Swetland Hall gets a much-needed facelift

Swetland Hall - before renovation December, 2006	Swetland Hall - after renovation September, 2007

Built in 1853 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Swetland Hall has endured more than 150 years of sun, storms, wind, heat and cold. Its brick exterior walls, especially those on the building’s southwest side, were showing the effects of this wear and tear.

Beginning on May 29, workers with the nationally recognized Masonry Preservations Services (click here to view some of Masonry Preservation Services' other restoration projects) launched the Swetland Hall Masonry Restoration project, replacing old mortar and damaged bricks on the building’s southwest side. Workmen created a mortar mix that matched the original as closely as possible and replaced old damaged bricks with new, carefully selected bricks that matched the originals. The restoration work, expected to be finished by early September, will ensure the building’s structural integrity and prevent water infiltration.

"Not only did this restoration enhance the aesthetics of the building, it extended the lifespan and improved its structural integrity. Future masonry efforts will do the same and will ensure the longevity of this historic building that most people identify Sem with," said Wyoming Seminary's Director of Physical Plant Ben Schall.

School officials say the goal is to eventually restore the exterior walls of all three joined buildings, Swetland, Fleck and Darte.

Swetland, Fleck and Darte Halls as they appeared in this vintage postcard from early in the 20th century.

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