Jarvis Hall's eclectic design was fairly simplified compared to the pure Second Empire style, which was known to include colonnades and columns, but it complemented Golden well and was top of the ritz for architecture in this newly settling region. It was an impressive and singular combination of such diverse styles in the region, whose architect unfortunately may remain forever unknown. It did, however, have its criticisms. The only apparent fault is in the tower, which is too low for the length and height of the main building. And to the eye of a Christopher Wren, the interior finish of the walls would be objectionable.
Fine architecture rejects all shams.
The interior walls of Jarvis Hall are made to represent stone, while the exterior are built of brick. This is offensive to good taste, and it is to be hoped that the law of fitness in this as in other matters, will cease to be violated. The west half of the first floor served as the kitchen, dining room and lavatory, and the east half serving as rooms for the matron and servants. On the 2nd floor were the large school room, reception room, several rooms for professors and recitation, and a 2000-volume library. The 3rd floor was the dormitory, well-ventilated and divided into alcoves for the students.