Alva in Woods County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)
Jesse Dunn Hall
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 2024
1. Jesse Dunn Hall Marker
After a fire in 1935 destroyed Northwestern’s first building, the “Castle on the Hill,” funds to replace it were provided by the Oklahoma Legislature and the Federal Public Works Administration. The new building, Jesse Dunn Hall, was designed by architect John Forsythe of Tulsa and constructed in 1935-36.
It originally housed the school library, six different academic departments, and the president’s office. Dedication was March 12, 1937, with Eleanor Roosevelt on the program. The building was named for a pioneer Alva Attorney who later became Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court.
Dr. Kay Decker and Doyle Wardrop
and Family
November 2011
Erected 2011.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Charity & Public Work • Education. In addition, it is included in the Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 12, 1937.
Location. 36° 47.818′ N, 98° 40.016′ W. Marker is in Alva, Oklahoma, in Woods County. It can be reached from the intersection of Oklahoma Boulevard (U.S. 64) and College Avenue, on the
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the American South, specifically on the prairies, and on the Southern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, and Cherokee Outlet.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Castle on the Hill — Its Cornerstone (a few steps from this marker); Castle on the Hill - Its Design (a few steps from this marker); Castle on the Hill — Its Destruction (a few steps from this marker); Castle on the Hill — Its Approval (a few steps from this marker); Carter Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Herod Hall (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); ΦΛΧ Commemorates Veterans of Foreign Wars from Northwestern State College
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 2024
2. Jesse Dunn Hall Marker
Looking south; the Jesse Dunn Hall front/main/north entrance is in the background.
Also see . . .
1. 1937 Dedication - Jesse Dunn & Horace Mann Hall (Wikipedia).
Excerpt: It was two years after the burning of the Castle on the Hill that the small, rural community in Northwest Oklahoma gathered, organized for the Dedication of Jesse Dunn Hall that replaced the old Castle on the Hill, at Northwestern State Teachers' College, in Alva, Oklahoma. Friday afternoon, March 12 found the citizens gathering for a 32 minute band concert by the Northwestern College Band, at 1:00 p.m., at the entrance of Jesse Dunn Hall. Following the concert president Ernest E. Brown presided over the Dedication program at 1:30 p.m., at the entrance of Jesse Dunn Hall. There was an assembly of guests of honor; introduction of guests; dedication address (The New Northwestern by A. L. Crable); three to five-minute talks by representatives of groups and individuals responsible for providing funds, planning and building Jesse Dunn Hall and Horace Mann Hall; a pageant (Creation of Northwestern - re-enactment of signing the law creating the school).(Submitted on February 7, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 20243. Jesse Dunn Hall (north/front/main entrance)Then came the introduction of Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt by Lt. Gov. James C. Berry and the Greetings by the First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt. At 3:15 p.m., in Herod Hall, Dean Sabin C. Percefull presided in a High School Assembly with a concert by the Northwestern College Band and Address by Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt, "A Typical Day at the White House."
2. University Preserves Roosevelt History (Northwestern News).
(By Rebbeca Wagner) Excerpt: In 1937, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt was a part of the dedication of the Jesse Dunn Building, which replaced the castle. After the castle fire settled and before the ashes cooled, efforts to rebuild were put in place. The damages of the fire cost around $500,000. State Sen. Charles Albright of Capron drew up a bill to appropriate funds for a new building. It passed in the state House just a few days after it was announced, and thanks to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration, construction got underway.(Submitted on February 7, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)The dedication of the new buildings took place on March 12, 1937, and
attracted thousands of people to Alva. Roosevelt spoke to a crowd of 2,000 that was jammed into the Wyatt Gym, which is now the Student Center. When Roosevelt dedicated Jesse Dunn, she stood in front of the building at a lectern that Northwestern still has today. The lectern, along with the chair Roosevelt sat in while she was at Northwestern, is kept in a room on the third floor of the Jesse Dunn Building under lock and key.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 20244. Jesse Dunn Hall Cornerstone(located at northwest corner of building)
Federal Emergency Administration
of Public Works Project 1003
Erected A. D. 1936
to replace original administration building
destroyed by fire A. D. March 1, 1935
E. W. Marland ~ GovernorState Board of Public Affairs
Lea M. Nichols, Chairman
Al. W. Horton, Vice-Chairman
Pavl P. Colvert, SecretaryErnest E. Brown, President 1936
Sabin C. Percefull, Acting President 1935
John Duncan Forsyth, Architect
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 2024
5. Jesse Dunn Hall (northwest elevation)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 2024
6. Jesse Dunn Hall (southwest elevation)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 2024
7. Jesse Dunn Hall (north/front elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 6, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 202 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on February 7, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
