by Rebekah Nale
Why have a birthday party for a building? Many of the University of South Carolina’s School of Library and Information Science students think back to their days at USC and remember their time in Davis College.
SLIS celebrated the 100th birthday of Davis College, a building central to USC, on Oct. 25, 2009. Alumni, students, faculty and staff sipped cups of hot tea after touring Gibbes Green and the Horseshoe with Elizabeth West, archivist for USC at the South Caroliniana Library, in celebration of 100 years of building knowledge.
Former SLIS Director Dan Barron said, “It felt good to see old friends and meet some of the new folks who will keep the traditions of service and leadership moving forward.”
Davis College was built by King Lumber Company of Charlottesville, Va. and was completed in 1909 for a grand total of $34,273. Originally built to house the English department, this was the first new building to be built on USC’s campus since the Civil War.
It was named in honor of the late Professor R. Means Davis, for whom Davis Field is also named. He taught several classes at USC, including history, political economy and law.
Edward L. Green described Davis in his book, A History of the University of South Carolina “He kept his office open at all hours and welcomed every student in that came. To many he gave assistance not only in their studies but also in kindly advice, or even in instruction in shorthand or some other branch of practical knowledge.”
“It was truly a homecoming. So many generations of deans, directors, alums, faculty, staff and students filling the halls of Davis College to look back at the first 100 years, to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ and to toast the next 100,” Dr. Pat Feehan, associate professor, said.
Roger D. Leonard, a professional artist and husband of the current director, created a beautiful oil painting of Davis College, Davis College: The First Hundred Years that was available for sale at the birthday party. Guests were given three small photos of the print as a gift for coming to the ceremony.
Previous deans and directors Barron, Fred Roper and William F. Summers along with distinguished professors Charles Curran, Robert Williams and Linda Lucas Walling, who taught at Davis College for more than 100 years combined, also attended this special event.
As guests gathered around the birthday cake, Professor R. Means Davis, personified by Dr. Charles Curran, and Professor Havilah Babcock, personified by Andy Thomas, made memorable speeches about their times in Davis College.
“Professor R. Means Davis” concluded his speech with, “here’s a health,” as guests honored USC tradition by raising their right fists in the shape of a cup.
The real Professor Babcock inhabited the halls of Davis College from 1927-1964, although it is rumored that his ghost still roams the building in the form of smoke. Professor Babcock’s persona brought his speech to a close with his witty motto, “work hard and quit suddenly.” He claimed that although South Carolinians work hard, they do not let that interfere with their leisure time.
History carried the day at the birthday party. Guests reminisced about times past and envisioned future achievements at the beautiful building. Here’s to 100 more, Davis College!
It was named in honor of the late Professor R. Means Davis, for whom Davis Field is also named. He taught several classes at USC, including history, political economy and law.Edward L. Green described Davis in his book, A History of the University of South Carolina “He kept his office open at all hours and welcomed every student in that came. To many he gave assistance not only in their studies but also in kindly advice, or even in instruction in shorthand or some other branch of practical knowledge.”
“It was truly a homecoming. So many generations of deans, directors, alums, faculty, staff and students filling the halls of Davis College to look back at the first 100 years, to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ and to toast the next 100,” Dr. Pat Feehan, associate professor, said.
Roger D. Leonard, a professional artist and husband of the current director, created a beautiful oil painting of Davis College, Davis College: The First Hundred Years that was available for sale at the birthday party. Guests were given three small photos of the print as a gift for coming to the ceremony.
Previous deans and directors Barron, Fred Roper and William F. Summers along with distinguished professors Charles Curran, Robert Williams and Linda Lucas Walling, who taught at Davis College for more than 100 years combined, also attended this special event.
As guests gathered around the birthday cake, Professor R. Means Davis, personified by Dr. Charles Curran, and Professor Havilah Babcock, personified by Andy Thomas, made memorable speeches about their times in Davis College.
“Professor R. Means Davis” concluded his speech with, “here’s a health,” as guests honored USC tradition by raising their right fists in the shape of a cup.
The real Professor Babcock inhabited the halls of Davis College from 1927-1964, although it is rumored that his ghost still roams the building in the form of smoke. Professor Babcock’s persona brought his speech to a close with his witty motto, “work hard and quit suddenly.” He claimed that although South Carolinians work hard, they do not let that interfere with their leisure time.
History carried the day at the birthday party. Guests reminisced about times past and envisioned future achievements at the beautiful building. Here’s to 100 more, Davis College!
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