Little is known of the early housing accommodations for Drexel students.  Most early students were native Philadelphians and took advantage of the city's expansive street car system to travel from their homes to class.  However, a small number of students, both male and female, did come from outside of the region and had to find temporary housing.  Virginia Castleman arrived at Drexel from the state of Virginia and found a boarding house likely populated by other students from Drexel and the University of Pennsylvania.

The exterior photograph of her boarding house (West Philadelphia section of this exhibit) and the interior images seen here are the only known images of Drexel student housing at the turn of the century.  While the exact location is unknown, Castleman refers to "No. 3427" in relation to her boarding home, making it likely, according to the street numbering system of Philadelphia, that it was in the vicinity of 34th Street.

It was not until 1919, during the First World War and Drexel's program to train women for war work, that the institute itself began to offer housing for students from outside Philadelphia.  Housing was specifically provided for "women students living beyond commuting distance."  The location of that student housing is unknown.   Van Rensselaer Hall, a dormitory for women, was the first student housing unit constructed by Drexel in 1931.

Handwritten on front: "The Cavalier is stricken with the engagement malady"

Back: "'Third story front.'" Mr. Dill Cavalier writing to his sweetheart"

Front: "'Third story back' in Boarding House Row"

Back: "'Third story back' of Boarding House Row, No. 3427" "A cozy corner"

Interior of Virginia Castleman's room.

Front: "These ferns are my envy"

Back: "Inside wall and side of 'Third story front,' showing the Penn pillow, red and blue, and J.H.'s fern"

Different view of room above.