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19th Century Davidson Buildings

This guide provides an introduction to 19th century Davidson buildings. In addition to a general overview of campus construction, it lists extant and demolished buildings both on the campus and in the town.

Chambers (Old)

black and white photo of Chambers from 1903 View book       Sepia photo of dorm room in Chambers      

Exterior of Old Chambers in 1903, Dorm Room in 1895, After the Fire in 1921

Dates: The cornerstone was laid in 1858 and the building was completed in 1860. It burned down on November 21, 1921. The columns remained standing until 1929.

Quotes: The whole College Building looks as if the projectors remembered that they were building for a century and not for a score of years. There is very little ornament about the building — nothing that glares — and the Architect evidently relied for his effects mainly upon fine and grand proportions. The staircases — the Halls– the Lecture Rooms — the Library and the Chapel are all spacious and solid, and though some of the interior arrangements may have to be changed, as experience discovers defects, yet the general plan, we rejoice to know, is beyond the hand of any architectural tinker. 
“Commencement at Davidson College,” North Carolina Presbyterian. 28 July 1860.

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Mailing Address: Davidson College - E.H. Little Library, 209 Ridge Road, Box 5000, Davidson, NC 28035