Weenona Poindexter
For almost a century, generations of students have ascended the massive stone steps of Poindexter Hall into The W's center of musical culture. As a tribute to the prominence of this impressive Neoclassical structure, the Mississippi University for Women Office of Development has designated Poindextder Hall as the third miniature in the W Village series, following Callaway and Shattuck Halls.The Music Hall, as it was originally called, was built in 1905 to house Weenona Poindexter's ever growing music department. It was designed by Chattanooga architect R. H. Hunt, architect of several other buildings on campus and throughout Columbus. It is one of MUW's 24 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.
Poindexter is considered by many to be one of MUW's most beautiful buildings. It is a somewhat unusual structure - despite the front and rear wings' equal elevation height, the front wing houses three floors while the rear houses four. Its north entrance is flanked by six imposing Ionic columns, and the entire building is characterized by eleborate moldings, conices, and pilasters. The auditorium is a large oval-shaped space containing an elaborate cornice with egg and dart molding resting on paired Ionic pilasters. The auditorium's original oval skylight remains; however, it has been painted and covered.
Poindexter Hall is the subject of many landmarks in The W's history as well as many delightful stories. In 1905, Miss Poindexter used her own funds to bring the famous pianist Ignace Paderewski to the Music Hall for a performance. The event was such a success that a $1,000 profit was made. Miss Poindexter used this money to start a fund to bring other famous performers to campus as part of the university's first unofficial lyceum series. In 1909 the Music Hall hosted the only United States president to visit campus, President William H. Taft. During the Great Depression, faculty members were allowed to live in several of its small music rooms. In 1945, Miss Poindexter retired after 50 years of service to The W's music department. Consequently, in 1947 the Music Hall was renamed Poindexter Hall in her honor. In 1953 during a fire that nearly destroyed neighboring Shattuck Hall, Miss Poindexter rushed from her home across the street and into Poindexter Hall out of fear firefighters were not doing enough to save "her" building.
To this day, Poindexter Hall continues to house the MUW Music Department. A stroll by Poindexter on any given day reveals the strains of music emanating from students busily at work in one of Poindexter's many practice rooms. Only six years shy of 100 years old, Poindexter continues to shine as one of the most well-known and beloved jewels on MUW's campus.
Weenona Poindexter is the daughter of William Rice Poindexter and Addie S. Brother(son), Granddaughter of Thomas Poindexter and Frances Schooler/William Green Poindexter/Rev John Poindexter/John Poindexter/Thomas/George/George
E-mail Stories Or Just To Say Hello!
The Music Hall, as it was originally called, was built in 1905 to house Weenona Poindexter's ever growing music department. It was designed by Chattanooga architect R. H. Hunt, architect of several other buildings on campus and throughout Columbus. It is one of MUW's 24 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.
Poindexter is considered by many to be one of MUW's most beautiful buildings. It is a somewhat unusual structure - despite the front and rear wings' equal elevation height, the front wing houses three floors while the rear houses four. Its north entrance is flanked by six imposing Ionic columns, and the entire building is characterized by eleborate moldings, conices, and pilasters. The auditorium is a large oval-shaped space containing an elaborate cornice with egg and dart molding resting on paired Ionic pilasters. The auditorium's original oval skylight remains; however, it has been painted and covered.
Poindexter Hall is the subject of many landmarks in The W's history as well as many delightful stories. In 1905, Miss Poindexter used her own funds to bring the famous pianist Ignace Paderewski to the Music Hall for a performance. The event was such a success that a $1,000 profit was made. Miss Poindexter used this money to start a fund to bring other famous performers to campus as part of the university's first unofficial lyceum series. In 1909 the Music Hall hosted the only United States president to visit campus, President William H. Taft. During the Great Depression, faculty members were allowed to live in several of its small music rooms. In 1945, Miss Poindexter retired after 50 years of service to The W's music department. Consequently, in 1947 the Music Hall was renamed Poindexter Hall in her honor. In 1953 during a fire that nearly destroyed neighboring Shattuck Hall, Miss Poindexter rushed from her home across the street and into Poindexter Hall out of fear firefighters were not doing enough to save "her" building.
To this day, Poindexter Hall continues to house the MUW Music Department. A stroll by Poindexter on any given day reveals the strains of music emanating from students busily at work in one of Poindexter's many practice rooms. Only six years shy of 100 years old, Poindexter continues to shine as one of the most well-known and beloved jewels on MUW's campus.
Weenona Poindexter is the daughter of William Rice Poindexter and Addie S. Brother(son), Granddaughter of Thomas Poindexter and Frances Schooler/William Green Poindexter/Rev John Poindexter/John Poindexter/Thomas/George/George
E-mail Stories Or Just To Say Hello!