Elliott Hall: A Brief History

Built in 1937, and first occupied in 1938, Elliott Hall was, and still is, nothing short of spectacular. Named after Frank Elliott Ball, who died in a plane crash near Finlay, OH, it was at first a male only dormitory. It was modeled exactly after the dormitories at Princeton University where Frank Elliott Ball furthered his education. It was not only a dormitory, but home to 3 Fraternities back in the day.

During World War II enrollment at Ball State dropped dramatically. For a short period of time it was converted to a co-ed dormitory for the first time. After the war, young males re-enrolled and Elliott Hall was once again an all male dormitory, housing 284 residents, in a building at was made for only 120. Elliott Annex was built to accommodate this large number of men, and was later deconstructed in 1960 when enrollment dropped back to below-average numbers.

Many believe that Elliott Hall is haunted, and for good reason. In 1947, Carl Schaumberg committed suicide by hanging himself from the 4th floor library rafters. He felt much pressure from his academics and recent horrible disfigurement while fighting in World War II. He felt somewhat shunned by even his friends, and upon returning from winter break, he gave his life.

In the 1960-1970 school year, Elliott Hall was closed. Upon returning the next year, students found Elliott Hall to be a co-ed and "senior only" dormitory. Students found that it was very competitive to recieve housing in Elliott, because you almost had to be on your last semester of classes, and have maintained a high GPA throughout your years at Ball State.

In 1975, the Haunted House tradition began. It's one that continues to this day. In 1985, the residents of Elliott Hall voted to declare the hall a "Nuclear Free Zone." This basically meant that no one should detinate, drop or cause injury or harm to any resident of Elliott Hall with a nuclear weapon. From 1997 until 2002, Elliott Hall was a 21 and over dorm only.

Currently there are approximately 120 students living in Elliott Hall. The first floor is split into two sides by a main foyer or great room that contains two working fireplaces, hardwood floors, and much class. One half of the first floor is occupied by women, and the other by men, all of which must be 21 and over. The second floor can be reached by either two outer staircases made of marble, or an interior spiral staircase. This floor has its own study lounge, kitchen, laundry room, and about 40 men. The third floor is occupied by 40 young women, and they also have their own kitchen, laundry room and study lounge. The 4th and final floor is more of an academic and recreational floor. There is a room with a pool table and television, which is perfect for a large group of friends watching a movie or to socialize. In the middle of the floor you can find a workout room with newly purchased equipment, and hopefully televisions sooner or later. The other side of the building contains a large study table and library.

Not a lot of Ball State Students get to experience living in a dormitory as nice and classy as Elliott Hall. It's the home of Off Constantly this year. Yes it does look slightly like a castle, our castle. It's a dorm rich with history and tradition, and I'm lucky that I got the chance to live here.