College of Engineering
The School of Mechanics and Manual Training was established by the university's first president, John W. Hoyt, in 1891. Instruction in the mechanic arts was first offered by Professor L. C. Colburn under whose leadership the Mechanic Arts Building was constructed in 1893. When the growth of the College of Engineering outstripped the old building in the late 1920s, Laramie architect Wilbur Hitchcock was commissioned to design a new engineering hall. At that time, laboratories for student engineers' practical education were added.
The building's facade displays the strong clean lines associated with modern architecture. It also incorporates subtle references to Beaux Arts tradition; dentils line the steps and pavilion top elevations. The building's trenchant facade inscription was written by engineering Dean Earl D. hay in 1926. The Laramie architectural firm of Hitchcock and Hitchcock was commissioned to design the west wing for the present structure for the aeronautic and petroleum engineering departments in 1957. To meet the demands of a growing college, the building was expanded again in 1981 when the Laramie firm of Banner and Associated constructed a large addition.
Centennial Celebration, September 27, 1986
