Dare to step back in time to the late 19th century. We are standing before Snell-Hitchcock Halls. These halls have stood as silent witnesses to countless student stories. Today, we will explore the unique history and vibrant culture of this iconic residence at the University of Chicago.
Snell-Hitchcock Halls, or Snitchcock as it is affectionately known, comprises Amos Jerome Snell Hall and Charles Hitchcock Hall. Snell Hall was erected in 1892. Hitchcock Hall followed in 1901. These are the oldest residence halls still in use on the university’s campus.
Amos Jerome Snell Hall was funded by Henrietta Snell. The money she donated was from unclaimed reward money. This reward money was for the unsolved murder of her husband Amos Jerome Snell. Charles Hitchcock Hall got its name from Charles Hitchcock. He was a prominent lawyer who lived in Hyde Park. He left the University money in his will to build the hall. His wife Annie Hitchcock also donated art for the hall and library. She frequently visited the dorm.
Snell Hall was one of the first women’s dorms on a coeducational campus. However, it housed women for only two quarters. Once the intended women’s dorm opened, Snell was turned over to the men. Hitchcock Hall is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Notice the architecture. Snell Hall is built in a Collegiate Gothic style. Hitchcock is Prairie Style-inspired Gothic. Look closely and you’ll see stone corn husks instead of gargoyles. These buildings feature fireplaces and exteriors of limestone. They also feature hardwood molding and trim.
Did you know that Snell-Hitchcock is known for its strong community spirit? This is best displayed at the annual University of Chicago Scavenger Hunt. As of 2015, the Snell-Hitchcock team had won 14 of the 29 hunts to date. It holds the longest winning streak with four years.
Hitchcock Hall is built in the European landing style of dormitory. It features five stairwells linked through the front cloister and basement. However, only the basement is used now. This ensures the building is more secure. Each interior section consists of two floors of double rooms. The fourth floor has two suites with a living room and separate bedroom. Many rooms have non-working fireplaces.
Let’s talk mascots. Hitchcock House’s mascot is the armadillo. Snell House’s mascot is the tortoise. It was recently changed from a monkey.
The main lounge in Hitchcock, the Green Room, is a large reading room. It has a tiled floor, a grand piano, and a working fireplace. Portraits of Charles Hitchcock, Annie Hitchcock, and Daniel Shorey adorn the walls.
Snell Hall is half the size of Hitchcock. It houses approximately 50 residents on four floors. All the rooms are singles except for a two-room suite on the second floor. Three floors are mixed-sex. The third floor is women-only. The Tea Room is Snell’s main lounge. It features oak paneling and a non-working fireplace. You may find a dog-eared copy of John Rechy’s novel “The Sexual Outlaw.”
The residents of Snell-Hitchcock share many traditions. They also share a table in the dining halls. A unique tradition is the annual magazine called The Section Six. It is a collection of profiles, jokes, and words from the dorm’s leadership. The publication’s name comes from the fact that Hitchcock is made up of five towers, labeled 1–5. The annual is supposed to be the sixth “tower.”
As we conclude our visit to Snell-Hitchcock Halls, remember the rich history and vibrant community. These halls represent the enduring spirit of the University of Chicago. They stand as a testament to the power of tradition and the bonds of student life.