Construction of Ladd Hall (New Chemistry Building) began in 1910 after an explosion and subsequent fire destroyed the first Chemistry Building. The State Legislature appropriated $65,000 for the new building (Beacon Across the Prairie, p. 35 and footnote).
Once the plans for the new Chemical Laboratory were completed, the contract was let in April 1910. The new building was to be of steel reinforced concrete. The plans made the new building much larger than the old laboratory and designed it to be fireproof throughout giving the divisions of chemistry and pharmacy the necessary facilities for growth and development. The plans detailed a building 125 feet long and 90 feet in width that was three stories in height, with a tower for the installment of the meteorological apparatus. The designers also provided a large storeroom for supplies and explosives detached from the main building. The plans further provided for a large, well-equipped greenhouse connected to the building. The greenhouse would be used for experimental work in agricultural chemistry and plant nutrition (The Weekly Spectrum, March 22, 1910, p. 1).
The work on the new chemical laboratory progressed satisfactorily, leading the college administration to believe that a portion would be ready for occupancy by the beginning of the new year (1911). The size and structure of the building (91 x 125 feet, three stories and fireproof) gave rise to the administrators comments that "When completed, it will be one of the most imposing in appearance and best equipped for its work of any similar building in the Northwest" (Tenth Biennial Report of the Board of Trustees, NDAC, 1910, p.19). When completed in 1911, the total cost of the building and equipment was approximately $125,000 (Eleventh Biennial Report of the Board of Trustees, NDAC, 1912, p.21).
Ladd Hall nearly met the same fate as the first Chemistry Building. During a freshman laboratory class in April 1922, "an explosion of unknown origin [. . .] entirely destroyed Dr. Carrick's workshop and threatened to destroy the A. C.'s finest building." The building was saved by the quick actions of "Sudro's volunteer soda-squirters and the heroic efforts of fireman Berrigan and Eddy, who were on the scene 37 seconds after the alarm sounded." More remarkable was the fact that no one was killed in the explosion and subsequent fire. The A. C. President declared that remodeling would begin immediately and that everyone would receive credit for the class since the remodeling would not be completed by the end of the term (Spectrum, April 21, 1922, p. 1).
In 1952, the Chemistry Building became officially known as Ladd Hall in honor of President E. F. Ladd who was also the first dean of the School of Chemistry and the planner of the chemistry building. In attendance were Ladd's widow and his son D. Milton Ladd, assistant to the director of the FBI (Beacon Across the Prairie, p. 200 and Fargo Forum, June 3, 1952, p. 16). Ladd came to NDAC in 1890 to become Professor of Chemistry at the college and chemist at the Agricultural Experiment Station. During his tenure at the Agricultural College, Professor Ladd served as chemist, Dean of the School of Chemistry and Pharmacy, and became president of the institution in 1916 where he served until being elected to the United States Senate in 1921 with the support of the Nonpartisan League. Professor Ladd became most noted for his work in the area of food adulteration and the pure food laws. In 1902 he was appointed State Food Commissioner which he held until 1921. Through Ladd's efforts the North Dakota legislature passed several bills aimed at eliminating adulteration in various products earning him a state and national reputation.
In the mid 1970s, Ladd Hall underwent a three phase remodeling project. Phase I called for the remodeling of the third floor concentrating on the organic and analytical laboratories including their electricity, plumbing and gas as well as their floors and hallways. Phase II finished the remodeling on the third floor and added a new laboratory, constructed an instrument room for mass spectrometers and computers on the second floor, and created an instructors office core on the main floor. Phase III remodeled organic, electrical, physical and theoretical chemistry laboratories, a resource center, a new instrument room and remodeled glass-blowing laboratory. The first two floors also received a new ventilation system and the hallways and stairwells were enclosed to meet fire regulations. Finally, three new offices replaced the existing office space. The total cost of Phase I through III (remodeling the entire 34,800 square feet of Ladd Hall) was $1,246,000 versus $2,610,000 if the building had been replaced (It's Happening at State June 26, 1974; February 11, 1976; October 18, 1978).
Today, Ladd Hall still houses the Chemistry Department and many of the chemistry laboratories.
Architectural Information
"Collegiate Gothic, three stories; dark red Hebron brick laid in a Flemish bond, ellow rough sandstone foundation and trim; slightly crenelated parapet and four story central tower. It was the first campus structure to deviate from the light brick and the first fire-proof construction. Probably designed by Haxby and Gillespie, architects." (National Register of Historic Places Inventory - Nomination Form, Summer 1982, p. 4)
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University Archives, 701-231-8914 Published by the University Archives, NDSU Last Updated: 8/27/04 |