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• 1 media/bunce-Normal-School-01.jpg 2018-11-16T15:17:35+00:00 Glassboro Normal School 16 image_header 2018-12-13T21:08:36+00:00

  The building featured in this undated photograph, known as Bunce Hall today, opened on September 23, 1923 as the Glassboro Normal School (located at 39° 42' 23.57" and -75° 07' 3.83" ).  In this black and white photograph from Marilyn Plaskett, the Glassboro Normal School is seen standing alone in its natural, landscape. The camera is facing the front side of the building at a slight angle. A strong, sturdy tree line can be seen from behind, while there are three trees posing in the front. The grassy field leads the way down to the front steps. The American flag raised on its staff is flying high. This photograph depicts that it was a windy day with large, grey clouds resting in the sky above the school.
  
  In the early 1900’s the state’s two normal schools were located in Trenton and Montclair, which left south Jersey with a shortage of school teachers. In 1917, when plans were being constructed for a new normal school, 107 Glassboro residents raised more than $7,000 to purchase 25 acres, which they offered to the state for free if the borough was selected as the normal school site. The 25 acres purchased for the prospective normal school was previously owned by the Whitney family, owners of the Whitney Glass Works during the 1800s, and included the Whitney mansion and carriage house.  This tremendous demonstration of support for the normal school, along with the site's natural beauty, convinced the selection committee that Glassboro was the perfect location for New Jersey’s third normal school. Railroad accessibility and it’s thriving agricultural economy also made Glassboro an optimal location in South Jersey.

  The Glassboro Normal School’s main objective at the time it opened was to educate teachers and integrate them into South Jersey’s classrooms.  The first class entering the Glassboro Normal School consisted of 236 students pursuing teacher training. As the Normal School grew in enrollment, it expanded curricular and degree offerings, beyond teacher training, to students.  In 1958, the Normal School became Glassboro State College and the original building became known as Bunce Hall, after the second president of Glassboro State, Dr. Edgar J. Bunce. In 1997, Glassboro State College became Rowan University and Bunce Hall remained an academic building.  Bunce Hall also contains the Elizabeth Tohill Theatre, a performing arts venue where students perform for a public audience.

  Symbolically, Bunce Hall serves as the beginning and ending to a student’s journey at Rowan University today.  Bunce Hall Green is where students gather their first year at Orientation and later conclude their academic journey at Rowan University during Commencement ceremonies.  Bunce Hall, the original Glassboro Normal School, remains a meaningful site in the history and heritage of Glassboro residents and students alike.