Selby Field
Why it's listed
Selby Field is a concrete stadium at the eastern end of the Ohio Wesleyan University campus in Delaware, Ohio, set close to Henry Street. Completed in 1929, it was Ohio Wesleyan's first stadium, built as growing interest in organized athletics outgrew the older Edwards Field near Edwards Gymnasium. The sons of Portsmouth shoe manufacturer George D. Selby paid for it as a memorial to their father. The east and west stands are nearly identical, with smooth concrete walls, round-arched window bays grouped in sections of three, projecting pilasters that hold flagstaffs, and medallions above the windows. Together the stands seated about 9,100 spectators and contained shower, trainer and team rooms. A low concrete fence surrounds the track and playing field. Space beneath the stands became dormitory rooms in 1946. The field is listed for its Classical Revival design and its role in the growth of collegiate athletics at the university, and it remains the school's main athletic facility.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues it is significant under Criteria A and C. It was Ohio Wesleyan's first stadium and reflects the growing emphasis on organized athletics at the university. It is also a good early example of stadium construction in Classical Revival style.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 85000635, listed March 18, 1985. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | OWU, Henry St., Delaware |
|---|---|
| County | Delaware County |
| Listed | March 18, 1985 |
| Reference number | 85000635 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Education, Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Condition is rated fair inside and outside. The stadium continues to serve as the university's primary athletic facility, and space beneath the stands has been used as dormitory space since 1946. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 40.29666, -83.06351 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 85000635.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q7447557
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.