THE BUILDING HIATUS OF 1804-1833

Following the construction boom at the turn of the century, the first three decades of the 19th century saw relatively few alterations to the College buildings and grounds.

The most desperate need was for more dormitory space to accommodate the burgeoning student population. In fact, as early as 1805, the Trustees reported that as many as 70 students were unable to find lodging at the College and had to live in town. A solution to this unsatisfactory state of affairs appeared in reach when a donor named John Garnett agreed to underwrite the construction of a new "college" in the spring of 1805. There was a catch: Garnett wanted to retain ownership of the building and collect rents from students.

In the fall, negotiations with Garnett had collapsed and the College was left looking at the possibility of a $30,000 price tag for the dormitory. The following spring, the Trustees decided that "a new building is impractible at this time." Almost thirty years would pass before the College provided additional living space for students.

During the Presidency of Ashbel Green (1812-1822) and on through the early years of the Carnahan administration, the College concentrated on maintaining and repairing existing structures. Indeed, the Trustees labored simply to keep the institution open. The 1810s and 1820s were the most difficult era in the College's history, marked by recurring student riots, declining enrollment, and financial instability. The College's fiscal condition deteriorated to the point that twice the College almost shut it doors. By 1827, the College could afford another professor's house, attributed to the local builder Charles Steadman, but a new building program was still several years off.