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History of Pomeroy Hall (4) Sixty students were enrolled in the Medical College when the building was expanded in 1858, but by 1877 the number had increased to ninety, again causing a need for more space. In 1879 funds were raised and used to build an addition of the rear of the 1858 rear ell of the Medical College building. The 18 feet by 35 feet addition was two and a half stories with a gable roof and clapboard siding, and measured 18 feet by 35 feet. During the same time the lecture room on the first floor was painted and its seating capacity was increased to 200. On the second floor the museum was "thoroughly fitted up." The third floor amphitheater was enlarged and its seats reupholstered. Gas was also introduced to the building at this time presumably for lighting and use for experiments.22 The total cost of the of the addition and renovations was $2,116.81, of which $1,957.38 was paid for by public subscription and the remainder of $159.43 was paid for by the Medical College faculty.23 According a Burlington Free Press article of January 30, 1880:
In 1882, just two years after the second addition was completed, the number of medical students enrolled at the University of Vermont had more than doubled and the Medical College building was again found to be insufficient. Another large addition or a new building was needed to accommodate the increasing size of the school.24
In response to this need Burlington philanthropist John Purple Howard bought the "Underwood Place" located on Pearl Street at the north end of the University Green, and offered to convert it to a new Medical College building. Howard made this offer on the condition that the University spend a minimum of $250 dollars a year to maintain it. He also proposed to demolish the interior of the existing Medical College building and convert it into a gymnasium for the University.25 The University accepted the offer of Mr. Howard and the new Medical College building is dedicated March 6, 1884. An article in the University Cynic, however, recommends that the old Medical College building be converted into a boarding house rather than a gymnasium, which they feel should be more centrally located.26
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