Hudson Hall - More campus buildings

A tragic fire destroyed University Hall (a.k.a. "Old Main" in 1927)--the erstwhile classroom and teaching center of Blackburn-- and ground was broken for its current replacement, Hudson Hall the following year. A valuable lesson was learned from the destructive blaze--Hudson was constructed entirely of fireproof materials: brick, steel, concrete and stone. Much of the stone foundation of "Old Main" was salvaged and used in Hudson Hall's construction. At the time, the erection of Hudson was the largest construction project ever undertaken by Blackburn students. Hudson Hall was named in honor of Dr. William Hudson, former President of Blackburn form 1913 to 1945.

Commencing with $50,000 of insurance money and the help of a mule named Jim, the workers slowly cleared away the heaps of rubble and began fervently to rebuild. However, because of the eventual substantial size of Hudson, an ongoing drive for funds was necessary to complete the building. Several times work would start and stop until the necessary money appeared to continue. With slow, determined, and fastidious steps, this project took practically four years to finish. The total cost of the edifice reached $85,000; another $10,000 was required to furnish it. Since its inaugural day, Hudson Hall became a hub of activity for student life on Blackburn campus. Campus mailboxes were located on the first floor, as were the business and administrative offices, and the offices of the President and the Dean of Students. The library used to be located where the computer lab is today. See inside building.