Neihardt Residence Hall
Raymond Hall
Carrie Bell Raymond Hall, the original wing of Neihardt Residential Center opened formally on October 8, 1932 (although students moved in September 10th.) On campus there was a plethora of housing for men, with all of the fraternities, however due to the decline in women’s boarding houses downtown, there was no such space for women in the vicinity of the university.
Facts and Figures
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Architect: Davis & Wilson
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Style: Georgian Colonial
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Cost: $269,000
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Capacity: 170
Upon its construction, the hall could hold 170 women and featured many living rooms on the western wing of the first floor with a large dining room and kitchen filling the east wing (these are now the blue TV lounge and Honor’s offices respectively.) Many of the ‘living rooms’ still have the original furniture to the building although they have been re-upholstered. The room that is currently the Residence Director’s apartment was once the library and the mailroom another living room receiving area known as the red room. Student rooms filled the 2nd and 3rd floors, with two small living rooms/lounges on each floor. The rooms were furnished with: two beds, chairs and desks, a sink with hot water, a double clothes closet, and a double study desk
Carrie Bell Raymond
Carrie Bell Raymond (born July 3rd 1897 in South Valley New York) was a prominent figure in the musical scene in early Lincoln. She was a member of First Congregational Church, where she became the first organist. She started many vocal programs and festivals, in addition to arranging pieces and performing and teaching music. She was selected as an organist for the Pan American Exposition in Buffalo, NY. When First Congregational and Plymouth Congregational merged in 1923, she continued as the organist in addition to many other vocal teacher contributions. in 1924 she was the recipient of the Kiwanis club's Distinguished Service Award. In all she was the choir director and organist for the churches for a total of 40 years.
In addition to her contributions to the greater community in Lincoln, she had a prolific career at the University of Nebraska Lincoln as well. She was appointed Director of Vocal Music in 1892 by Chancellor Canfield. While at the university, she was the director of the university orchestra and began the University Chorus. Here she remained until her death of Heart disease on October 3, 1927. Written in the Daily Nebraskan on the day after her passing, " In her hands music became a subtle vibrant force which lifted men and women to new heights of appreciation."
Original Floor Plans
There has been very little change to the general floor plans of the hall, the second and third floors are nearly exactly the same with the exception of the parlors being converted to Resident Assistant rooms at the end of each hallway. Another smaller change was the expansion of the 'Social Director's' quarters into the location of the library to create the Residence Director's apartment. In addition the first floor featured some student rooms whereas now those, while mostly retaining the original structure have been converted into office spaces.
