Deady Hall

From Lane Co Oregon

Construction began in 1873 on the University of Oregon's first building which is of Second Empire style architecture. Competition across Oregon to host a state college was very competitive and the Eugene community raised the initial $50,000 required by the state to found the school. When The Building opened on October 16, 1876, University of Oregon's enrollment was 177 and faculty numbered five, including John Wesley Johnson, the first president. As Eugene had no high school, the student body included 98 students in the preparatory department (grade and high school), and 79 enrolled in college level courses.

In 1893, the Old Building was named Deady Hall for Matthew Deady (1824-93), judge of the Territorial Supreme Court from 1853 to 1859. He also presided over the State Constitutional Convention in 1857. In 1859, Deady was appointed U.S. District Judge for Oregon. Deady served as president of UO's Board of Regents (1873-93). He compiled and annotated the General Laws of Oregon in 1866.