History of Kutztown University
The beginning and the ending of the Philomathean Literary Society might be unknown. However, like Mary Snyder, the society is a part of Kutztown's history. Below are some parts of our history that seem to have been forgotten.
Old Main, Rohrbach Library Archives, Kutztown, PA
Above is Old Main and the Graduate Center. The graduate center was the original library on campus in 1913 before Rohrbach Library was opened in 1968.
Old Main Map, Rohrbach Library Archives, Kutztown, PA.
Above is a map of the different wings in Old Main. Years each wing opened:
1881- Wing D
1888 - Wing C
1891 - Wing A
1894 - Wing B
1902 - Wings E and F
Built in 1908, the Infirmary (above) was adjoined to the Georgian Room. Over the years, the Infirmary has changed. In 1937, it became the Sharadin Studios, and it became the student center in 1960. Then, it became the John B. Wright House which housed thirty-six international students in 1985. Lastly, it became the Multicultural Center located behind Rothermel Hall in 2001.
Infirmary, photo, Rohrbach Library Archives, Kutztown, PA.
Centennial, 1893, sketch, Rohrbach Library Archives. Kutztown, PA.
Above is a sketch of Old Main in 1893, a couple years before Mary's death. Kutztown was founded in the year 1866 as the Keystone Normal School. The University went through many names before becoming the name we know today: Kutztown University in 1983.
Heating Plant, photo, Rohrbach Library Archives, Kutztown, PA
In 1921, the heating plant was built. In 1950, the renovated heating plant was dedicated.
Today, we know Lytle as the building that is small in size with many offices and classrooms crammed in two floors; while having the English/professional writing, history, and math departments in one building. Yet, it's a cute building full of history. Lytle opened in 1977, and was named after an English professor named Dr. Clyde Francis Lytle who wrote Kutztown's alma mater song. Lyrics below.
The Alma Mater, Rohrbach Library Archives, Kutztown, PA.
KSC Plans Classroom Building, Rohrbach Library Archives, Kutztown, PA.