Commonly known as "Vinnies," this four-story "collegiate Gothic" structure is named for St. Vincent de Paul, founder of the Congregation of the Mission. Originally called "The New Gymnasium," it was named St. Vincent's in 1909, some three years after its completion. It initially served as something of a multipurpose building. At the time of its construction, it housed an indoor swimming pool. A gym located on the fourth floor served for many years as the home court of the men's basketball team, and the third floor served as a dormitory for 150 students. The building eventually became the main classroom building on campus. Over a nine-month period beginning in January 2001, St. Vincent's was completely gutted and rebuilt under an $ll-million renovation project. The first floor now houses computer laboratories, the second and third floors house classrooms, and the fourth floor is the home of the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management.
(On July 10, 2021, St. Vincent’s Hall was renamed Glynn Hall to honor James V. Glynn, ’57. Alumni Hall will be renamed St. Vincent’s Hall and Alumni Chapel.)
Images
Sources
Original Construction
Description of Facilities in 1909-10 Annual Catalogue
Images in the 1907-08 Annual Catalogue (presumably of St. Vincent' s Hall)
Rainbow Never Fades : Niagara University 1856-2006 by John B. Stranges. This is the definitive history of Niagara of Niagara University. You can search within the book for the keywords St Vincent's Hall. Check out chapter 4 in particular: http://site.ebrary.com/lib/niagara/reader.action?docID=10531713&ppg=90.
Chapter 3 of History of The Seminary of Our Lady of Angels Niagara University, 1856-1906 discusses plans for the building, but the book was published before the building was completed.
Chapter XIV of History of Niagara University, Seminary of Our Lady of Angels, 1856-1931 by J.P. McKey discusses the building. Look on page 216.
Renovation
Classes Return to St. Vincent's Hall (Niagara Index)
Vinnies Reopens (Eagle--Alumni Magazine)
St. Vincent's Hall at Niagara U being Made over for 21st Century (Buffalo News)
| Historic St. Vincent’s Hall Receives Application of FIRM-FILL® (DCD Magazine) |
Niagara University Yearbooks can be a source of images of the building through the years. They are located to your immediate left when you enter the building, where a large table is located.
They are alos available online to NU Students and employees:
https://ezproxy.niagara.edu/login?url=http://www.heinonline.org/HOL/Index?collection=niagara
The Niagara Index, the student newspaper, can be useful if you can narrow the dates to when you think relevant coverage may appear. Ask a Library staff member to show you how to use the microfilm. Yhe years 1870 to 1900 are online:
https://ezproxy.niagara.edu/login?url=http://www.heinonline.org/HOL/Index?collection=niagara