The College of Philomath— A History of the Building In 1865, local settlers decided to build a college. They platted a city they called "Philomath," for "love of learning," and sold lots to raise money. As a result of their efforts, Philomath College opened in 1867. In the 1880s, a doctrinal split divided members of the United Brethren Church, which owned Philomath College. A break-away group built the new College of Philomath in 1890, but it and its replacement burned to the ground. The current building, the third at the site, was built in 1909. The College of Philomath faced ongoing financial problems and closed in 1913. Philomath College bought the building in 1922 as its Conservatory of Music. However, it faced financial problems as well and closed in 1929. The College of Philomath building was next used as a grade school. Philomath School District leased the "Hill School" as it was called until 1949, when Philomath Elementary School opened. The College of Philomath building was then modified for apartments, and its history was all but forgotten. Our Mission The College of Philomath Community Corporation (CPCC) is a non profit group dedicated to rehabilitating the College of Philomath building so that it is a vibrant part of the community. Our goal is to preserve the building's historic charm while creating a cozy community space that houses: A senior center on the main and top floors with space for informal gatherings, classes, meetings, and special events A commercial kitchen on the top floor providing hot meals for seniors five days per week A non-profit preschool on the ground floor - Philomath Montessori School College of Philomath Renovation Project We need YOUR help with volunteer Projects The College of Philomath was renovated in the 1970s and placed on the National Register of Historic Places. We believe that the College of Philomath building deserves a similar, sensitive renovation. The College of Philomath Community Learning Center will be a place where young and old can . . . Meet with friends Learn and grow Enjoy special events Access important services The Architecture In addition to its historical significance, the College of Philomath is also a beautifully constructed three-story building. Once rehabilitated, the building's exterior will resemble historic photographs and will qualify it for a place in the National Register of Historic Places. Through the guidance of local architect Cy Stadsvold, the building's restored interior will preserve rich architectural details while satisfying today's needs and meeting modern safety codes. Amenities will include: Expansive views stretching from Three Sisters to Marys Peak A commercial grade kitchen providing hot meals five days per week An elevator providing easy access for seniors Meeting rooms in a variety of sizes, including a spacious (1,500-sq-ft) room that can be used for special events Storage space with chairs and tables that can be easily accessed for events Plaques recognizing donors and providing historical information and photographs The Senior Center Our goal is to create a comfortable space where seniors can meet with friends, take classes, work on community projects, enjoy musical and dramatic performances, have hot meals, and receive important services. The specific programs offered will depend on what seniors themselves request. However, current plans for the renovated building include space for: Informal socializing Entertainment programs such as music Community projects, such as collecting local oral histories or archiving photos Classes of special interest to seniors Medical screening and information Consultation services on topics such as Medicare, insurance, taxes, hospice, and community assistance for the elderly A Senior Meals/Meals on Wheels program providing hot meals five days per week A drop box for local utilities A hub for transportation services Help us kick off our capital campaign! Donations are greatly appreciated and will make this renovation project a reality. If you would like to be a donor for the College of Philomath Community Corporation please send your tax-deductible donation to: CPCC PO Box 1033 Philomath , OR 97370 Volunteer Projects Please consider helping us out with these projects. Contact us and volunteer today! 1) We need two volunteers to weedwhack the tall grass on the west side of the building 2) We need two volunteers to weed the rock garden on the south side between the sidewalk and building. 3) We need two volunteers to weedwhack the grass on the south side of building between the sidewalk and building (the embankment).