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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.

Oak Row

Black and white photo of the exterior of Oak Row (front view)            A more recent black and white photo of Oak Row, with trees planted in front of the building    

Black and white photo of the interior of Oak Row

Built in 1836-37 as dormitory. Fraternity meeting room,1916-1928, Office of student publications and other organizations, 1928-1950, Music Department Offices, 1950-1969, Art Department Offices and Music practice rooms, 1969-1993, Music practice rooms 1993 to present.

Quote: The rows apparently continued as dormitories until 1916 when the fraternities were moved out of Chambers and give the Rows as meeting halls. The two interior rooms were done away with and each Row had two halls for the fraternities which decorated them as they saw fit. The most elaborate was the south end of Oak Row which was converted into a Greek temple by Beta Theta Pi, complete with their marble altar which they brought from Chambers. 
- Davidson, Chalmers. “Oak and Elm Rows.” Flyer. Oak Row Davidsoniana file. Davidson College Archives.

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