Not only the oldest building on campus, University Hall is still the most photographed building on campus because it remains the most photogenic with its tall bell tower and clock. The "Then" photo here was taken in 1911, when the building was a dozen years old. Both "now" and "then" photos were taken from across "The Oval", the open central area in front of what was originally the locus of the campus, looking east northeast.
UNIVERSITY HALL
Fronting the Oval at the heart of the campus, the university’s oldest standing building, also known as Main Hall, proudly represents the birth of this noble institution. Celebrated Missoula architect A. J. Gibson designed the Richardsonian Romanesque style building that, along with its now-demolished companion Science Hall, comprised the campus at the school’s opening in 1899. During the university’s dedication ceremony in 1898, corn, oil, and water symbolizing plenty, joy, and peace were poured over the building’s cornerstone. Today the hourly chiming of the bells in the majestic bell tower serves as constant reminder of the enduring solidity of the university.
From the NRHP plaque at the building