Caddo Center

Henderson contracted on January 8, 1948, for the simultaneous construction of two major facilities: a Library-Auditorium and a Cafeteria-Commons.

The cafeteria, a two-story split-level fireproof structure, was constructed on the slope of the ravine just east of Mooney Hall and the north-south campus drive to Henderson Street. Of Georgian Colonial design, the cafeteria contained a large dining hall, a private dining room that could seat 12, a reception room, a students' commons and recreation room, a kitchen, and storage rooms located on the main or entrance level. Storage space for both dry and refrigerated foods and a well-equipped butcher shop were on the first floor. Heralded as one of the most modern in the state, the cafeteria also housed four walk-in refrigerators, large exhaust fans, modern dishwasher, glass washer, potato peeler, store room elevator, and other pieces of up-to-date equipment. The building and equipment had cost approximately $175,000.00. Equipped with 60 Formica-topped tables, the cafeteria could accommodate 360 diners but could increase the number to 400 necessary. For its first meal, the cafeteria served supper on July 4, 1949. During the fall semester, the cafeteria was serving about 1,500 plates each day.

Henderson formally dedicated the Library-Auditorium and the Cafeteria-Commons in a special program from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the Auditorium on October 19, 1949. J. H. Lookadoo, chairman of the Board of Trustees, presented the two buildings to the State of Arkansas. A. B. Bonds, Jr., Commissioner of Education and graduate of the Henderson Class of 1935, accepted for the State, since Governor Sidney McMath could not attend.

Other guests on the campus to attend the formal ceremony included former president J. P. Womack; Mrs. Ruth T. Day, widow of former president Joseph A. Day; Mrs. Alice M. Ellis, wife of former president Matt Ellis; and members of the Board of Trustees. Several presidents from other Arkansas colleges also attended.

On April 4, 1950, the Trustees approved the name Caddo Commons for the Cafeteria-Commons, later changed to Caddo Center.

In 1956, the cafeteria was completely air-conditioned at a cost of $13,000.00. On June 3, 1964, the Trustees approved a plan to remodel, expand, and equip Caddo Center. The Caddo Center closed in 2013 following the construction of a new, larger dining hall. After a renovation in 2019, the Caddo Center now houses the Joint Educational Consortium's Hodges Collection of Native American Artifacts and serves as an essential student hub, providing office space for admissions, academic advising, financial aid, and housing.