The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom

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Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom, Howard Payne University

Institution Name: Howard Payne University
Original/Historic Place Name: Daniel Baker College Administration Building
Location on Campus: 1304 Austin Ave./ DBC Campus
Date(s) of Construction and Designer(s):

1890	original construction Unknown
1960s	remodeling of front facade Dill, Frank
ca. 1969	extensive renovation; addition of two wings; dedication in October Unknown

Type of Place: Individual building
Style(s): (Glossary)
Materials:

Foundation: concrete

Walls: sandstone

Roof: slate; composition

Function:

1890-1953	other (the building originally belonged to Daniel Baker College, and was the adminstration building; in 1953 Daniel Baker College merged with Howard Payne University)
ca. 1953-1960	classrooms
ca. 1953-1960	other (storage)
1969-present (2007)	library (supporting honors program)
1969-present (2007)	classrooms
1969-present (2007)	academic department building (history and political science; houses the Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom Honors Program)

Significance: culture, education
Landmark designation:

none

Narrative: see below
References: see below

Narrative:
Completed in 1890, the Daniel Baker College Administration Building was three stories high and comprised not only administrative offices but also faculty offices and classroom space. (These overcrowded conditions were eventually alleviated with the construction of additional buildings.) DBC merged with Howard Payne in 1953, and from that time until the early 1960s the building was used for storage and for additional classroom space. In 1962, the Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom Honors Program was established, and the decision was made to house the program in the DBC building. After extensive renovation and the addition of two classroom wings to the sides of the building, the facility was dedicated in October, 1969.

Today the building houses classrooms and offices used by the history and political science faculty for both the honors program and regular undergraduate programs. In addition, several environmental learning classrooms tracing humanity's quest for freedom where constructed during the remodeling. These include a replica of Philadelphia's Independence Hall, an old English meeting hall, and a larger auditorium. A library supporting the honors program is located in the building as well.

References:

I. Bibliographic sources:

None specified.

II. Location of other data:

University: Library

Other: Office of University historian.