Pugsley Hall

Pugsley Hall entrance 1932

   Cornelius Amory Pugsley (’29H) of Peekskill, N.Y., a banker, congressman, philanthropist, and trustee of Rollins College, was the primary donor of the funds for Pugsley Hall. In addition to his contribution $35,000 toward the total construction cost of $43,737, Pugsley also gave funds for the first and second annual Institutes of Statesmanship at Rollins College. The furnishings of the Virginia Room of Pugsley Hall were donated by Virginia Robie in memory of her mother, Virginia Pendleton. The dedication ceremony took place on February 19, 1931, simultaneously with the Mayflower Hall.

Scenic view of Pugsley Hall in 1935

Rearview 1932

   The 5,801-square-foot residence hall was built by G. W. Hessler of Jacksonville, under the architectural supervision of Richard Kiehnel of Miami. The architectural design of the building reinforces the pattern of Spanish-Mediterranean-style buildings on campus, which is best demonstrated through the structure’s tiled roof and stone trimmings. With its iron-grilled windows and wood balconies, this residential building brings the image of old Spain to Florida. Inside the hall, the cypress beam ceilings with colored ornaments stand out among the internal decorative features. Moreover, the arches dividing the living room from the corridor take the shape of an arcade. Pugsley and Mayflower Halls are connected with a two-story passageway. The loggia displays large arches resting on massive columns. On the first floor, a common loggia connects the two buildings. This corridor was extended in later years to connect multiple numbers of building throughout the campus.    

Lounge 1936

   In addition to providing housing for the Greek life communities, the building contains space for recreational activities. The first floor is used primarily for social events, and the upper floors houses the living quarters. Most of the rooms serve as both bedrooms and study areas. In 1936, Kappa Kappa Gamma had the privilege to be the first sorority to move into the new building. Pugsley Hall currently houses Tau Kappa Epsilon.

Postcards 1944