Quincy Township near Mont Alto in Franklin County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Conklin Hall
Built 1907-1909 by the students of early forestry classes from trees and sandstone in the nearby hills, Conklin Hall served as a dormitory until 1989. It was named for Robert Conklin, the Pennsylvania Commissioner of Forestry who supervised its construction. In the early days, it included classrooms and a wood laboratory. Renovated 1993-1994 with support from alumni, local businesses and industries, and the University, it reopened in 1994 as a student center.
One early yearbook said of Conklin Hall: “No matter what the future, the days here will be the ones remembered when age brings quiet contemplation.”
Erected 1994 by Penn State University.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Environment • Horticulture & Forestry. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania State University series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1989.
Location. 39° 50.48′ N, 77° 32.468′ W. Marker is near Mont Alto, Pennsylvania, in Franklin County. It is in Quincy Township.
Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mont Alto (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); George H. Wirt (about 500 feet away); Ralph Elwood Brock (approx. 0.2 miles away); Pennsylvania State Forest Academy (approx. 0.2 miles away); John Brown Raid (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mont Alto.
Regarding Conklin Hall. Legend has it that Mr. Conklin sat on a nail barrel while supervising the students’ work. In those days the forestry students were on full scholarship from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. They were required to work half their time either in the forest nursery, fighting fires, or on other tasks.
Also see . . . Penn State Mont Alto - The Best of Both Worlds. Campus website homepage (Submitted on February 21, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 12, 2007, by Peter Linehan of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,818 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 12, 2007, by Peter Linehan of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.