Tingley Memorial Hall, Claflin College
National Register Listing
Street Address:
College Ave., Orangeburg, SC (Orangeburg County)
NRHP Nomination
Record Number:
S10817738009
Description and Narrative:
Tingley Memorial Hall, a two-story, brick Classical Revival style building constructed in 1908 according to the plans of William Wilson Cooke, is the main building on the campus of Claflin College in Orangeburg. The building is historically significant for its association with the important contribution of the college to black education in the state in the early twentieth century. Tingley Hall is architecturally significant for its association with Cooke, a graduate of Claflin, a pioneer architect and the first African American man to hold the position of senior architectural designer with the United States Supervising Architect’s Office in Washington, D.C. The handsome, imposing building reflects the importance that was attached to education as a means to an improved future for the African American youths of South Carolina. The fine proportions and use of classical motifs such as the bead and reel molding, acanthus leaf keystone, and Palladian window design in the architecture illustrate Cooke’s competence as an architect. Decorative elements include a molded concrete water table above the basement and brick quoins on all corners. The brick is laid in Flemish bond with dark headers. The roof is topped by an octagonal cupola featuring arched louvered vents, pilasters, a dentil cornice, and a copper dome. Listed in the National Register August 4, 1983.
Period of Significance:
1908
Level of Significance:
State
Area of Significance:
Architecture;Education;Other
National Register Determination:
listed
Date of Certification:
August 4 1983
