Louise Cottage holds a singular place in Berry College's history. Built in 1909 by Berry School students using campus-harvested logs, it was the first building of the Martha Berry School for Girls and the foundation of the Log Cabin Campus. Designed by architect John Gibbs Barnwell, the structure reflects Martha Berry's vision of simplicity, self-sufficiency and practical education.
Encouraged by influential supporters - including President
Theodore Roosevelt, whose Jan. 1, 1909, letter to Martha Berry urged the
establishment of a school for girls — the school opened that Thanksgiving, with
Louise Cottage serving as its first dormitory. As the campus grew, it welcomed
visitors such as Henry and Clara Ford, whose admiration for what the girls
accomplished with limited resources helped inspire the Ford Buildings.
Preserving the past & supporting today's students
A planned $1 million renovation will honor Louise Cottage's original purpose while addressing critical structural and exterior needs. Once complete, the building will serve as a Year of Service Cottage, providing student housing that supports one of Berry's distinctive, purposeful experiences.
The project ensures that a cornerstone of Berry's history continues to serve students for generations to come.
A reunion class steps forward
In honor of its 50th reunion, the College Class of 1976 has chosen to support the Louise Cottage restoration. Reunion giving committee members shared, "Preserving Berry's unique heritage is a fitting tribute to the place that helped shape us."
Their leadership reflects the enduring connection alumni feel to the campus and a shared desire to care for the spaces that shaped their experience.
