the buildings of Sam Houston State University

Item: Historical group celebrating 25 years with party

2009-07-16T16:32:00.004-05:00

From the Item:

Charged with the task of researching and preserving local history, the Walker County Historical Commission has been the key to maintaining that history and educating residents and visitors alike about the area’s past. After several decades of service, the commission has become a part of the very history it treasures and will celebrate its 25th anniversary on Sunday with a party after their regular meeting at 3 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public, as are all of the WCHC meetings, which are held on the third Sunday of each month. All of the meetings, as well as the anniversary celebration, are held at the Gibbs-Powell House/Museum on 11th Street.

Item: Gaertner outlines SHSU’s 10-year plan

2009-07-08T14:09:00.000-05:00

The Item reports that SHSU President Jim Gaertner outlined the university’s 10-year master plan to the Huntsville Rotary Club during its weekly meeting Wednesday at West Hill Mall.

He covered classroom space — current and what is needed — housing, parking — current and what is needed — and athletics and intramurals, where an additional 10 acres are needed.

Gaertner said nothing in particular stands out about the plan, which covers the entire campus and includes a new student center, replacing the Lowman Student Center.

“If anything would stand out, it would be the South Quad area that has all the new academic buildings and creates a new academic quadrangle on campus,” he said. “The whole plan is important.

Gaertner said the LSC was built in the early 1960s and “it has gotten to the point where it’s getting outdated and needs to come down. It was renovated about eight or nine years ago.

“We won’t tear it down until three or four years from now. It will come down. It needs to. We will build a new student center right there in the same place in the middle of the campus.”

Some of the housing buildings scheduled to be demolished include Smith-Kirkley, Recital Hall, White Hall, Allen House, Vick House, Sorority Hill, Art Complex, Thomason Building, and Barrett House.

New buildings scheduled to be constructed on the SHSU campus include agriculture, forensic science, college of business, biology and allied health, integrated engineering and criminal justice expansion.

“We hope to build a couple of residential halls,” he said. They are included in a six-year plan along with intramural fields which would be moved to where the agriculture center is now located off Interstate 45. All ag center facilities would be moved to the location off state Highway 75 North.

Gaertner said the campus will take on a new look in upcoming years, but “it has changed a lot. It has changed from when I was a student. Over the past 10 years it has changed some and the next 10 years it will change again.

In the Alcalde #1

2009-06-20T12:53:00.006-05:00

Here's a look back at what’s in the Alcalde:

This seemed like a good picture to begin with: Professor of Education and Kappa Delta Pi counselor/advisor T. S. Montgomery. As for the girl, we don't know her name...or what she's doing.

"The purpose of Kappa Delta Pi to encourage high scholastic standards and desirable personal characteristics, to recognize outstanding contributions to education.... Delta Theta chapter...was secured May 5, 1936." (1941 Alcalde, p.231)

Regents Approve SHSU Program Changes, Promotions, Tenure

2009-06-08T07:55:00.003-05:00

A new degree, program changes, a building name change, and faculty promotions and tenure were all approved Friday for Sam Houston State University by its governing board. The Texas State University System Board of Regents took the action during its regular quarterly meeting in San Marcos.

...Sam Houston State University was authorized to re-name Academic Building II, which houses the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, in honor of Margaret Lea Houston, the wife of General Sam Houston.

"The re-naming of the building would honor Mrs. Houston's contributions to our state and her family's legacy, and it would recognize her as one of the most significant women in Texas history," [SHSU President James] Gaertner told the regents.

"Moreover, it would strengthen and enhance university tradition, while giving distinct identity to the facility, which is across the street from the Sam Houston Memorial Museum where two of the Houston family residences are located," he added.

Physical Plant update: May 2009

2009-06-05T07:38:00.003-05:00

The Physical Plant sneaked in another update recently and here’s a brief recap of what’s happening:

University Dining Facility
Status: In Design
Programmed Amount: $7,250,000
Start Date: Summer 2009
Substantial Completion Date: To be determined

Demolition of Lawrence and Mitchell houses
Status: Asbestos Abatement in Progress
Programmed Amount: $200,000
Start Date: May 20, 2009
Substantial Completion Date: In 90 days

Energetic Material Research Facility
Status: Under Construction
Programmed Amount: $175,0100
Start Date: April 15, 2009
Substantial Completion Date: June 30, 2009

University Camp Caretaker’s Cabin
Status: Under Construction
Programmed Amount: $130,000
Start Date: October 4, 2008
Substantial Completion Date: April 2009
(Part of the University Camp)

Applied Forensic Science Research Building
Status: Under Construction
Programmed Amount: $250,000
Start Date: December 4, 2008
Substantial Completion Date: April 2009
(Part of the Southeast Texas Applied Forensic Science Facility)

On the procurement front, SHSU recently awarded D&M Paint Company the bid to paint the interior of Allen House in preparation for its conversion to offices.

