The Historic Legacy of Old Central at OSU

Nestled in the heart of Oklahoma State University's campus, Old Central stands as a testament to the pioneering spirit of higher education in Stillwater. Constructed in 1893 and 1894 and originally known as the College Building, Old Central was the first permanent structure on the university's 200-acre campus. Designed by architect Herman Hadley, this eclectic 11,000-square-foot building represented not just academic promise but the tenacity of the community that fought to make it a reality.

A Community Effort: Building Stillwater’s Pride

Old Central’s journey began in 1893 when the city of Stillwater issued its first municipal bonds to raise $10,000 for construction, a bold step that would set the town on a path to becoming a hub for education in Oklahoma. Located close to the townsite to accommodate students who boarded in town, the building’s proximity reflected the importance of accessibility in early Stillwater. Its strategic placement, coupled with a boardwalk between the building and the town, made the campus a central part of the community. The boardwalk also helped the female students avoid muddying their high-button shoes on the daily walks from town to their classes and back home.

Construction was not just a professional effort but a communal one. Many students, including some from the first graduating class of 1896, worked alongside the fifty-man construction crew, earning ten cents an hour for their labor. One innovative student, Thomas J. Hartman, even introduced an efficient method for transporting bricks and mortar that sped up the process. The building’s materials—brick made in town by Louis Jardot's brickyard, locally-sourced sandstone from the Cross farm, and limestone from a Ponca City quarry—further tied its construction to regional resources.

Old Central's Bell - A Bedlam Tradition

When Old Central opened its doors on September 15, 1894, it housed eight faculty members and 144 students, offering classrooms, a chemistry lab, a library of 1,600 volumes, and assembly rooms. The building quickly became the focal point of academic life at Oklahoma A&M College (now OSU). The Old Central bell, which originally signaled class changes, became a symbol of university life and later a key element in the Bedlam rivalry between OSU and the University of Oklahoma. The tradition was born in 1917 when OSU triumphed over OU at a football game in Oklahoma City. As the word reached Stillwater of the victory, Old Central's bell rang out for hours, late into the night. In 1932, the OU team, disappointed by another loss decided to steal the bell clapper to preclude the all-night bell ringing party. Not to be outdone, OSU students used a sledgehammer to ring the bell. OSU students later claimed to have stolen the bell clapper back, but OU students said they had mistakenly stolen the clapper from a nearby church bell.  In 1966, a compromise was reached and Old Central's bell clapper became a traveling trophy for the winner of the Bedlam game until the clapper was replace by a bell-shaped crystal trophy.

Over the years, Old Central adapted to the needs of the growing university. It served as a home to various departments and offices, from the music department to the student newspaper. Despite suffering multiple fires, a tornado, and even condemnation in 1921, Old Central persisted, thanks to the dedication of university leaders and Stillwater citizens. President Henry G. Bennett led restoration efforts in the late 1920s, ensuring that the historic building would remain a campus icon.

Surviving Time and Tragedy

Old Central’s history is marked by both triumphs and challenges. Despite its modern construction by 1894 standards, the building’s foundation soon proved unstable, and structural issues led to unsightly cracks by 1914. Stillwater’s founding families rallied to save the building from demolition several times, recognizing its symbolic importance to the community and its historical significance as the birthplace of OSU’s academic legacy. Thanks to their efforts, Old Central has been carefully preserved and restored over the decades, enduring fires, natural disasters, and changing times.

Today, Old Central houses OSU’s Honors College, the Oklahoma Museum of Higher Education, and several administrative offices. Visitors can see recreations of the original president’s office and the night watchman’s room, providing a glimpse into university life in the 1890s. The Old Central bell, cracked from years of exuberant ringing, remains in the belfry, a silent yet enduring symbol of OSU’s rich history.

A Living Monument to Education

Old Central is more than just a building; it’s a symbol of the persistence, dedication, and aspirations of the generations of students, faculty, and leaders who have walked through its doors. It ties Oklahoma State University to its humble beginnings while pointing toward its bright future.

Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or an OSU fan, Old Central’s story is one worth exploring. Plan a visit to Stillwater to see this historic gem and discover more about the rich traditions and deep-rooted history of America’s Friendliest College Town.

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