Founders Hall [Stuck in Vermont 640]

Founders Hall [Stuck in Vermont 640]

Founders Hall is the oldest building on the Saint Michael’s College campus in Colchester. The Catholic school dates back to 1904, and over the college’s lifetime, Founders Hall has filled many roles: chapel, dormitory, library, dining hall, classroom, gymnasium and administrative offices. The structure began as an 1860s farmhouse and was transformed in the early 1900s into the massive four-story brick establishment that anchors the intersection of Route 15 and Lime Kiln Road.

The price tag for renovating this iconic edifice was estimated to be $12 million to $15 million, and after extensive deliberations, it was decided that the building was no longer salvageable. But instead of taking this historic structure down with a wrecking ball, a crew is slowly stripping it of any useful items that can be repurposed. The copper pipes, cast-iron radiators, wires, slate and bricks will find new homes.

Eva got a tour of the partially picked-over building with James “Buzz” Surwilo of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation and Charles Wadleigh of Casella Construction. She met Patrick Branley of Wardsboro Brick Salvage as he removed old cement from each of the salvaged bricks with a hammer. She also got a peek inside the Saint Michael’s archives and spoke with archivist Elizabeth Scott about the building’s significance to the college.

The cupola, or bell tower, crowned with a cross — which can be seen on the St. Mike’s logo — came down in mid-May and will be restored by the college. The rest of the building will be demolished by September, and a park is planned for the space. The bell tower will sit in its original spot as a memorial to the building.

Music: Sir Cubworth, “Bittersweet Waltz” & “First Sleep”

Filming dates: 5/21/21, 5/24/21, 5/28/21

This episode of Stuck in Vermont was supported by New England Federal Credit Union.

[monicafarrington]

Thank you, Eva, for this beautifully done piece. You captured the spirit of Vermont and the work ethic here. We don't waste. We value materials and the work that went into them. What a joy to hear the workers speak so lovingly and with precise knowledge of their work. This video will be historically valuable for generations to come.

[lisakusel]

Whoa, what a great story this was, Eva. So informative. Thank you.

[bouchdr]

I lived in the annex which was attached to Founders. The attic of the annex is loaded with artifacts from the early days.

[dfazzuoli]

So sad to see this. I lived 3 of my 4 years at St. Mike's in Founder's Hall. Class of 1980. I wonder if you can still see my initials I carved in the bell tower back in '79?

[mgtowp.l.]

I Love Vermont.. Vermonters Have Got So Much Pride In The State. Just Like Texas Have of Lots Of Pride In Texas.. Just Listen To "Texas Our Texas" Being Sung.. That Is Real Pride..

[bradrosa]

Alumni take: This is an absolutely disgraceful move by the school. They've been spending money like drunken sailors for the last 20 years on new construction but didn't take care of this building. They are of course trying to spin it by their woke demolition.