Book takes a historical look at Huntsville

2009-05-04T19:23:00.001-05:00

From the Item:

Last year, Jeff Littlejohn partnered with the Walker County Historical Commission and began to research a book of photographs chronicling the story of Huntsville from its establishment to the mid-20th century.

The result is Huntsville, the latest installment in Arcadia Publishing’s “Images of America” series. The book will hit stores May 4.

Huntsville will be available May 4 at online bookstores and local bookstores. Author Jeff Littlejohn will be featured at a book signing at the Huntsville Hasting’s on May 30 from 1-3 p.m.

Writing on the Wall celebrates 130

2009-04-21T01:00:00.004-05:00

On April 21, 1879 – 130 years ago today – Sam Houston Normal Institute was officially authorized by Governor Oran Roberts (SHNI opened that October). To celebrate, can you identify the building or location where we took the photo of the number 130 as part of the ~~exciting~~ buildingshsu scavenger hunt:

We were surprised to find during our March 8, 2009 visit to campus that something was now covering the Ø on this building. Bonus points if you can identify what that object is.

(Yes, we know our Texas history – it’s also the 173rd anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto today, too.)

Psychological Services Center Open House

2009-04-15T18:37:00.001-05:00

The SHSU Psychological Services Center (PSC) will celebrate the move to its new location with an open house celebration on Friday, May 1 from 3-6 p.m.

Today@Sam reports that the PSC opened in 1999 and its staff

including approximately 12 doctoral students per semester and several licensed psychologists, offers affordable therapy for both adults and children with problems such as anxiety disorders, depression and behavior problems, or who need grief counseling or anger management.

Appreciating the Peabody Library

2009-03-17T17:49:00.000-06:00

TV's Michael Oder discovered a bit of history on campus recently. He shares his story of finding a pamphlet and, in turn, learning something about the Peabody Library:

The pamphlet is a short history on the Peabody Library and Sam Houston State University. Only 9 pages long, it showcases a small window into the early, developmental years of my University.

Writing on the Wall #3

2009-03-15T05:50:00.003-06:00

We go for a third letter (thus completing the word “the”) in the ~~big~~ buildingshsu scavenger hunt. Can you identify the building or location where we took the photo:

Here’s another haiklu:

The building of his fancy
Would another name be as sweet
It is (one of) the east

Open House for CHSS Building

2009-03-14T06:44:00.001-06:00

Sam Houston State University will host a ribbon cutting and open house for the $30 million College of Humanities and Social Sciences building on Friday, March 20. The ceremony for the largest academic building on campus will be at 1:30 followed by an open house from 2:30-4:00. The ceremony will include remarks by College of Humanities and Social Sciences Dean John de Castro, President James F. Gaertner and Chancellor of the Texas State University System Dr. Charles Matthews.

KatFans: Fixing Austin Hall?

2009-03-08T05:00:00.001-06:00

A discussion has started at KatFans discussing the state of Austin Hall, SHSU’s oldest building:

I've been going by Austin Hall a lot recently, and every time I've gone by I've noticed more and more stuff on the outside of the building that's been falling into disrepair (missing shutters, peeling paint, huge chunks missing from the pillars on the back side, etc). Because of Austin Hall's historical significance for the university and for the state, I've made my new goal in life to get Austin Hall repaired and restored.

I'm trying (unsuccessfully) to find any state funding that may be set aside for preservation of historical sites (Austin Hall has the Texas Historical Commission medallion on the back part of the building). I've been looking on the THC's website, but really haven't been able to find anything. Does anyone here know anything about any money that may be set aside for this by the state?

Alamo is new passion for Phil Collins

2009-03-05T20:52:00.001-06:00

The San Antonio Express-News reports that singer Phil Collins' "main thing" is the Alamo:

Collins, who said he has "hundreds" of cannonballs, documents and other artifacts from the Alamo, is in San Antonio this week in conjunction with the anniversary of the March 1836 battle of the Alamo.

The collector and history buff's most prized item is a receipt signed by Alamo commander William Barret Travis for 32 head of cattle used to feed the Alamo defenders.

"Basically, now I've stopped being Phil Collins the singer. This has become what I do," he said.

