Best Residence Hall

Building Name

Best Residence Hall

Description

Eastern's enrollment grew rapidly in the post-World War II years, resulting in high demand for on-campus housing. After Goddard Residence Hall opened in 1955 construction began almost immediately on a new housing complex. This time, plans called for four buildings surrounding a central dining facility. When completed, the new complex would contain space for approximately 1,200 students in the geographical heart of campus. Best opened for student residence in the 1960s. The residence hall is named for Martha Best who was a professor of Biology and Bacteriology from 1924-1952.

Namesake Biography

Born in Lapeer County, on September 26, 1892, Martha Best was the sixth daughter born to Margaret and Edward Best. She spent seven years in the elementary schools of Corinth, Ontario, Canada, and then resumed her education at the Lapeer County Schools, upon returning to Lapeer County from Ontario, at the age of twelve. At the age of sixteen, Best began a seven year teaching stretch in the Lapeer County Schools, and enrolled at Michigan State Normal College in the summer of 1916. As a student, Best was a laboratory assistant to Professors Mary Goddard and Milton Hover. She also served, for one year, as assistant in the Natural Science Department at the University of Michigan, where she graduated with Bachelor of Science degree in 1921. Following graduation, Best took the position of principal at Redford High School, and remained there for two years. In the fall of 1924, Best began teaching botany and bacteriology in the Natural Science Department at Michigan State Normal College, where she rose steadily through the ranks, from instructor to associate professor. Martha Best retired from Eastern Michigan University in the summer of 1952, leaving behind a legacy of meticulous scientific standards, and her gentle but determined prodding. Martha Best died, December 30, 1961.

Building Namesake

Martha Best, Professor of Biology and Bacteriology, 1924-1952

Year Constructed

1965

Building Functions

Student Dormitory

Architect

Swanson & Associates, Bloomfield Hills

Builder

Palmer Smith Company, Detroit

Original Cost

1250000

Architectural Style

International

Square Footage

73817

Rights

This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. In addition, no permission is required from the rights-holder(s) for educational uses. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the owner, Eastern Michigan University Archives (lib_archives@emich.edu).