South Los Angeles in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Oldest University Building in Southern California
Photographed By Craig Baker, October 28, 2023
1. Oldest University Building Marker
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.
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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.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, November 29, 2018
2. Oldest University Building Marker
It is the center tablet on the concrete pedestal.
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.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, November 29, 2018
3. Widney Hall Alumni Center
2014 bronze by Christopher Slatoff, photograph by J.J. Prats, November 29, 2018
4. Judge Robert Maclay Widney, the Founder of USC, 1880
“In my wildest dreams, I never conceived anything as wonderful as this university.”
Photographed By J. J. Prats, November 29, 2018
5. Arnold Eddy, Engr. 24
“The Board of Governors expresses great appreciation to Arnold Eddy, Engr. 24 Emeritus Executive Director, General Alumni Association, for the profound devotion, support and loyalty he bestows upon his university and for the noble Trojan spirit he embodies and displays so well to the honor of USC.”
Photographed By J. J. Prats, November 29, 2018
6. Robert Dean Fisher
“In honor of Robert Dean Fisher, Financial Vice President, 1946-1958, who with the keenest sense of history and equal prescience first saw the enduring value of preserving Widney Hall for all generations and who led in achieving this worthy objective.”
Photographed By J. J. Prats, November 29, 2018
7. Raymond C. Sparling
1912-1972. In memory of Raymond C. Sparking, Engr. 33, Varsity Football 31, 32, 33 The Sparling Reverse. Member, USC Board of Trustees; President, General Alumni Association; Distinguished businessman.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, November 29, 2018
8. The School Bell Affair
“1889 – 1939. On June 8, 1889 the Alpha Upsilon chapter of the Sigma Chi fraternity was founded at the University of Southern California. It was the first national fraternity to be chartered in Southern California.
On Halloween night, 1890, the university's school bell mysteriously disappeared from the campus. In commemoration of its 100th anniversary, and in appreciation of a century of leadership by the university, the Alpha Upsilon now returns the school bell to the original owner.
Presented by the Trojan Sig Foundation, June 8, 1989. Richard C. Boonn 54, President; Manual L Beal 46; Arne B. Lindgren, 54; Harold C. Ramser, Sr. '29; John A. Baran 47; Thomas A. Techentin 58; Kraig A. Westra 65; Bruce W. Stuart 60, Centennial Chairman.”
On Halloween night, 1890, the university's school bell mysteriously disappeared from the campus. In commemoration of its 100th anniversary, and in appreciation of a century of leadership by the university, the Alpha Upsilon now returns the school bell to the original owner.
Presented by the Trojan Sig Foundation, June 8, 1989. Richard C. Boonn 54, President; Manual L Beal 46; Arne B. Lindgren, 54; Harold C. Ramser, Sr. '29; John A. Baran 47; Thomas A. Techentin 58; Kraig A. Westra 65; Bruce W. Stuart 60, Centennial Chairman.”
Photographed By J. J. Prats, November 29, 2018
9. Various tablets affixed to wall
The tablets shown in photos 5, 6, and 7 are to the right of the tree trunk. The tablet in photo 8 is to the left of the lamppost.
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.