He is scheduled to speak to the Alamo Defenders Descendants Association on Saturday [March 7].

Today@Sam: Symposium to discuss Local, National History

2009-02-22T15:06:00.001-06:00

Local students, scholars and community members will come together to discuss history and a wide range of other disciplines during the first Sam Houston Symposium on Saturday, February 28.

The all-day event, which will begin at 8:30 a.m., will bring presenters from across the state to the Katy and E. Don Walker, Sr., Education Center, for panel discussions on such topics as the Civil War, Huntsville’s prisoner of war camp during World War II, and civil rights stories from the Huntsville Latino community, as well as art, political science and archaeology.

Among the highlights of the program is a roundtable on local research and archival collections, during which people can learn where to research and how to share their family papers through a digitization project at the Newton Gresham Library. The panel will also include David Gerleman, an assistant editor of the “Papers of Abraham Lincoln,” who will not only discuss the collection but also a newly-discovered letter from Gen. Sam Houston’s brother William to Lincoln.

Houstonian: Walking trail on campus established

2009-02-19T14:51:00.003-06:00

The February 19 issue of the Houstonian discusses the University Wellness Committee’s walking path through campus:

The campus walking route passes through 1.5 miles of the campus and is marked by stand-alone and piggybacking route signs, along with a large map between the Coliseum and the HKC detailing the route.

The walking path may serve as not only a scenic exercise trail, but a tour for those unfamiliar with the campus as well, giving a view of Bowers Stadium, the intramural fields, the Newton Gresham Library, the Performing Arts Center, the Criminal Justice buildings, the "duck pond" at the Sam Houston Museum, and many other local amenities.

To learn more, visit the SHSU Recreational Sports website.

Writing on the Wall #2

2009-02-14T09:50:00.003-06:00

It’s time for another letter in the big buildingshsu scavenger hunt: can you identify the building or location where we took the below photo? Here’s this month's letter and haiklu:

A game of old
Men of spring catch their fever
Observed from the right field

Houstonian: Gibb's Ranch - an SHSU tradition

2009-02-12T14:48:00.002-06:00

Today’s Houstonian highlights some of the history of SHSU’s Gibbs Ranch:

Many SHSU programs and departments, including ROTC, Agriculture, and the women's basketball team, use the 1,740-acre Gibb's Ranch.

It had been a notable ranch in Walker County for many decades, when it was owned by rancher and businessman William Gibbs. Following his death, it was leased to local ranchers for 10 years. In 1993, it was deeded to SHSU by the Sam Houston Foundation, and was first used by the SHSU Department of Agricultural Sciences, where it took the place of Agriculture Center Farm and Country Campus, which had recently been sold. The ranch was renovated by the Agriculture Department upon purchasing.

With the help of university funding, the department built a classroom and purchased cattle.

In Development: Northside Dining Hall

2009-02-10T14:54:00.002-06:00

We mentioned last year the impending demolition of Lawrence and Mitchell Houses to make room for the new north-side dining hall. The Physical Plant has published some photographs of the new eatery to be located due north of Belvin-Buchanan Hall.

The project is to begin in the summer of 2009; no completion date is given.

The Influence of Two

2009-01-29T07:45:00.002-06:00

Nwlanews.com shares the history of the First United Methodist Church of Minden, Louisiana that was founded in 1839 (meaning they’re celebrating their 170th year). John Agan’s December 26 article focuses on the “careers and legacies of George Washington Bains, pastor of the church from 1845 until 1850 and William Carey Crane, pastor during 1861-62.” Each has some interesting Huntsville connections:

In 1850, the Bains family moved to Huntsville, Texas, where he preached and began a lifelong friendship with Sam Houston. It was after crossing the Sabine River and becoming a Texan that he added the “e” to his last name, for reasons unknown. From that point forward he was known as George Washington Baines. During his ministry in Texas he was the pastor of churches at Huntsville, Independence, Anderson, Fairfield, Springfield, Butler, Florence, and Salado.

Elsewhere:

William Carey Crane served as pastor of the Independence Baptist Church for eighteen years and was active in the Texas Baptist State Convention. He was a prolific author and wrote a classic biography of Sam Houston. Crane was the first president of the Texas State Teachers Association and was chairman of the committee that recommended the founding of Sam Houston Normal Institute (now Sam Houston State University). He was a leader in the reorganization of the Texas public school system after Reconstruction.

