Durant in Bryan County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)
Morrison Hall
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 3, 2025
1. Morrison Hall Marker
The first building, which anchors Southeastern’s Magnolia-lined campus mall, was constructed in 1910 on the site of Dr. J. L. Schuler’s peach orchard at a cost of $94,385. Opened in January 1911, the facility greatly enhanced Southeastern Normal School’s early mission as a two-year higher education institution for training public school teachers. In addition to offices for the administration and faculty, the building featured classrooms, labs, gymnasium, auditorium, boiler room, and cafeteria.
Originally called the “Normal School Building,” this facility became known as the Administration Building as the campus expanded in the 1920s and was also referred to as “Old Main” at other times. In 1969, the building was named Morrison Hall to honor the service of Dr. W. B. Morrison, Southeastern’s 10th president.
Erected by Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Charity & Public Work • Education. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1911.
Location. 34° 0.365′ N, 96° 22.687′ W. Marker is in Durant, Oklahoma, in Bryan County. It is on North 5th Avenue just north of University Boulevard, on the left when traveling north. The marker is located in front
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Oklahoma’s Choctaw Nation. It is also 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 New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Henry G. Bennett Memorial Library (within shouting distance of this marker); The Russell Building (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The President's Home (about 400 feet away); Durant (approx. 0.9 miles away); Confederate Memorial (approx. 0.9 miles away); Bryan County V.F.W. Memorial (approx. 0.9 miles away); Bryan County Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.9 miles away); General Ira Eaker (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Durant.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Also see . . . Morrison, past to present (The Southeastern).
(by Brittani Young) Excerpt: L. David Norris’ book (1986) “A History of Southeastern Oklahoma State University Since 1909” described the complete history of Southeastern Oklahoma State University, including the history of the creation of the Morrison Building.(Submitted on July 3, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Dr. J. L. Shuler donated the stretch of land on which the Morrison Building now resides.Schuler officially gave up his warranty deed on May 15, 1909. Many Durant residents did not agree with the location of the land, as it was located outside the city limits of what was then Durant. The work was to start no later than September 1909, but it was not until November that the contract with Daugherty-Kirby Construction Company was completed. The construction work began in December 1909. The building was completed by January 1911. As SE has grown as a campus, the offices and gymnasium have since been moved from Morrison to their current locations.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 3, 20252. Morrison Hall MarkerThe marker is on the right side of the Morrison Hall main front entrance staircase.
On May 26, 1937, Dr. William Brown Morrison became president of Southeastern. He was also the president of Oklahoma Presbyterian College for a period. Morrison also served as a history professor for Southeastern during a previous timeframe. Although he only resided as president of Southeastern for one month, he has been attributed to strengthening the university.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 3, 2025
3. Morrison Hall (south/front elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 188 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 3, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
