Humble Beginnings and Names

Workers pause in the construction of Charles City Hall for a photo opportunity.

Charles City Hall was built in 1890 by John M. Poorbaugh as the first building of the University of the Northwest. This was the sole building for the entire college--this included housing the dormitories, classrooms, and mess hall, among several other purposes. Through financial problems and the changing of hands, the Hall became a part of Morningside College in December of 1894.

A postcard featuring a lovely depiction of the Conservatory of Music.

Throughout its over century long history, Charles City has gone through many name changes. It has been known as: Old Main, North Hall, the Conservatory of Music (the most popular and longest lasting name), and then in 1914 it was named its current title, Charles City Hall when the college of the same name merged with Morningside College, but it was still refered to as the Conservatory of Music until 1966 when the building no longer housed the music department.