In 1938, the generosity of Charles H. Thorne made possible the college auditorium, erected in memory of his wife, the former Belle Wilber who had died a few years earlier.

Charles H. Thorne, born in Chicago in 1868, the son of George R. Thorne, co founder of the Montgomery Ward Company, had a long career with that company. From his start as office boy he advanced to the position of president in 1912. In 1914 he resigned as president due to a severe injury and was named chairman of the board, the office he held until 1928.

Upon retirement, Mr. Thorne and his wife moved to Pasadena, California, establishing their home at 114 Los Altos Drive. The couple became friends with Occidental College personnel, and in 1931 Mr. Thorne was elected to the Board of Trustees on which he served until his death in 1948, including a term as vice president of the board.

During his residence in Illinois, Charles H. Thorne was active in governmental and civic associations. He was Illinois Director of Public Welfare for four years, a former president of the Employees Association of Chicago, an officer of the Chicago Yacht Club, member of the Chicago Athletic Association. and the Commercial Club of Chicago. For twenty years he was on the Board of Trustees of Beloit College.

Mr. and Mrs. Thorne had a son and two daughters. The son, Hallett, became a Pasadena resident and entered into a close relationship with Occidental. Hallett's wife, Elizabeth (known as Sue), served on the Occidental Board of Trustees from 1946 until her death in 1984.

By Jean Paule