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The Collecting Net

Winter 2008, Vol. 4, No. 1 | Index



Looking Back


This image of the 1899 Physiology Course (left) is just one of the many historic course photos in the MBL archives’ collection. The photo was taken in Room 102 of the Old Main building, the first building constructed at MBL. Old Main was located in the space between what is now the Rowe and Loeb laboratories. In fact, portions of the Old Main foundations are still visible in the MBL quandrangle.



Old Main, 1892, Photo by Baldwin Coolidge
Built in 1888, Old Main (left) was a two-story frame-shingled structure that cost less than four thousand dollars to construct. By the third session of the MBL (in 1890), the institution had already outgrown the building and an “ell” was added. A mere two years later, a third side was constructed, forming the “U-shape” of the final building. By 1894, the MBL had again expanded beyond its capacity and the purchase of land and construction of additional buildings began. Being of wooden construction and unable to meet modern fire codes, Old Main was torn down in 1969.






The Collecting Net is an employee newsletter published by the Communications Office. Comments and suggestions are welcome. Call (508) 289-7423 or e-mail us at