South Los Angeles in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Oldest University Building in Southern California
Erected 1955 by the California State Parks Commission, on the occasion of the University of Southern California's 75th anniversary year. (Marker Number 536.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is September 4, 1880.
Location. 34° 1.164′ N, 118° 16.971′ W. Marker is in Los Angeles, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in South Los Angeles. Marker is at the intersection of Childs Way and Pardee Way, on the right when traveling west on Childs Way. It is in front of Widney Hall on the campus of the University of Southern California. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 635 Childs Way, Los Angeles CA 90089, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Trojan for Life (here, next to this marker); John C. Argue Plaza (within shouting distance of this marker); Petrified Tree from the Arizona Forest (within shouting distance of this marker); USC Urban Legends (within shouting distance of this marker); University of Southern California (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Carolyn Craig Franklin Library Garden Courtyard and Fountain (about 400 feet away); Town and Gown of USC (about 500 feet away); Endowing the Future (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Los Angeles.
Additional commentary.
1. Accompanying Tablets (see photo No. 2)
The tablet on the upper left reads, Widney Hall Oldest university structure in Southern California continually used since 1880 for educational purposes. Declared Historic Cultural Monument No. 70 by the Cultural Heritage Board, Cultural Affairs Department, City of Los Angeles.
The tablet on the lower left reads, Alumni House. First university of Southern California building. Home for all who have attended USC. Dedicated this 6th day of October, 1977. The General Alumni Association extends enduring gratitude to all alumni who participated in this project. Herbert G. Klein, JOUR, 40, President, General Alumni Association 1975-1976 (1st year of restoration) Eugene C. Clarke, LAS 32, President, General Alumni Association 1976-1977 (2nd year of restoration) Joseph C. Cannell, BUS. 30, Chairman, Remodeling Committee (President, General Alumni Association, 1971-1972) Gin Wong, ARCH 50, Architect J. Robert Fluor, BUS. 46, Chairman, USC Board of Trustees John R. Hubbard, President, USC Thomas P. Nickell, Jr., BUS. 40, University Affairs H. Dale Hilton, ENGR, 36, Associate Vice President, University Affairs Executive Director, General Alumni Association. Restoration completed 1976 the 96th year of the University the 200th year of the nation.
The tablet on the right reads, Widney Alumni House, University of Southern California. Erected 1880. Marion M. Bovard, President of the University Robert M. Widney, President of the Board Ezra F. Kysor & Octavis Morgan, Architects.
— Submitted January 6, 2019.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 29, 2018, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 399 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 29, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2, 3. submitted on November 29, 2018, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on January 6, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.