Hatheway Cultural Center, located on Lewis and Clark's historic Godfrey campus, hosts thousands of visitors every year for concerts, plays and numerous other college and community events.
The building houses the Ann Whitney Olin Theatre, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, classrooms, offices and even multipurpose rooms for rent.
The inaugural exhibit in the Hatheway Art Gallery featured artist Dale Threlkeld Aug. 25-Oct. 4, 2012.
Hatheway History
Originally dedicated on Oct. 18, 1963, as Hatheway Hall, Monticello College’s new cultural center was named after Norah Dell Hatheway, Monticello Class of 1889. She stood by her classmates in June of that year and helped to lay the cornerstone of Caldwell Hall, the foundation of the new Monticello, after the school had burned in 1888.
The new theatre, with a seating capacity of 1,000, filled a need both at the college and in the community, which had been without one for more than 20 years.
Building donors Mr. and Mrs. Spencer T. (at the time, chairman of the Monticello Board of Trustees) and Ann Whitney Olin were present at the dedication, along with Monticello’s 9th president, Dr. Duncan Wimpress. Mary Dell Olin Pritzlaff, daughter of Ann Whitney Olin and granddaughter of Norah Dell Hatheway, spoke at the original dedication as president of the Alumnae Association and the third in a line of proud Monticello alumnae.
Mr. and Mrs. Spencer T. and Ann Whitney Olin, both Alton natives, were known throughout the Midwest for service to their community and served on a number of boards at different organizations.
Hatheway was known for its unique architectural design, with classic white columns that were almost Grecian, but with modern lines. The multi-purpose building, a “theatron” in Roman terms, was an integrated unit with four distinctive areas that fulfilled different purposes - the main foyer with its spacious bi-level display area for art and sculpture; the theatre and related spaces; natatorium with Amateur Athletic Union swimming pool and North wing, complete with a large gymnasium with a spectator gallery and faculty offices.
In May 2011, renovations and an expansion of the cultural center were completed. The former gym was made into a multipurpose facility, new lighting was added to the auditorium - now known as the Ann Whitney Olin Theatre - and more safety and handicap-accessible features were added. The back of the building was transformed into a new main entrance, facing the newer half of campus. The building was officially rededicated as the Hatheway Cultural Center on Oct. 18, 2011.
Over the years, Hatheway Cultural Center has hosted performers, entertainers and educators from all over the world, including the National Band of New Zealand, Phoenix Boys Choir, the U.S. Navy Commodores and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, among others. In addition to national and international performers, the building showcases high school, collegiate, and community musical ensembles, and serves as a venue for various other community events.