Dukes Memorial Building

In January 1902, Lewis Dukes offers $10,000 for a new building on ONU’s campus on the condition that local donors can contribute an equal sum. The new building was made possible after Dukes was “aided and abetted by the loyalty of Ada citizens”. The laying of the Dukes cornerstone occurred at 3:30pm July 27th, 1902. The Ada Record announced on November 19th, 1902 that the “slate roof is on the new Dukes hall and the plastering is well under way. The stone balcony in front is being erected.” 

On Monday, April 20th, the first classes were held in Dukes Memorial. In May 1934, all of the equipment of the College of Pharmacy was moved to the Dukes building. The pharmacy building at the time was an older structure on campus. It was considered to be an eyesore and a possible fire hazard, and was decided to be removed from campus. The College of Pharmacy would be the longest department to have the headquarters in Dukes, occupying the building from 1934-66. Renovations began on Dukes from 1951-52, adding to the rear an animal laboratory and restrooms. It was later removed in May 1994. 

A new addition was announced August 10th, 1994. