Ogden Hall

Ogden Hall is a hall of residence of Miami University. Construction started in 1923, funded by a donation from Laura Ogden Whaling. The building was renovated and extended in 1999. Originally it was a residence for male students, but now serves as a dining hall and residence for female students.HistoryIn 1923 Laura Ogden Whaling donated $430,000 to Miami University to build a hall of residence in her brother’s honor. Her brother, George C. Ogden, graduated from Miami in 1863 and went on to receive his medical degree from the Ohio Medical College. It was part of her request that the Hall must be located west of the Herron Gym, directly across the street from Lewis Place, the President’s home. But the president did not want a building directly across from Lewis Place; he wanted green space on either side of the slant walk. So in order to keep with Laura Ogden Whaling’s wishes, Herron Gym was moved down the street to what is now the parking lot adjacent to Roudebush Hall.The cornerstone of Ogden Hall was laid on October 12, 1923. The stone was laid by the Grand Master of the Masonic Lodge in Ohio, Mr. Harry S. Johnson, of Cincinnati. He was assisted by President Hughes, members of the Board of Trustees, and other University officials. Ogden Hall was the first men’s dormitory built on campus since the North and South Dorms were built. It also provided for a place for social activities, as it had a men’s auditorium, Y.M.C.A. quarters, game rooms, and a number of conference rooms, in addition to housing 114 men.