PASTTENSE 1955-1969: Portland State starts growing up If the Old West had its boomtowns, Portland State provided the New West with a “boom college.” Between 1955 and 1969— the years from PSU’s establishment as a four-year college to its promotion to university status—the institution added 26 buildings to its campus. Some were older buildings that were purchased, and several were new structures, including State Hall (now Cramer), Student Center (now Smith), and Neuberger Hall. The total space exploded from 135,000 square feet in 1955—represented by Old Main (now Lincoln)—to nearly 2 million square feet in 1969. One plan that never flew: a proposal by President John Cramer (originally suggested by his administrative assistant, Errett Hummel) to build a heliport atop one of the buildings—presumably for Viking One to take off and land. Source: Dodds, Gordon B. 2000. The College That Would Not Die. Oregon Historical Society Press. Past Tense features glimpses into Portland State’s history. To submit a story (or an idea for one), email the RAPS History Preservation Committee at raps@pdx.edu.
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