Hillsdale athletics expanded greatly in the early 20th century. By the mid-1920s, new facilities were necessary. The campaign for a new fieldhouse began in March 1924, with several college committees expressing support for “a new gymnasium, which would add immensely to educational advantages.” Each faculty member pledged $101.01 in support of the effort.
Construction began in 1925 with a groundbreaking ceremony during commencement week. It was completed two years later, opening in the same month as another new campus building, Frances Ball Mauck Dormitory.
The fieldhouse featured a 10-lap cinder track around a hardwood basketball floor. The new building relieved pressure on the Dickerson Gymnasium, Hillsdale College’s only sports building that was often inconvenient due to the segregated hours for men and women. After its completion, the Stock Fieldhouse was home to the men’s physical education department, leaving Dickerson for the women.
Hillsdale College renamed the fieldhouse in 1951 to honor Harold Stock, whose grandfather Frederick had founded the F.W. Stock & Sons flour mill in downtown Hillsdale and whose family contributed greatly to the renovation of the fieldhouse, including the addition of a pool and lockers.
