DescriptionPostcard with two color photographs, one of Van Nest hall, and the other of the Labratory. The second instructional building at Rutgers, Van Nest Hall was erected in 1845 and named for Abraham Van Nest, a New York City merchant and devoted trustee of Rutgers College, 1823 to 1865. Built by Nicholas Wyckoff, the building was originally two stories. The two nineteenth century literary societies, Philoclean and Peitessophian, occupied the first floor and a museum and the chemical laboratory of Professor Lewis C. Beck filled the remainder of the building. In 1893 Van Nest Hall was remodeled and a third floor and porch were added through the generosity of Mrs. Ann Van Nest Bussing, the daughter of Abraham Van Nest.
The Labratory is the building currently referred to as New Jersey Hall. In 1888 the New Jersey Legislature passed a bill providing for state funds to construct an "Agricultural Hall" to accommodate the recently established State Experiment Station. Situated on land deeded to Rutgers by James Neilson, the building, which became known as New Jersey Hall, was completed in the spring of 1889. It originally housed the State Agricultural Experiment Station as well as the college's chemistry and biology departments, all which had been previously located in Van Nest and Geology halls. Designed by George K. Parsell, New Jersey Hall was partially destroyed by fire in 1903 but was restored without essential changes to its original composition. It currently houses classrooms and offices for the Department of Economics and the Bureau of Economic Research.
Organization NameNew Brunswick Free Public Library
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