Memorial Hall

National Register Listing

Street Address:

2nd St. between Home Ave. and Carolina Ave., Hartsville, SC (Darlington County)

Alternate Name:

General Service Building, Coker College

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NRHP Nomination

Record Number:

S10817716028

Description and Narrative:

The Memorial Hall/General Service Building at Coker College is architecturally significant as a component of an early twentieth century planned college in South Carolina. Constructed in 1913 and 1916, it is an important, classically influenced design by a prominent South Carolina architectural firm, Wilson and Sompayrac. In addition to its architectural importance the building is also significant for its relationship to Major James Lide Coker, a prominent Hartsville businessman and major benefactor of the college, founded in 1908. The three-story building of masonry construction was constructed in two phases. Memorial Hall, which comprises approximately the north one-third of the building, was constructed in 1913. The Memorial Hall section serves as the primary entrance to the entire buildings. The five bay entrance façade, marked by a three-bay projecting full-height portico, faces Home Avenue. The pedimented portico, ornamented with block modillions, is supported by four colossal Corinthian columns and two pilasters. In 1916 the porches of Memorial Hall were enclosed as the building was extended to the south. The extension, called the General Service Building, consists of three distinct parts: a central projecting block and two dormitory wings which extent north and south. Listed in the National Register February 9, 1989.

Period of Significance:

1913;1916;1913 – 1916

Level of Significance:

Local

Area of Significance:

Education;Architecture

National Register Determination:

listed

Date of Certification:

February 9 1989

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