The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Old Main Park

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Institution Name: Howard Payne University
Original/Historic Place Name: Old Main Administration Building
Location on Campus: 900 Center Ave.
Date(s) of Construction:

1890	original construction Larwine,

Designer: Larwine (Waco, TX)
Type of Place: Landscape site
Style: (Glossary)
Significance: culture, history, landscape
Narrative: see below
References: see below

Function:

1890-1984	old main (originally housed the entire college: classrooms, library and administration; burned and razed in 1984)
1984-present (2006)	outdoor space (impromptu football, games, marching band practice)

Narrative:
Old Main Park is the site of the college's original building, which was completed in 1890 and used continually until it was destroyed by fire in May, 1984. As such it holds memories for all Howard Payne alumni. It is part of college tradition that students sing the Alma Mater facing Old Main Park to honor the memory of all who have gone before, uniting the college's past and present. The site is still considered the central area of campus, although it is actually on the northern end. A replica of Old Main's tower, three-stories high, has been constructed but has not been placed on the original site.

References:

The Link: Alumni Magazine. Howard Payne University, Brownwood, TX.

The Yellow Jacket, [n.d.]. Howard Payne University, Brownwood, TX.