Frier Hall

Frier Hall

Originally know as the generic “Science Building,” Frier Hall opened on the north campus in 1950, and later was renamed “Frier” in honor of Della and Thomas Frier. After the building of a new science structure in 1964, became the home of the forestry and journalism programs for twenty eight years. After the building of the Southwest Forestry Science Complex in 1992, the department of Geology moved to Frier Hall. Today, the building continues to serve geology faculty, staff, and students with classroom spaces, laboratories, and offices.

Students entering the Science Building in 1951.

Notably, Frier Hall houses the Sherman Mifflin Smith Seismic Observatory and Arizona Earthquake Information Center, which monitors and studies earthquakes in northern and central Arizona.

Frier Hall in 1983.

Similar to other building on north campus, the architectural design of Frier Hall features symmetry through two parallel wings around a central entrance and is an element of the Colonial Revival style, a style of architecture reminiscent of American Colonial architecture built by early English and Dutch settlers. The building also features a hip roof constructed from metal, patterned stonework in red Coconino sandstone. Frier Hall was the last campus building built from this material.

Students for a forestry summer camp in front of Frier Hall in 1961.

Della and Thomas Frier

Della and Thomas Frier, a Flagstaff couple, owned a cattle ranch near Lake Mary. Della Frier in particular was a passionate advocate for scientific and social welfare for men and women.

Frier Hall in 1966

Della Frier served as Grand Matron of the Arizona chapter of the Eastern Star, a Masonic organization with a strong focus on charity. She left $150,000 of stock in her will to the Arizona State College in Flagstaff for student scholarships.

Today

Today, Frier Hall continues to be the home of the Geology department and classes at NAU.

Bibliography

Cline, Platt. Mountain Campus: The Story of Northern Arizona University. Northland Press, 1983.

Drickamer, Lee C and Peter Runge. Northern Arizona University: Buildings as History. University of Arizona Press, 2011.

Authors

Emily Morgan, Louie’s Legacy Intern

Abby, Morgan, and Bri (HUM 195 Fall 2020)