History of Westhampton College: The first 12 years

"Built according to the architects’ specifications, the Westhampton College building, known today as North Court, was constructed of handmade dark red brick with blue, gold, and black tile inlays and the finest quality marble and slate. Substantially constructed with a framework of steel set in concrete, steel stairways with slate threads, and concrete window frames with bronze slashes." North Court became the official first building for Westhampton College, a college only for women affiliated to Richmond College and founded in 1914.

"The dining room was English style with vaulted ceilings of dark wood. The balcony which overlooked the dining room was used as a passage for the kitchen workers, who were housed upstairs in what became later known as the Rat Hole."

“The total Westhampton enrollment in 1914 consisted of 82 students, divided by classes as follows: 11 Seniors, 9 Juniors, 13 Sophomores, 48 Freshmen and one special student. Thirty-eight lived in the dormitory; 44 commuted from the Richmond area. Twice daily the old black bus drawn by two mules transported the town students up and down hill from the street car stop.” 

“The peace and tranquility of the pines and tower were broken in 1918 when United States government asked for the use of the campus as a base hospital…wounded soldiers who had been transported by ship from France back to the US could easily be sent by train to Richmond. As of June 1, 1918, the entire property, including eventually three professors’ residences, was leased to the government for 13 months…The women’s dormitory on the crest of the hill became a real hospital, known as the “General Hospital #2.” All parlors and the reading room were turned into wards, while the chapel and old Latin class room became operating rooms.”

“The gvmt retained possession of the buildings on campus until June 1, 1919.”

“With the move back to Westhampton one of the new structures, the Red Cross Building, was put to use as a gymnasium for Westhampton students.”

"Just listen to the response when fifteen "rahs!" for Crenshaw is proposed. Evey student of Westhampton joins in with her heartiest cheer and feels a delicious thrill when for once she can give full voice to her approval of "our coach." -The Spider, 1915

"Practically every student in [Westhampton] college has taken part in basket-ball, gymnasium, track or tennis. And why? The only great reason is because Westhampton has as her physical director a woman who is herself an enthusiast in all forms of athletics and who has the power of inspiration and of instilling in every student the right spirit and a love of true sport." -The Spider, 1915

May Keller was Westhampton College's first dean. She was a great advocate for women's rights and led to the development of University of Richmond as we know it today. In 1920, Keller wrote a letter to the then University of Richmond President, Frederick W. Boatwright, condemning institutional sexism in the university, demanding higher salaries for female staff and critiquing University governance for its absence of women.

"In 1925, Miss Keller added an outstanding feature to the Westhampton’s campus when she built her residence, a red brick English Cottage, in a secluded wooded section on the campus’ edge. She selected Merrill Lee, who had worked with the Boston firm of Ralph Adams Cram, the leading American architect of the Collegiate Gothic style employed by the University, as the building’s designer…student clubs, faculty suppers, commencement and birthday parties all took place in the first-floor rooms."

“On September 21, 1920, the name “University of Richmond” was legally adopted, creating a corporation known as the University of Richmond, with Richmond College for Men and Westhampton College for Women as co-ordinate undergraduate divisions.”