As the history of Spring Hill College’s campus continues to grow, the buildings that house these very memories have a tough expectation as they withstand
the test of time.
Launched in 1830, Spring Hill became the first college to open in the state of Alabama. Shortly after, history was quick to sweep the grounds. In 1865 after the Civil War broke out, Mobile served as a refugee camp for Union troops. Both in 1869 and 1909 two massive fires tore down the campus. However each time, no matter the roadblocks, the school was rebuilt. In 1930’s the college opened its doors to women, making it one of the first coeducational colleges in the state. Then again in 1954 Spring Hill became the first integrated college in the deep south. Through all the backlash and criticism from the decisions made in past decades, the leaders of this college have pushed on and found ways to make this campus thrive.
The historic buildings that we walk by today are sadly not what they once were.
With the test of time, these buildings have severe interior damage and are only continuing to get worse. Not only are academic buildings starting to deteriorate, so are dormitories as well. This makes for unsafe living and learning conditions for the students at Spring Hill. In attempts to change with the times the college has expanded on the campus with the addition of its newest building “New Hall.”
Recently Spring Hill College was granted an opportunity to modernize the campus. Just last year the college was given a $35 million grant to build a state-of-the-art health and science center. This building will be revolutionizing the way students are able to research and advance their abilities in the health and science field. However, this building has to go somewhere, and it will be taking the place of Walsh Hall. Not only has this building been home to countless students since 1954, but the mailroom will have to find a new place
as well. To go along with the demolition of Walsh the dormitory, O’Leary will also be removed as well.
I believe that this building is a good improvement for the campus. Multiple generations of students will be able to use this place to enhance their knowledge in areas that can be used to help others in the future. Health and science professions are greatly needed in the world to better understand how life develops. With the new building, I can see there being a balance between keeping the history of Walsh preserved while modernizing the campus. If I was an alumni coming back on homecoming weekend, I would love to see the campus thriving along with all the memories I have made on this historic campus.
