The Memorial Field House (left) and Trowbridge Pool/Squash Facility (right), ca. 1950. Photo credit: Trinity College Archives

The Trowbridge Pool/Squash Facility was built in 1929 and was the first project in what would later become the Ferris Athletic Center. The swimming pool was enclosed inside with four lanes, and the squash courts were built directly above the pool.

In 1925, Trinity College hired Samuel Breck Parkman Trowbridge, Class of 1883, to design a new campus master plan to succeed the design that had been created in the late nineteenth century by William Burges. Trowbridge's perspective drawing included the original design for the pool and squash courts, which were intended to become part of a larger gymnasium complex. Trowbridge's death in 1925 before the project's completion inspired the dedication of the facilities in his name. A cornerstone was also laid in the gymnasium in Trowbridge's honor with a time capsule box placed inside containing building plans, a copy of the Trinity Tripod, and College reports, among other items.

By the 1990s, the pool was considered poor and outdated and had even been called “the second worst in New England” by Trinity's Athletic Director at the time, Rick Hazelton. A new pool, the Natatorium, was completed in 1992 and as a result, the Trowbridge pool was converted into a fitness center, which opened in 1993.

The Trinity Reporter, Spring 1992.

The Trinity Tripod, 01/28/1992.

The Trinity Tripod, 10/22/1929.

The Trinity Tripod, 02/12/1929.