Canisius High School

Campus

The current Canisius site is notable in many ways. The current Koessler Academic Center, also known as Berchman's Hall, was originally began in 1918 by George F. Rand, Sr., President of Marine Midland Bank. However, both he and his wife died before construction was completed. George F. Rand, Jr., completed the house in 1921 and moved in with his siblings.

Related Topics:
George F. Rand - Marine Midland Bank

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The building was sold in 1925 to the Masons, who converted it into the Buffalo Consistory. The Masons added a large foyer, an auditorium, a pool, Turkish baths, bowling alleys, and locker rooms.

Related Topics:
Masons - Buffalo Consistory - Turkish baths

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The Jesuits bought the building in 1944. They converted the auditorium into a gym/auditorium combination by removing some seating. Soon after, the Beecher Classroom Wing was added to the south of the structure. A Jesuit residence (Fraunheim Hall) was added to the northwest side of the building. Sometime in the mid-1950s, the adjacent Milburn House, the site of the death of President William McKinley, was demolished to provide room for a student parking lot.

Related Topics:
Milburn House - William McKinley

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