University of South Carolina Libraries
* ..~. .. . .. 'ft I ~ ;~..' ''* \~*~**~**.*\~*.*.*.**>.***** ~ * 4j1(c.. t t , ~4~' '~' ~ X\' ~"\ ~ ~*. ~ ~7~ Carolina Is Ever Building * #* . . . . . . ..........~ WI k (Continued from page 20) In 1937 a Works Progress Administration grant provided for the construction of a swimming pool. Also Simma and Preston Dormitories were begun two years later. Per haps the most impressive structure of that era was McKissick Library, named for former president J. Rion McKissick. This handsome but inadequate building was dedicated at the 1941 commencement exercises. Though faced with the problem of a more than doubled student body Carolina did not add to her campus until the regime of Admiral Smith in 1949. It was in this period that the proposed move gained support. The present School of Law was completed in 1950 and the name Pettigru was trans ferred to - it from the history building which was renamed Currell in honor of a former University president. In the-same year ground was broken for the Administration Building and a new science hall. Both were completed in 1952, the name LeConte following the science professors to their new home. Old LeConte was then named Barnwell. There was also a $800,000 addition to the school of engineering which brou:t ht total building expenditures under the Admiral's administration to $2,050,000. A popular cartoon of the time shows two University otficials staking out the lot for a new edifice in the six-foot space between two massive walls. The postwar building and improvement program began in earnest as Donald 8. Russen assumed the duties of president in August of 1952. President Russeli was instrumental in obtaining legislation which permitted state institutions to better finance improve ments. This program brought about the renovation of practically all of the existing dormitories. Buildings constructed during President Russell's term include the nev School of Bus mness Administration--460,000, the freshman girls' dormitory-$50,000, additioni tO the School of Engineering--.250,000 and the fraternity quadrangl-800,00. Also, the cir eular athletic center--$400,000, the Rumfei House - $1,250,000, the addition to Carolina Stadium and the conversion of the heating plant froma coal to gas and oil. For these and other improvement, the past administratsa apent close to $7,000,W. The program today ashowsno migu of d.lwig down wi~th the RusneD Reuse ,dt. and the new men's dormitory now under construction and work goon to egla s women's dormitory and the undergrmduate library. (Story byGene onesphotos byuResParss.) '' qa -