Fire destroyed Cotter Hall early Monday morning, June 12, 2006 on the Winona campus of Saint Mary's University of Minnesota.
University Statement to the SMU Community
Cotter Hall History
Saint Mary's Magazine (Fall 2004) - "Cotter Rats" story
News Coverage
Cotter Hall (archive photo)
Built in 1876, the mansion — now known as Cotter Hall — was the home of C.C. Beck, a well-known civic and business leader who ran a hardware store and a brewery in Winona. Built by Charles Maybury, the architect who constructed the Winona County Courthouse and Saint Stanislaus Catholic Church in Winona, the building was constructed of the finest materials. Solid hardwoods, carved staircases, French plated glass, Winona stone lintels adorning most windows, and a fireplace made from seven types of marble lavishly accented the solid structure. Additionally, Beck owned much land in the area, including the current Saint Mary’s University campus.
After Beck’s passing and his family moved on, the residence and the property were acquired by the Diocese of Winona. In 1912, Bishop Heffron began Saint Mary’s College. Just over 20 years later, the Christian Brothers initiated an agreement to purchase the College from the diocese. At that point, Christian Brothers and young men studying to become Brothers resided in the home. It was also used as a dormitory for Saint Mary’s College until 1990. The building has been used for storage since that time. At the time of the fire, the university was considering plans for renovation.
Cotter Hall after fire
(Photo by Bob Conover)
 
(Photos by Monta May)
|
