Clemson in Pickens County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Outdoor Theater (Amphitheater)

Photographed By Brian Scott, May 29, 2009

1. Outdoor Theater (Amphitheater) Marker - Seating

Inscription. Seating
Presented to
Clemson A&M College
by
Class 1940
in Cooperation with
Works Projects Administration
----------
Class Officers
J.M. Stallworth, President
A.D. Graham, Vice President
A.C. Commander, Secretary
E. Mazo, Historian
----------
David J. Watson, Chm. Bldg. Committee
H.E. Glenn, Engineer

Outdoor Theater
Erected 1940
----------
Presented to
Clemson A&M College
by
Class 1915
in Cooperation with
Works Projects Administration
----------
Class Officers
W.J. Hunter, President
David J. Watson, 1st Vice President
E.H. Pate, 2nd Vice President
P.C. Crayton, Sec-Treasurer
----------
David J. Watson, Chm. Bldg. Committee
Leon LeGrand, Architect
H.E. Glenn, Engineer

Erected 1940 by Class of 1915 and Class of 1940.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1940.

Location. 34° 40.667′ N, 82° 50.167′ W. Marker is in Clemson, South Carolina

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

, in Pickens County. Marker can be reached from Calhoun Drive. "Seating" marker located on the east side of the state; "Outdoor Theater" on the west side. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Clemson SC 29631, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Woman Graduate (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hardin Hall (about 400 feet away); Riggs Hall (about 600 feet away); Walter T. Cox, Jr. (about 600 feet away); Trustee House (about 600 feet away); The Old Tillman Hall Bell (about 600 feet away); Class of 1943 Veterans (about 600 feet away); Long Hall (about 600 feet away); Fort Hill (about 600 feet away); Quercus lyrata (Overcup Oak) (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Clemson.

Also see . . .
1. Clemson University. Official website of Clemson University. (Submitted on July 5, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)

2. Clemson University Historic District #2. Clemson University Historic District II includes seven historic resources (three academic buildings, a residence and associated office, and an outdoor theater) located on the Clemson University Campus. (Submitted on July 5, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)

3. Sidney Lanier. Sidney Lanier (February 3, 1842 – September 7, 1881) was an American musician and poet. (Submitted on July 5, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)

Outdoor Theater (Amphitheater) Marker - Outdoor Theater image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Scott, May 29, 2009

2. Outdoor Theater (Amphitheater) Marker - Outdoor Theater

4. Works Progress Administration. The Works Progress Administration (renamed in 1939 to the Work Projects Administration; WPA) was the largest New Deal agency, employing millions of people and affecting almost every locality in the United States, especially rural and western mountain populations. (Submitted on July 5, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)

Additional commentary.
1. About the Clemson Amphitheater
The Outdoor Theater was built in a natural depression behind Hardin Hall, near the center of the campus. The stage of the theater was constructed in a semi-circle that is 83 feet across and 53 feet deep. These are attached to large concrete lanterns with cast iron finials. The structure was designed by Leon LeGrand, the first graduate of Clemson's architectural program. These stylized lanterns are typical of the Art Deco style. The rear of the stage is bounded by a wall, approximately seven feet high, surmounted by a semi-circular colonnade. The stage floor has a sunburst pattern of gray, red, and beige marble tile incorporating a large "1915." Tiered concrete slabs following the natural curve of a hillside seat approximately 400 spectators and replace the original wooden benches.

The Outdoor Theater,

Quote by Sidney Lanier Above the Outdoor Theater Stage image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Scott, May 29, 2009

3. Quote by Sidney Lanier Above the Outdoor Theater Stage

also known as the Amphitheater or the Bandstand, was constructed in 1940 as a gift to Clemson College from the Class of 1915 for its twenty-fifth reunion. Built in a natural depression behind Hardin Hall and near the center of the campus, the theater cost $10,000. Leon LeGrand, a member of the Class of 1915 and the first graduate of Clemson's architecture program, designed the theater. David Watson, another member of the class and supervisor of grounds at Clemson in 1940, selected the site. The structure was designed with stylized Art Deco detailing. By 1977 the theater had deteriorated to the extent that the university administration considered its demolition and replacement with a new theater, but protests from Clemson students and alumni led to its renovation. The original wooden seats were removed and replaced with concrete stairs. Originally used for graduation exercises, the Outdoor Theater is still one of the most popular gathering places on the Clemson campus; concerts, theater productions, pep rallies, and classes continue to be held there. (Source: National Register nomination form.)

— Submitted July 5, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.

Seating from Outdoor Theater Stage image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Scott, May 29, 2009

4. Seating from Outdoor Theater Stage

Outdoor Theater (Amphitheater) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Scott, May 29, 2009

5. Outdoor Theater (Amphitheater)

Photographed By Brian Scott, May 29, 2009

6. Outdoor Theater (Amphitheater)

Credits. This page was last revised on November 22, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 2,862 times since then and 138 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 5, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.