Steinheim

The Steinheim. “Stone Home.” An iconic building on the Alfred University campus. It appears on various mementos created over the years, collected by alumni; eventually they make their way to the University Archives. This plate is one of a series featuring various University buildings.
Construction on the Steinheim began in 1875; the original intent was a house for Ida Sallan Kenyon, widow of President William Kenyon. She got as far as the basement but sold the project to then-president Jonathan Allen. He and his wife, Abigail, had traveled in Europe and were fascinated by German castles along the Rhine. He had no architectural plans or designs, and never considered the building to be done. His death in 1892 effectively meant the end of construction.
Jonathan and Abigail used the building to house their vast natural history collections. It was never used for a home. The museum’s collections expanded until it was an eclectic showcase. Today, the building houses the Career Development Center which retains the feel and character of history in its restoration, interior wood work and design, and display of historic objects.