Benton Annex - Oregon State University National Historic District - Corvallis, OR - NRHP Historic Districts - Contributing Buildings on Waymarking.com

Located just SW of Benton Hall is the Benton Annex. It was erected in 1892 and is listed as site #29 in the Oregon State University National Historic District. The following verbiage is taken from the Oregon Historic Sites Database website (link below) to describe this building's history:

Architectural History:
Benton Annex is a high-ceilinged gray house with a late Victorian-era style. It has a long and narrow configuration (50’ * 24’) as well as the formal mirror-image symmetry of windows, brisk chimneys, an unusual exterior staircases, brackets, and porch roofs conveys a sense of formality and dignity. Alterations: The Benton Annex has undergone many renovations since 1892 to keep up with modern needs. In 1903, the paint scheme of the building appears to have been a light color for the body, with the window mouldings, water table and corners painted a darker contrasting color. Originally, the entrance consisted of twin staircases, which were removed between 1906 and 1908 and replaced with a single, centrally located stairway and porch. The decorative roof cresting was gone in a 1912 photograph, but it is unknown in what year the gap in the east porch roof was infilled. This portion of the building which begins at the east façade was added in 1920, and it measures 13’6” (N/S) by 26’10” (E/W). 1990's: replaced East entry stairs, removed one of the entrances; 2000, added handicapped ramp Landscape: There are various bushes, trees, and flowers surrounding the outside of the building. Also, there is a small lawn located on the northwest side of building. Located south of the lawn is a small gravel parking lot. Setting: Benton Annex is located between Pharmacy Building and Benton Hall. It is a high-ceilinged gray house that is almost hidden from the view of people passing on the street below. Alterations: 1990's: replaced East entry stairs, removed one of the entrances; 2000, added handicapped ramp.

Background History
Benton Annex was the second building constructed at Oregon State University, and the oldest surviving wood frame construction. In 1972, a group of faculty women first used this building to discuss feminist issues, listen to feminist speakers, and study women’s literature. From that time to present, it houses the Women’s Center – an important and dynamic program in OSU. It serves as a valuable information and referral service for the women of the Corvallis community. Also, it helps both men and women explore their changing roles and needs within the broader society. From 1895, the Women’s Center honored annual Women of Achievement for those who did outstanding advancement of women in Oregon. Women’s Center plays a uniquely significant role in OSU because its long-range mission is to improve women’s status and their emotional and academic development. Benton Annex was constructed in 1892, and its original name is Station House. Later, the name of this building has been changed several times. From 1898 to 1905, its name was changed into Chemistry Laboratory, and from 1906 to 1913, it was named as Mining Lab. From 1914 to 1918, it was changed into University Bookstore. Then, it kept the name of Health Service for 16 years. From 1949 to 1972, this building was named as Paleontology. Since 1972 to present, it always keeps the name of Benton Annex. Building’s original use: It was primarily a science laboratory. Subsequent use of building/dates changed: At the beginning, Benton Annex housed the Station Laboratory. During the period of 1898 to 1905, it was used as the Chemistry Department’s laboratory. Then, Mining Lab occupied this building for seven years. After that, it became the Oregon State Bookstore which could supply 1579 students with a staff of five from 1914 to 1918. Then, it became the Health Services with Dr. Wendell James Phillips as the first Director of the clinic. In 1949, the Paleontology Laboratory occupied the building until about 1972. From 1972 to present, it was used as Women’s Center for people to improve the status of women within the academic and global communities.

Name of Historic District (as listed on the NRHP): Oregon State University National Historic District Link to nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com page with the Historic District: [Web Link] NRHP Historic District Waymark (Optional): [Web Link] Address: 1700 SW Pioneer Place Oregon State University Corvallis, OR How did you determine the building to be a contributing structure?: Narrative found on the internet (Link provided below) Optional link to narrative or database: [Web Link]

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log User Rating   05/28/2022 Tootsie.22 visited it