the name of Women's Hall be changed to Merica Hall to honor a past president to the university, Charles Oliver Merica (1908-1912).
Merica Hall continued as a women's dormitory until 1948 -- except for a few months in 1943 when it was occupied by the young men in an army training program. In 1948, new dormitory facilities were made available, and the building was transferred tot he School of Pharmacy. After the School of Pharmacy moved to new quarters, Merica Hall became home for academic and administrative offices as well as campus services.
Centennial Celebration, September 27, 1986
