The Gothic Revival style building in this 6"x4.5" black and white photograph was the Crete Academy Building where Doane College was initially started. Younger trees have been planted around the building with more mature trees on the outer perimeter.
The Crete Academy Building was built in 1871 and served as the first location for Doane College classes as well as housing for students. Built by the Congregational Church, it served as both classrooms and board until the construction of Merrill Hall in 1879. At that time classes were moved from the Academy Building to Merrill Hall. Female student requiring housing also moved into Merrill Hall taking up residence on the top floor. The Academy Building was used by Doane College until 1885. It was torn down in 1900.
Sources: 1) Thomas D. Perry, History of Doane College 1872 to 1912 Crete, Nebraska (Doane College Crete, Nebraska, 1957), 7. 2) Janet L. Jeffries, Images of America, Crete (South Carolina, Arcadia Publishing, 2012), 65.
