Forensic Hall (1873)

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Forensic Hall

This Hall was built in 1873 mainly through the efforts of Professor Caskie Harrison. A need for a public hall had been felt for some time for all kinds of meetings, from plays to commencement debates and dances. It was 60 by 36 feet on the north side of the Chapel. A sun dial now marks the place where it stood. It was put up "within the space of three weeks, much of the lumber used having been cut down, hauled to the mill, sawed and thence to the ground during the progress of erection. " (Fairbanks, p. 155) Many "penny readings" and lectures were given to help pay for it. A stage was added in 1890 by the Thespian Club; The great performance of the Mikado was given in 1887 on a temporary one. (Purple Sewanee, page 75) [ENC notes-  there was another Mikado circa 1942.]

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For almost 50 years it was the only dance hall, theatre and meeting hall on the Mountain. For though it was moved when All Sint's Chapel was begun, to the place where the Juhan Gymnasium is now, it went on being used for dances and theatrical performances until 1917. Besides all the commencement dances, one evening a week "Dancing School" was held in it. This was not a class but an informal dance with Mrs. Barnwell at the piano and the proceeds going to the Athletic Association. Such elaborate plays as the Mikado, Antigone, Alkestis, and the Frogs [in Greek], the debates, the oratorical contests every commencement, were given in it.

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 "It was a rough unpainted building with its wooden shutters and glassed rose window ... The center of social life at Sewanee." (Purple Sewanee, p. 109) Miss Queenie Washington said: "It had remarkable acoustics and the most delightful floor I ever danced on." (Purple Sewanee, p. 70) It was finally pulled down in 1917.

Forensic Hall (1873)