Memory's Eye: Northwest corner of Main and University

This photo of the north side of West University, looking east toward Main Street, was taken by Clarence Whitbey about 1967.  The Houghton Power Center, located in the old Swayze Livery building, and the Rosier-Butts-Swayze house, located on the corner, were torn down about 1970.  The Standard gas station seen in the background stood across Main on the northeast corner, where Knapp's Donut Shoppe stands today.  After the old livery and the house were torn down, the gas station moved across Main to the northwest corner, where it is located today, and the donut shoppe was built on its former location.  Some years later, the Rochester Apothecary building, somewhat reminiscent in style of the old livery, was built along the alley. The only building that appears in both the 1967 and current photos is the Peter Lomason house, which still stands at 113-115 East University and can be seen in the far right background of the frame.

This Month in Rochester History

In October 1965, Matilda Dodge Wilson laid the cornerstone for a new building on the campus of Oakland University, the school to which she and her late husband, Alfred G. Wilson, had donated their 1,500-acre estate.  Mrs. Wilson participated in the ceremony during her 82nd birthday celebration on October 19, 1965, as university officials christened the new building Wilson Hall in her honor.

Wilson Hall was designed by the Detroit architecture firm of O'Dell, Hewlett & Luckenbach, which was best-known for the design of Ford Auditorium.  Wilson Hall opened to students in 1966, and is the home of Meadow Brook Theatre.

To watch a short video on Matilda Dodge Wilson and her legacy at Oakland University, click here.