Fort Riley, Building No. 107, 107 Reed Avenue, Riley, Riley County, KS

Significance: Building #107 at Fort Riley is the only existing frame structure on the post dating back to the 19th century. It was built in 1891 to house the hospital steward, and is located west of Summerall Hall, the old post hospital. Its square main block has a square rear wing built diagonally across the northeast corner. This unique design may reflect the combined efforts of Major Dallas Bache, Surgeon, and Quartermaster Capt. George E. Pond who together produced the plans. The small two-story single family residence stands out amongst the fort's larger rock-faced limestone buildings. Only its return box cornice and its limestone foundation link it to the other quarters on post. Even the old hospital contrasts with Building #107. However there was an effort to association the two structures by placing them "on the square in front of the hospital." (Junction City Union, Aug. 23, 1890). This suggests that at one time the old hospital's orientation may have been to the west rather than to the south as it is today. Also, Building #107 may have been constructed only as a temporary quarters since a source refers to plans for a much more elaborate and expensive hospital steward's residence, which, for whatever reason, was not built. (Junction City Union, Aug. 23, 1890).
Survey number: HABS KS-54-L
Building/structure dates: 1891 Initial Construction
Building/structure dates: ca. 1928 Subsequent Work