Bowles Hall

Bowles Hall is an all-male residence dormitory at the University of California, Berkeley, world renowned for its unique traditions, legendary parties and camaraderie. The dormitory was the first residence hall on campus, dedicated in 1929, and was California's first state-owned dormitory. It was built in 1928 on a $350,000 grant by Mary McNear Bowles in memory of her husband, Cal alumnus and UC Regent Phillip E. Bowles. Mr. Bowles was said to have three loves, Horses, Horticulture and the University of California. The Bowles family is said to have lost its fortune during the Depression.

The Hall displays the unique and formidable appearance of a medieval castle, with a stone exterior and a lush wood entryway. Although a University-operated residence hall, its male-only tradition, classic facade, partitioned four-man rooms, and community facilities give it a feeling much closer to that of a social fraternity. Bowlesmen have traditionally been a tight-knit group of students who regularly practice various traditions and rituals that are exclusive to the Hall. In the 1980s, it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places, a prime example of the style of architecture called 'Collegiate Gothic'. The building is still being used as an all-men's residence up to this day, although some traditions have not survived.

Bowles Hall was a particularly desirable place to live for a number of reasons. First, with 3-room/4-man suites, returning students could get one of the private side rooms which offered significant privacy (with a locking door to the center room). Many of the rooms offered an outstanding view of the campus and Bay. Second, Bowles has a large number of adjacent parking spaces, so obtaining a permit was never an issue (unlike the Unit Dorms elsewhere near campus). Third, the Tower and the deck off one of the rooms offered a view into the Greek Theater next door. As the acoustics were perfect, one could enjoy the concerts for free. Fourth, the food was very good. The food service manager had allegedly been "retired" to Bowles for allegedly making the highly-profitable Bears Lair complex unprofitable. His inability to manage a budget plus the smaller number of students (200 for the 3 cooks vs. 800+ in the unit dorms) resulted in very good food.