Main Building/Red Doors

The last stop of our tour is where it all started. The first main building was erected in 1888. In 1903 there was a fire that caused devastation to the building and it was re-built. It was re-built by Nicholas J. Clayton and he went with the Gothic Revival Style. In 1873 St. Edward’s was a male catholic schools that taught the local farm boys. It wasn’t until 1921 that college-level courses were added. In 1925, St. Edward’s finally became a university. Interestingly enough, St. Edward’s was an academy and flying school during WWII. Main building has been renovated several times, and one of those we were all here to witness. Classes are still held here, but it is mainly the place for administration offices. Now onto the red doors. The red doors are probably what people picture when they hear St. Edward’s. There are traditions that go with the red doors such as walking through them as a freshman and walking out of them as a senior. Along with the building, the red doors have had to be re-done due to damage. In the most recent fire, the doors weren’t completely damaged and weren’t replaced. If you look closely you can see evidence of the fire.