Garrett Hall

To replace the trailers used as temporary housing during the enrollment surge following WWII, on April 29, 1954, the Board awarded contracts for a total of $200,068.22 for the construction of a 30-unit apartment dormitory for married students.

Located just north of Huddleston Street near Highway 67, this three-story red brick dormitory of contemporary functional design had ten efficiency apartments on each floor. Each apartment was "equipped with attractive and serviceable furniture of modern design in harmony with the varied color schemes.” The combination kitchen unit included an insulated oven, a three-burner cooking service, double-basin sink, and a compact refrigerator. The kitchen facility fit into a small alcove and could be concealed behind closed doors. On each floor was a laundry room with a washing machine and a 50-gallon hot water tank.

The dormitory for married students was ready for occupancy at the beginning of the first summer term, 1955. On October 7, 1955, the Trustees named the new building Garrett Hall in honor of James B. “Dad” Garrett, superintendent of buildings and grounds at the College from 1901 until July 1, 1939, and assistant superintendent as listed in the Bulletin until his death in 1944. The Board stated, “Garrett was always a faithful, sincere, and true Hendersonian. For these reasons, plus his long service, it was decided to name the building Garrett Hall in his memory”. On March 8, 1956, the Board accepted an offer by Frank O. Garrett to place a plaque in the new structure named in honor of his father.

Garrett Hall was shut down ca. 1970 and sat unused for the next thirty years before being razed in 2002.