“Was that a shadow vanishing down the corridor…or something else?” That question was posed about Margery Reed Building in a 2009 article. Today, we’ll delve into the intriguing story of this vital building at the University of Denver.
Completed in 1928, Margery Reed Building shares a similar gothic architectural style with Mary Reed Hall. But Margery Reed Building has its own unique past. This includes rumors of hauntings and a hidden work of art.
Margery Reed was the eldest child of philanthropists Mary and Verner Reed. She graduated from DU in 1919 with a degree in English. Later, she became an assistant professor in the English department. While a student, Margery met Paul Mayo. He was an adjunct faculty member and DU alumnus. They married. Sadly, tragedy struck in May 1925. Margery Reed died at only 30 years old after a trip to Peru. The cause of death was believed to be a disease contracted on the trip.
However, some speculate a darker reason for her sudden death. Rumors persist of a falling out with her husband. Some say he used an exotic poison on her while in Peru. Denver historian Phil Goodstein pointed out that the Reeds were wealthy. This could be a motive for murder. Paul Mayo inherited a large sum after his wife’s death.
Regardless of the cause, Mary Reed commemorated her daughter. She donated funds to build Margery Reed Building. A statue of the mother and daughter reading once stood here. It served as a reminder of the Reed’s significance to DU. The statue has since been moved to the center of campus.
For years, Margery Reed Building housed the theater department. Actors reported spooky occurrences. Flickering lights, strange echoes, and mishaps during performances were common. Publications even warned playgoers about wandering through the building alone.
The Reiman Theater is one of the most striking rooms in Margery Reed Building. It holds a magnificent Art Nouveau mural. Celebrated Colorado artist John E. Thompson painted it in 1929. Thompson considered the mural one of his most important works.
But, just a year after completion, the university’s new theater director painted over it with black paint. He deemed Shakespeare “out of date”. The mural was hidden for over 80 years. It was rediscovered in 2007 and restored in 2014.
The restoration highlights the importance of preserving DU’s history. Margery Reed, like her mother, plays a significant role at DU and beyond. Today, Margery Reed Building houses departments from the Daniels College of Business after being renovated in 2014. So, as you explore this building, remember the woman it honors and the stories it holds.