Lights Out at 10:00 pm
Life in Concordia’s First Dormitories

When Concordia was dedicated on October 31, 1891, it had only two academic teachers, one piano instructor, 12 students, and one building—Bishop Whipple Hall. In 1887, Bishop Whipple School closed due to financial strain and became Normal Hall to house those participating in the state normal school from 1887 to 1891. The Northwestern Lutheran College Association purchased the former Bishop Whipple School in 1891 for the bargain price of $10,000.

Concordia’s first building served not only as classroom and office space, but also as a dormitory with males on the third floor and females on the second. President Grose moved into Bishop Whipple Hall in early September of 1891 to commence his duties while the building was renovated. In an October 27, 1939 Concordian article, President Grose noted, “It was in this building and at this time, I believe that when I had gone to bed, I could hear mice undistubedly [sic] hold their nightly frolics. They must have pulled off marathon races throughout the building.” 

Inside Academy Hall's business classroom.

By the winter term of the 1891-1892 school year, Concordia’s enrollment had drastically risen to 200. This rise in student population caused some concern as Bishop Whipple had only enough dormitory space for 60 students and seating for 120 during meals. As a result, Academy Hall (also known as South Hall) was built to solve the problem of limited residential space. Academy Hall initially served as a men’s dormitory from 1893 to 1944 and a women’s dormitory from 1944 to 1962. In 1892, the basement of Grose Hall was built to house the kitchen and heating plant thus increasing seating space for meals. Grose Hall was completed in 1921 and served briefly as a dormitory, but its primary purposes were to house the library and increase classroom space.

Academy Hall covered in snow, cerca 1930.

Inside Academy Hall home economics room, 1916.

Roommates studying inside the dorms, 1905.

North Hall.

Male students gathering together, 1947.

Two roommates studying in their Fjelstad room, 1953.

Fjelstad Hall, 1952.

As Concordia’s enrollment continued to rise, more dormitory space was needed. In 1919, Concordia purchased Darrow Hospital which was located one block north of Concordia’s campus. Darrow Hospital was built in 1893 and was the first medical facility to have an operating room in Clay County. Named North Hall, the building served as a women’s dormitory until 1938 when Fjelstad Hall was built. Thereafter, North Hall became the music conservatory (1938-1963) and a storage facility/theatre workshop (1963-1975). North Hall was demolished in 1975 to build Bogstad Manor.

By the early 1900s, Concordia’s pupils paid $125.50 for tuition, room, and board. Dormitory rooms were equipped with nightstands, bed frames, washstands, tables, and chairs, but students were expected to bring their own mattresses and wash basins. The dormitories were heated, but electric lighting was only available in each of the dormitories’ two bathrooms, the kitchen, and the dining hall.

Because the reputation of Moorhead was unfavorable due to the number of saloons inhabiting the town, faculty and parents were quick to enforce a suitable Christian lifestyle for Concordia students. All pupils were to attend chapel daily and church each Sunday unless excused. Tobacco and alcohol were strictly forbidden. Each day was scheduled to include meals, study hours, and room inspections (on Saturdays). A half-hour of free time was supervised each day except Sunday with extended hours for amusement on Saturdays. After evening study hours from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m., a warning to retire was sounded. At 10:00 p.m. lamps were extinguished and doors locked to protect Concordia co-eds for another day of study.