The buildings featured in this section represent the largest construction project at Slippery Rock University. Much of the work was thanks to the dedication to Emma Guffey Miller, a long-term trustee of the school and prominent member of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party.
Built in 1928, the Lowry Center was originally the private residence of Professor Howard Headland. After the college purchased the building, it became home for the Office of Alumni Affairs. Over the next few decades, the building housed the offices of the Dean of Academic Services, Graduate Studies and Research, and the Office of Continuing Education.
(Photograph, black and white, c.1940s)
In 1988, the Headland House was renamed the Robert Lowry Center in honor of Dr. Robert Lowry for his years of service to the college. Lowry graduated from Slippery Rock in 1948, became the first Director of Admissions in 1957, and was appointed Acting President in 1968.
Today, the Lowry Center is home to the Slippery Rock Army ROTC/Department of Military Science.
(Photograph, black and white, c.1960s)
In the late 1920s, the number of students in the teacher preparation program significantly increased, creating the need for a new education building. As a result, the college built a new Education Building in two phases: the elementary training facility in 1929 and the secondary training facility in 1938. Originally, the Education Building housed both college courses and the local school. The College of Education still uses the building for classes and department offices.
(Photograph, black and white, c.1929)
In 1979, Slippery Rock State College dedicated the Education Building in honor of Miss Maree McKay, who served as the college registrar from 1921-1961 and devoted her career to helping students succeed.
(Photograph, black and white, c.1961)
Built in 1930, the Hut served as the recreational center for the college. The wood-framed building had a completely furnished lounge with a stone fireplace. The Hut, as students in 1930 knew it, no longer exists. Transformed in the 1970s, it is now known as the Art Building.
(Photograph, color, c.1970)
The Hut as students of Slippery State Teachers College knew it.
(Photographs, collage, black and white, c. 1940)
In 1996, the Art Building was renovated once more. Despite the changes, it still retains some of the original character but with modern accents of design and color.
(Photograph, color, c. 2000)
In 1939, construction of the Maltby Library was complete. At this time, the rectangular building consisted of a main floor and basement. The large windows provided illumination for reading and reference rooms. The college expanded the library in 1960.
(Photograph, color, c. 1970)
This mid-twentieth century photograph features the reference desk of Maltby Library.
(Photograph, black and white, c. 1960)
The reading rooms of Maltby Library.
(Photograph, black and white, c. 1960)
This photograph shows the construction of the addition to Maltby Library in 1960.
(Photograph, black and white, c. 1960)
Maltby Library was given its name in honor of Dr. Albert Elias Maltby, the second principal of Slippery Rock Normal School.
(Photograph, black and white, c. 1900)
Built in 1938, the red brick Science Building was used by the Physical and Chemical Science Departments for their classes. In 1979, the building was dedicated to Dr. Warren G. Strain, who brought fame and national recognition to Slippery Rock State College during his tenure as the chairperson of the Geography Department. Today, the Strain Safety building has been renovated and is currently used by the Department of Safety Management for office space and classes.
(Photograph, black and white, c.1930s)