Date of Acquisition: 1903
Date of Construction: 1809
Current Function: offices; Alumni and University Relations
Dr. Palmer Chamberlain, who eventually became a trustee of Delaware College, built the dwelling now known as Alumni Hall in 1809. The three-bay, two-and-one-half-story main block has a two-pile, side-passage plan. Arched dormer windows, Flemish bond brick and an elaborate fanlight over the entry ornament the facade. Two stucco wings, one to the east and one to the rear, extend the space of the house. The east wing features a porch with Doric columns.
Dr. Chamberlain's widow remained in the house until 1870. Their daughter, Hannah Chamberlain, operated a school in Old College while Delaware College was closed from 1859 to 1870 . She later became principal of Newark Academy.
John Watson Evans, also a trustee, bought the house in 1870 and sold it to Delaware College in 1903. The library was located here from 1909 to 1916. During the influenza epidemic of 1918, a community hospital operated in the structure. For many years the college referred to the building as Purnell House (or Purnell Hall), naming it after a former president of the school. Other uses over the years include fraternity housing (Kappa Alpha, 1904-1909), YMCA offices, faculty offices, and the current Alumni Association offices. Alumni Hall has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973.
