 Describing the development and expansion of Philander Smith College, Deputy Commissioner of Nainital JM Clay wrote in his monograph ("Nainital, A Historical and Descriptive Account", 1927) that "The extensive buildings which now exist have been built gradually since then, and a large dormitory block has recently been constructed.The site is over 7,500 feet above sea-level and is the highest school site in India, probably in the world".Here the building being referred to is the imposing 'Ashok Bhavan' then called the 'Hurricane House.'