Fargo, North Dakota
Fargo College Conservatory of Music
In the early 1920's, Mrs. John H. Watson donated a new building to be used as a music conservatory for Fargo College. The building was to be named Watson Hall in memory of Mrs. Watson's late husband. Watson Hall was used for a short time before the college closed its doors in June 1922.
Fargo College founded its Conservatory (or School) of Music in 1900. Mr. Ira B. Penniman was the first Director of the school. In 1901, Mr. Penniman was joined by Mr. George A. Stout.
In 1901, Fargo College acquired a small frame house on the corner of Eighth Avenue and Sixth Street South which was "... refinished and especially fitted up for the exclusive use of the Conservatory of Music." It contained two "good sized" studios on the first floor with an office and a hallway between them. The second floor had practice rooms.
The school offered Preparatory, Intermediate, and Advanced Certificates in pianoforte, vocal, violin, pipe organ and a Bachelor's degree in Music. For the 1900-1901 school year, the Conservatory of Music has 94 students enrolled. [The academic college has 31 students].