Johnson House

Date

1885-1911 (private); 1911-present (college)

Location

216 South Professor Street

Architects/Collaborators

George Horatio Smith, Cleveland (architect)

Style

Victorian: Queen Anne

History

Formerly the home of Mr. And Mrs. Albert H. Johnson, the Johnson House, built in 1885, and approximately twenty-five acres of land surrounding it were purchased by Charles Martin Hall in 1911 and presented to the College. During the years from 1912 to 1916 the offices, classrooms, and laboratories of Oberlin Academy (preparatory school operated by the College) were located in this building. Beginning in 1920 the Johnson House was used as a house of residence for women of the Conservatory of Music. It provided rooming accommodations for thirty-three women, who took their meals elsewhere. Johnson House was discontinued as a college dormitory in 1964, but underwent an exterior restoration in 1980 and is now used again as Hebrew Heritage House. It is the only residence hall designated solely for Jewish students.

Sources

Hebrew Heritage House, Oberlin College Resed Housing website accessed May 27, 2015.

Oberlin College Archives, Office of the Secretary Records.