The Original Structures
Gymnasium: consisted of what is now known as the “small gym.” It was the only structure constructed of concrete and steel, providing seating for 1,000 for basketball. It featured a synthetic PVC floor, which was chosen for durability. The space could be used for athletics and as an assembly hall. The gym initially provided office space for the Student Government and Student Newspaper.
Administration and Classrooms: The building was named Frost Hall after Robert Frost, the poet who authored many of his works while living in New Hampshire. The building housed administration such as the College President, Deans, Registrar, Admissions and Placement, the Business Office, Financial Aid, and Publicity. It also provided office space for faculty, a conference room, reception area, classrooms, and a computer center with the College’s National Cash Register Century 100 computer.
Classrooms: Named Stark Hall after Revolutionary War Major General John Stark who was born in Derry New Hampshire and lived in what is now Manchester. The building was home to 8 classrooms and faculty offices.
Living Centers: Named Winnisquam Hall after the lake and Chocorua Hall after the mountain, these dorms were conceptualized around living “modules” with their own lounges that accommodated up to 14 students each. Freshmen and sophmores were housed in these dorms in an effort to acclamate them to the campus environment. Juniors and Senoirs continued to be housed in the downtown dormatories. Together the Living Centers could house 192 students. Chocorua Hall also housed the Infirmary, a recreation area, and a laundry facility.
Resource Center: Named the H.A.B. Shapiro Memorial Library after the institutional founder, it contained 25,000 volumes, periodicals, microfilm, video tapes, art, films, and slides as well as seating for 150 students. The building also housed the Audio Visual Center.
The Student Center: also referred to as the Student Union housed the cafeteria, snack bar, lounge, book store, post office, and recreation facilities. The building also housed offices for Counceling Services, Student Activities, and Administrative Systems. The cafeteria was designed to seat 400 students and provide a flow-through of 800 students per meal.
Soccer Field: The first portion of the campus to be completed, the soccer field was laid out on what had been the Whittemore’s asparagus patch. The space served not only as a soccer field, but also as a space for other outdoor activities such as commencements, Spring Weekend (which often featured field day-style events), and the occasional outdoor concert.
Outdoor Spaces: In stark contrast to the College’s downtown location, the North Rover Road Campus provided a variety of informal grassy and wooded areas where students congregated and enjoyed the outdoors. With its design focused on a pedestrian street, the campus did not have a traditional quad.