Old Queens and Class of 1902 Memorial Gateway seen from Bleecker Place (now Voorhees Mall) seen in the early 1900’s. Old Queen’s was Queen’s College’s (now Rutgers University’s) first building, and construction began in 1808. Due to financial difficulties and the outbreak of the War of 1812 where the college closed, the building was not finished until 1825. That year, the money for the cupola was donated by Stephen Van Rensellaer and it was built on. Even though the building was not complete, classes started being held there as early as 1811. Designed by John McComb Jr., the brownstone building is regarded by architectural experts as one of the best examples of federal architecture. The money for the cupola was donated by Stephen Van Rensellaer in 1825. Originally, the building housed every aspect of the college including offices, classrooms, and dining. Since the first photo was taken, air conditioning units have been added to some of the building’s windows and trees have come and gone around it. Currently the building houses the office of the president and other elites in the university’s administration.

The Class of 1902 Memorial Gateway, erected in 1904, opens Queens Campus up from Hamilton St. As the old myth goes, if a student walks under the gate more than once before graduating, they will not graduate. The brownstone columns along with the metal arch were restored within the last ten years, hence why they look pristine today. A wheelchair accessible ramp leading into Hamilton St has since been added. Also, a brownstone wall was added in the 1910’s around the campus, going down George and Hamilton St.

4. Old Queens From the Front of Queens Campus, 1930