High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Bowles Hall is an all-male residence dormitory at the University of California, Berkeley, known for its unique traditions, parties, and camaraderie. Designed by George W. Kelham, the dormitory was the first residence hall on campus, dedicated in 1929, and was California`s first state-owned dormitory. It was built in 1928 on a $350,000 grant by Mary McNear Bowles in memory of her husband, Cal alumnus and UC Regent Phillip E. Bowles. Mr. Bowles was said to have three loves, Horses, Horticulture and the University of California. The Bowles family is said to have lost its fortune during the Depression.