Fire again played a part in the history of Old Mill when lightning struck on 1918. By the time it was extinguished, the blaze had severely damaged much of South College, especially its roof and fourth floor. As Converse Hall was complete and fraternities had become popular, Old Mill no longer needed to provide dormitory space for the University students, and as a result, the entire fourth floor was closed off, the dormers were removed, and the third floor dormitory space was converted into classrooms, offices and a laboratory.

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Former student dormitory room, Old Mill attic, north wing, looking east. Note the transom window above the door and the flue hole for a stove pipe. The pipes are for fire sprinklers. (Photo: T. Visser, 1988.)

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