Durant in Bryan County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)

Henry G. Bennett Memorial Library

Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 3, 2025

1. Henry G. Bennett Memorial Library Marker

Inscription.
On April 1st, 1928, Oklahoma Governor Henry S. Johnston visited campus and delivered a speech opening Southeastern’s new library. Built at a cost of $114,000, the Greco-Roman structure consisted of three floors and a mezzanine. After a fire in 1934 endangered the future of the library, Southeastern faculty, students and Durant citizens worked to save the water-damaged books. In 1982, the University officially named the library in honor of Henry G. Bennett, the sixth President of Southeastern and a prominent figure in Oklahoma higher education.

Above the six Corinthian columns is the University motto Sapere Aude, Latin for “dare to be wise.” This motto encourages all who enter to accept the challenge of intellectual growth and exploration. The Henry G. Bennett Memorial Library continues to serve as the academic heart of the University, providing mental discipline and breadth of understanding to all who choose to study.

Erected by Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education. A significant historical date for this entry is April 1, 1928.

Location. 34° 0.383′ N, 96° 22.734′ W. Marker is in Durant, Oklahoma, in Bryan County. It is on North 6th Avenue just north

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of University Boulevard, on the right when traveling south. The marker is located in front of the subject building on the Southeastern Oklahoma State University campus. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1405 North 6th Avenue, Durant OK 74701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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: Morrison Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); The President's Home (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Russell Building (about 500 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 . . .
1. History of the Library (SOSU pdf).

Excerpt: The library at Southeastern Normal School began in 1909 when two librarians were hired, and the faculty of the new school were asked to donate ten books each to the new library. When the permanent building for the school was finished in 1910, the library was housed on the third floor. In 1911, a large shipment of books and materials
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 3, 2025

2. Henry G. Bennett Memorial Library Marker
The marker is located beside the sidewalk, directly in front of the Bennett Memorial Library.
was sent to the library. In 1915, the library was installed with lights, enabling students to study in the library at night. By 1917 the library had nearly one thousand children’s books, something that was not found in any other normal school in the state.

(Submitted on July 5, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Henry G. Bennett Memorial Library (Wikipedia).

Excerpt: Plans for housing the library in a separate building began early in 1927. Construction began in 1927 and completed in 1928 during the presidency of Henry G. Bennett. The library building featured four large Corinthian columns, a first-floor magazine room and a second floor that could accommodate four hundred students. The third floor was for departmental libraries and contained several classrooms.
On the night of October 2, 1934, the library's north end caught fire. The fire was put out quickly by the Durant Fire Department and salvaged the building and many of the 30,000 books inside. The damage to the library was estimated at $50,000.
The library building was repaired and in the late 1930s the library was designated as a depository for federal government documents, and lamp posts were installed in front of the library. Through the 1930s and 1940s improvements
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, 40

3. Henry G. Bennett Memorial Library
(on right side of entrance portico)
1927 Library
Southeastern Teachers College
Henry G. Bennett, Pres.
Henry S. Johnston, Gov.
State Board of Affairs
Gus Wollard, Chairman
Roy O. Coppock, V. Chm.
J. Robt. Gillam, Secy.
State Board of Education
John S. Vaughan, Pres.
J. M. Sandlin • J. L. Newland • Forney Hutchinson •
Ethel M. Cardiff • Mrs. Bertha M. Truitt • J. R. Holmes
Sorey & Vahlberg, Archts.
Underhill Constr. Co., Contrs.
were made to the library building, and in 1954, air conditioning was installed.

(Submitted on July 5, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Henry G. Bennett Memorial Library Entrance image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 3, 2025

4. Henry G. Bennett Memorial Library Entrance

Henry G. Bennett Memorial Library (<i>northeast elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 3, 2025

5. Henry G. Bennett Memorial Library (northeast elevation)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 5, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 30, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 151 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 5, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.