University in Memphis in Shelby County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
John Willard Brister Library
placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1927.
Location. 35° 7.087′ N, 89° 56.375′ W. Marker is in Memphis, Tennessee, in Shelby County. It is in University. Marker can be reached from Alumni Avenue west of State, on the left when traveling west. Marker is on the University of Memphis campus. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3669 Alumni Ave, Memphis TN 38111, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. In 1994 the University's name was changed (within shouting distance of this marker); The University of Memphis 9-11 Memorial Tree (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Luther C. McClellan (about 500 feet away); Miriam DeCosta Sugarmon (about 500 feet away); Tom (about 600 feet away); J. Millard "Jack" Smith (about 600 feet away); Memphis State Eight (about 700 feet away); Normal Depot (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Memphis.
Regarding John Willard Brister Library. Excerpt from the National Register nomination for the building, which is no longer used for a library:
The John W. Brister Library, constructed in 1927 and later named for the man who had served as president of West Tennessee State Teacher's College (as Memphis State University was called from 1925-1936) from 1913 to 1918 and from 1924 to 1939, is significant in two respects. Architecturally, the building illustrates how prominent Memphis architect George W. Mahan, Or., adapted the Neo-Classical Revival style to suit the needs and budget of an educational institution. The Brister Library is also significant for the educational services provided to the mid-South, where it has enjoyed the reputation of having that region's foremost collection of professional 1iterature.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 27, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 137 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 27, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 2. submitted on June 28, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3. submitted on June 27, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.