Carrigan Dairy Science Hall

Carrigan Dairy Science Hall housed University of Vermont’s Food Science Program for over 50 years. Designed by Fred Larson in 1949 to accommodate the enrollment boom following World War II, Carrigan Dairy Science Hall housed offices, laboratories, a milk bottling plant and even a dairy bar. [1] In October 1949, it was announced that the Joseph L. Hills agricultural building as well as the Carrigan Dairy Science Hall would be completed that fall, following two years of planning and a year of construction. [2] [3] According to the Burlington Free Press, on the day of the ceremony, "[Dairy] students dressed in white uniforms will guide visitors through the building and explain the operation of equipment." [4] The dairy bar sold sandwiches, coffee, and ice-cream made by the agriculture students. The dairy bar was student run for 40 years; however, following budget cuts, it could no longer function as a student enterprise. Eventually, UVM ice-cream came to be replaced by Swords Family Farm Products. The dairy bar, with its old-fashioned stools and lively music was the place where Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield (Ben & Jerry’s) first got into the ice-cream business. [5]

A time capsule was placed in the cornerstone of Carrigan Dairy Science Hall. The following items were listed as being in the time capsule: “UVM directory, UVM bulletin, Dean Hills’ picture, "Five and Fifty Years,” a brochure of the Vermont Experiment Station by Dean Hills, cablegram from Dean Joseph E. Carrigan, program of cornerstone-laying ceremonies, report of the College of Agriculture, list of members of Agriculture College Advisory Committee, and copies of several ceremony speeches." [6]

In 1997, Carrigan underwent major renovations to create space for one of the fastest growing fields; Food Sciences. The renovation was funded by $250,000 from the Vermont legislature, and another $250,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Renovations included making the building handicapped accessible, improvements to make the building code compliant and installing new wiring. [7]

In January 2006, students and faculty were relocated to the Marsh Life Sciences Building in preparation for the demolition of Carrigan Dairy Science Hall. On February 7, 2006, deconstruction began on the exterior of Carrigan to make way for the new Dudley Davis Center. Deconstruction of Carrigan was a key-step in the construction of the Davis Center, and approximately 75% of the materials from Carrigan were re-used as fill on the Davis Center project. [8]

[1] Susan Harlow, “Carrigan Renovation to benefit businesses,” University of Vermont Record 15 (31 January-13 February 1997).

[2] Alumni News 1949 clipping found in building information file at Special Collections at the University of Vermont.

[3] Burlington Free Press July 1949 newspaper clipping found at Special Collections of University of Vermont.

[4] Burlington Free Press July 1949 newspaper clipping found at Special Collections of University of Vermont.

[5] Jeffrey Wakefield, “Carrigan Deconstruction to Make Way for New Student Center,” 7 February 2006. Article found in the Dudley Davis Center building information file at Special Collections of University of Vermont.

[6] Burlington Free Press July 1949 newspaper clipping found at Special Collections of University of Vermont.

[7] Susan Harlow, “Carrigan Renovation to benefit businesses,” University of Vermont Record 15 (31 January -13 February 1997).

[8] Jeffrey Wakefield, “Carrigan Deconstruction to Make Way for New Student Center,” 7 February 2006. Article found in the Dudley Davis Center building information file at Special Collections of University of Vermont.