Dukes Gymnasium

National Register Listing

Street Address:

South Carolina State College campus, Orangeburg, SC (Orangeburg County)

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NRHP Nomination

Record Number:

S10817738014

Description and Narrative:

Dukes Gymnasium, constructed 1931, is significant for its association with a pioneer African American South Carolina architect, Miller F. Whittaker, and a South Carolina State College mechanical arts student, John H. Blanche. The building was designed by Blanche as a graduation thesis in the department of mechanical arts under the supervision of Whittaker. Thomas J. Entzminger, an African American carpenter from Columbia, was the chief building supervisor. Instructors in mechanical arts courses at the college installed the steel framing, plumbing and electrical systems and supervised other parts of the construction. The building itself, the tangible evidence of these efforts, is well proportioned and solidly built. It is a two-story brick building with a full basement and a gable on hip roof. The brickwork is common bond; the roofing is red tile. The façade features a five-bay brick arcade. A concrete water table runs between the basement and first story. Funding for the building was provided by student recreation fees. Listed in the National Register September 20, 1985.

Period of Significance:

1931

Level of Significance:

State

Area of Significance:

Architecture;Ethnic Heritage: Black;Education

National Register Determination:

listed

Date of Certification:

September 20 1985

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