Item: Winter lock-in planned at library

2009-01-28T19:30:00.001-06:00

From the January 27 issue of the Item:

The Huntsville Public Library, in collaboration with the Walker County Genealogical Society, will host its annual Winter Genealogy Lock-In February 8 from 12:30-6 p.m. at the library.

The event is open to the public and free of charge, and is geared toward giving amateur genealogists a chance to consult with and gain information from members of the genealogical society, who will be on hand throughout the event.

People attending the event will have the opportunity to research using the full resources of the library and the Johnnie Jo Sowell Dickenson Genealogy Room, which contains hundreds of books, microfilms and maps from Walker County, the State of Texas and beyond.

Writing on the Wall #1

2009-01-20T02:00:00.006-06:00

Not too long ago we received an email from a visitor who had enjoyed reading about the history of the buildings, but was a bit miffed at being unable to “find” all the letters from the website’s masthead on campus. We gave her a clue as to where she could find the letter if she wanted to track it down for herself. And that pretty much gave us the idea for this “game.”

Think of it as a scavenger hunt: can you identify the building or location where we took the photos that make up the buildingshsu masthead? How observant are you? How well do you know the SHSU campus? Want to earn the admiration of your friends or family? Want to win absolutely nothing from the buildingshsu webmaster? See if you can figure what writing is on the wall...or some other part of a building (whatever).

Here’s the first letter and your first haiklu:

It’s staring at the sun
Remember one man's ceiling
Another man's floor

Video: Campus Timelapse

2009-01-17T16:22:00.001-06:00

SHSU Campus Timelapse from Brian Nietfeld on Vimeo.

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences Building opens

2009-01-13T19:28:00.006-06:00

The newest (and fifth) “academic building” has opened on campus. The completion of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Building – originally referred to as Academic Building V – means a number of departments (and Dean de Castro) will be starting off the new year in a new home. Moving to the CHSS building are:

CHSS dean’s suite;
Departments of sociology, psychology and philosophy;
The Student Advising and Mentoring (SAM) Center relocates from Academic Building IV (that area will later be filled by Career Services);
The Political Science department move over from Academic Building I;
The Accounts Payable and Business offices hop over from the Administration Building;
Human Resources, Payroll, and Purchasing jump over from the Estill Building;

Today@Sam points out that the vacated offices will obviously cause future moves within other buildings, which Today@Sam goes over in more detail if you’re into that sort of thing. Of note is that the clinical psychology program will move into the Career Services building in February 2009.

According to Meagan Ellsworth’s January 13th Houstonian article, “students were in classes [Monday] morning and accessing faculty offices as well. The fourth floor is still having last things done to it.” And they have a computer lab.

Construction on the 150,000 square foot building began in the summer of 2007.

Today@Sam: 'Sam Houston' project launches website

2009-01-08T17:36:00.004-06:00

A website developed as a companion piece to a documentary on the life of Samuel Houston, featuring commentary by two Sam Houston Memorial Museum staff members, has been launched by The Sam Houston Project. Among its features are a chronological time line of the general's life, GPS-coordinated maps of important Houston sites, and resources for teachers.

The soon-to-be-completed documentary, “Sam Houston,” is a comprehensive chronicle of Houston’s life from his birth in Virginia through his time in Tennessee, in the U.S. Senate and beyond.

While the film, the first video biography of the general, is still incomplete, Texas history buffs from around the world and educators can get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what’s to come through the launch of its companion website Samhoustonmovie.com.

Historical building collection includes Sam Houston hideaway

2008-12-05T20:06:00.002-06:00

From the Conroe Courier, December 1, 2008:

Historians and educators are wrestling with the challenge of preserving a collection of historical buildings – including a hunting lodge used by Sam Houston – in a secluded area of Montgomery County. Fernland, the 40-acre parcel of land donated to Sam Houston State University in 2002, is important to scholars and state historians because it features five historical buildings dating back to the 1820s.

“It’s a secluded site without modern conveniences like water, power and sewer,” said Dr. Patrick Nolan, director of the Sam Houston Museum in Huntsville. “Making it available to the public is a challenge.”

Carroll and May Tharp acquired the first of five historic buildings from Montgomery and Walker Counties in 1974, painstakingly dismantling the structures and moving them to Fernland. Over the years, the buildings were restored to their original condition.

Fernland, a 40-acre parcel of land in Montgomery County maintained by Sam Houston State University, contains five historic buildings dating back to the 1820s, including Bear Bend, a log hunting lodge used by Sam Houston. The Lone Star Chapter of the Sons of the Republic of Texas offers educational talks on the historic site. For information or to schedule a presentation, visit www.lonestarsrt.org.