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Begun in 1906; completed in 1908. Architects: Donaldson and Meier. Contractors: Koch Brothers, of Ann Arbor. Cost to build: $90,259.82 1922-1923 addition; supervising architect: Lynn W. Fry; contractor: John Bollin Company; cost: $67,800.00. Net floor area: 64,971 sq. ft. Removed in 1970 to facilitate construction of a new Dental School Building.

The School of Dentistry was established in 1875, the same year in which the Homeopathic Medical School was organized, and both schools were given quarters in the westerly of the two Professors' Houses which faced North University Avenue. For more than thirty years the Dental School was forced to shift from one building to another, but as a result it has the distinction of having occupied three of the four original Professors' Houses, which were the first buildings on the campus.

The school grew rapidly, however. In 1903 President Angell stated that an entirely new building was needed for the Dental Department "which is wretchedly housed", and in 1905, when the Regents sought the services of Dr. W. D. Miller, of Berlin, as Dean, they assured him that a new dental building would be erected as soon as possible.

In 1906 Donaldson and Meier, architects, were requested to draw up plans and specifications for a new building, and in April of the following year the plans were accepted, and bids were authorized. In June the property on the east side of North University Avenue, adjacent to the Homeopathic Hospital, was purchased for the site. It was to cost not more than $18,500, and the three buildings then standing on the site were moved to vacant lots which the University proposed to buy for $3,500. Later, $115,000 was set aside from the building fund for the erection of the new Dental Building. Construction was begun in 1907.

In September, 1908, President Angell reported that the Dental Building, which was almost ready for occupancy, would be one of the finest in the entire country. It was occupied in October, 1908, but formal dedication exercises did not take place until May, 1909. More than sixty clinics were conducted by dentists from various parts of the country, with more than two hundred alumni in attendance. The formal exercises, held in the main amphitheater, were opened with an address by President Angell, followed by a banquet in Barbour Gymnasium.*

This is a wonderful vintage sterling silver souvenir spoon bearing a likeness of the old Dental Building on the campus of the University of Michigan. The spoon is 5.75 inches long. Any discoloration in the photos is caused by lighting.

It is in excellent condition and bears both an engraving of the Dental building on the bowl of the spoon as well as the University of Michigan seal at the top of the handel. No maker's mark is present, but the word "sterling" is embossed on the reverse just above the bowl.

A fine holiday gift for the University of Michigan Dental School grad in your life.

*This information was taken from the Bentley Library web site from the University of Michigan.

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