Philomath in Benton County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)
Historic Philomath College Building
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 26, 2017
1. Historic Philomath College Building Marker
Philomath College was chartered November 1865, as the United Brethren School for Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and California. The name combines two Greek words meaning love of learning. The building’s center structure was completed in September 1867, of bricks made from clay extracted near the building. The center structure is 40 X 60 feet in 2-feet thick walls. The west wing was completed in 1905; the east wing in 1907. The coeducational college offered a classical curriculum which reflected pioneer dedication to education. After 62 years and more than 6,000 students, Philomath College closed in June 1929. Named for the college, the City of Philomath grew up about the campus. Philomath College building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior December 1972.
Erected by Oregon Department of Transportation. (Marker Number 385.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Oregon Beaver Boards series list.
Location. 44° 32.418′ N, 123° 22.24′ W. Marker is in Philomath, Oregon, in Benton County. Marker is at the intersection
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Shipley Family Homestead (approx. 1.4 miles away); Mt. Union Cemetery (approx. 1.8 miles away); Reuben and Mary Jane Shipley (approx. 1.8 miles away); Oak Creek’s Watershed (approx. 3.9 miles away); Ecology of the Agricultural Reach (approx. 3.9 miles away); Sustainable Farm Management (approx. 3.9 miles away); Peavy Hall War Memorial (approx. 4½ miles away); Kings Valley Millstone (approx. 4.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philomath.
Also see . . . Philomath College. America's Lost Colleges entry
By 1874 the school had instituted a four-year classical course, focusing on Greek and Latin languages and literature, higher mathematics, science, rhetoric and logic. This led to a A.B. degree; also available was a B.S. degree which required neither Greek nor Latin, and a four-year Ladies’ course, which also led to a B.S. degree. (Submitted on February 27, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 26, 2017
2. Historic Philomath College Building and Marker
National Register of Historic Places Nomination:
Click for more information.
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Photographed By Douglass Halvorsen, April 21, 2018
3. NRHP plaque
Placed on the
National Register
Of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior
The Philomath College building was listed in 1972.
Photographed By Douglass Halvorsen, April 21, 2018
4. United Methodist Historic Site plaque
The former Philomath College building is listed as a United Methodist Historic Site No. 385
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 26, 2017
5. Historic Philomath College Building
Credits. This page was last revised on January 29, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 27, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 559 times since then and 95 times this year. Last updated on August 26, 2018, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 27, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 3, 4. submitted on May 24, 2018, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. 5. submitted on February 27, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
