Blast from the Past: Quinan Hall

Another of the few pieces of history that has survived from our company town days is Quinan Hall.  Named after Captain R.W. Quinan, the third plant superintendent, it was built during the expansion of the plant as the U.S. was heading into World War I.  It was used as an auxilliary social club and dormitory for unmarried men on the technical staff.

From the Hercules Mixer, August 1919:

"Quinan Hall Affords Accommodations for Forty Technical Men of the Plant Force -- A Feature of the Building Is Its Club Room, Which Has A Splendid Floor for Dancing and Is Equipped with One Billiard and One Pool Table, a Piano and a Victrola."

Also from the Mixer, December 1919:

"...shortly before the end of the great war it served as an auditorium for several interesting addresses by men prominent in their respective lines.  Topics bordering on manufacturing and the chemistry involved were usually chosen...".  The hall was also "at the disposal of the wives of the Company, when they desire to entertain on a larger scale than is possible in their homes."