| Benton Annex was the second building constructed at Oregon State University, and the oldest surviving wood frame construction. In 1972, a group of faculty women first used this building to discuss feminist issues, listen to feminist speakers, and study women’s literature. From that time to present, it houses the Women’s Center – an important and dynamic program in OSU.
It serves as a valuable information and referral service for the women of the Corvallis community. Also, it helps both men and women explore their changing roles and needs within the broader society. From 1895, the Women’s Center honored annual Women of Achievement for those who did outstanding advancement of women in Oregon. Women’s Center plays a uniquely significant role in OSU because its long-range mission is to improve women’s status and their emotional and academic development.
Benton Annex was constructed in 1892, and its original name is Station House. Later, the name of this building has been changed several times. From 1898 to 1905, its name was changed into Chemistry Laboratory, and from 1906 to 1913, it was named as Mining Lab. From 1914 to 1918, it was changed into University Bookstore. Then, it kept the name of Health Service for 16 years. From 1949 to 1972, this building was named as Paleontology. Since 1972 to present, it always keeps the name of Benton Annex.
Building’s original use: It was primarily a science laboratory.
Subsequent use of building/dates changed:
At the beginning, Benton Annex housed the Station Laboratory. During the period of 1898 to 1905, it was used as the Chemistry Department’s laboratory. Then, Mining Lab occupied this building for seven years. After that, it became the Oregon State Bookstore which could supply 1579 students with a staff of five from 1914 to 1918. Then, it became the Health Services with Dr. Wendell James Phillips as the first Director of the clinic. In 1949, the Paleontology Laboratory occupied the building until about 1972. From 1972 to present, it was used as Women’s Center for people to improve the status of women within the academic and global communities. |
