6/7/2009:
Putnam Hall, a university landmark and current home of NDSU's College of Business Administration, began its academic career in 1903 with a full-fledged letter campaign to philanthropist and steel-magnate, Andrew Carnegie. School supporters hoped to secure funds for both a library and chapel at the North Dakota Agricultural College, but Carnegie repeatedly refused their requests. The school was undeterred, and Carnegie eventually relented; granting the North Dakota Agricultural College $15,000 for a new building. The College wasted little time getting the project moving, and on June 7, 1905, within a few months of receiving funds, laid the building's cornerstone.
Considered spacious at the time of construction, the Carnegie library eventually became outmoded and was replaced. But in 1952 the old library was given a new lease on life; refashioned to house the Music Department, and renamed in honor of the school's first band director, "Doc" Putnam.
Dakota Datebook written by Lane Sunwall
Sources
"Putnam Hall History", North Dakota State University www.lib.ndsu.nodak.edu/exhibits/ndsubuildings/Putnam/history.html (accessed May 26, 2009).