Sunset Cottage

From KCpedia

Origins

Sunset Cottage was originally built in 1858 by Francis Wharton, the first Professor of English at Kenyon College. The building was originally used as a residential home. In 1977, discussion arose over the renaming the building. Names under consideration included Cahall House, after Professor Raymond D. Cahall, who, along with his family, occupied the building until his death in 1964, and was a major volunteer and monetary contributor to the College. The name Wharton House was also considered, as a means of commemorating its builder, Francis Wharton. Eventually, however, discussion died down, and the name remains Sunset Cottage.

Use of the Building

In its capacity as a residential home, Sunset has housed three college presidents and several professors, including Francis Wharton, until 1978 when it became the home of the English department after it moved from the Nu Pi Kappa Hall. Sunset Cottage was the last house on Kenyon Hill to be used for purposes other than residency. Sunset Cottage is now fully occupied, with both faculty offices and larger rooms used as seminar rooms for classes and lectures. The department's move to Sunset Cottage created a much more cohesive environment, and its central location is popular with both faculty and students.

Resources in the Kenyon Archives

Sunset Cottage -- collected materials