Harrison Hall (Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College)

Harrison Hall (Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College)
Harrison Hall, January 2014
Location	Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Perkinston, Mississippi
Coordinates	30°46′55″N 89°08′34″W / 30.781931°N 89.142771°W / 30.781931; -89.142771Coordinates: 30°46′55″N 89°08′34″W / 30.781931°N 89.142771°W / 30.781931; -89.142771
Built	1936-37
Restored	1974
Architect	Smith, Vinson B., Jr.[1]
Governing body	Mississippi
Mississippi Landmark
Official name: Harrison Hall[2]
Designated	October 9, 2003
Reference no.	131-PRK-0106-ML[3]
Location of Harrison Hall (Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College) in Mississippi

Harrison Hall is a student dormitory located on the campus of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Perkinston, Mississippi. It was constructed in 1936-37, and was designated a Mississippi Landmark in 2003.

History

Harrison Hall was designed by Gulfport architect Vinson Smith and was constructed in 1936-37 by building contractor Newton and Schmoll of Hattiesburg, Mississippi.^[4] The two-story building was renovated in 1974, and air conditioning was incorporated into the design.^[5]

From 1937 to 1983, Harrison Hall served as a dormitory for female students.^[6] In 1983, the building became a men’s residence hall..^[6]

Weddings

Main entrance to Harrison Hall

During the 46 years that Harrison Hall functioned as a women’s residence hall, the lobby was often the focal point of “manless weddings”.^[7] These were major social events on campus and were elaborate affairs, usually sponsored by student organizations, such as the YWCA.^[7] The "weddings" were attended by faculty, students, and out-of-town guests.

References