Iowa State University Alumni Association| online edition | fall 2002
 

 


FALL 2002
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>>The Knoll

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The beginning

The tone of President William Beardshear’s request to Iowa’s governor and legislature in 1900 for a new house was a little plaintive:

“The college now has no suitable dwelling for the residence of the president. At present, the college president must shift as best he can. The duties of the president require him to live near the college. The college is located a mile and a half from town, so it would be impractical to have him reside in town.”

“A residence somewhat comporting with the dignity of the college and the office should be provided for the president. At a most reasonable estimate, $10,000 would be a minimum sum. Illinois has recently put up a president’s house at Champaign for $17,000. Other states have made provision with a similar thoughtfulness.”

Not to be outdone by other “thoughtful” state legislatures, Iowa came through, and contracted with architects Liebbe, Nourse and Rasmussen to build the house for $10,000. President Beardshear, his wife, Josephine, and three of their five children moved into the house in February 1901.

The president’s new house sat high and bare. It overlooked the veterinary buildings and included a barn for Beardshear’s cows, pigs, and horses.

The Beardshears’ home was one of about 30 faculty houses that formed a close-knit college neighborhood. Today, only Sloss House and the Knoll remain.

Read on | A daughter's memories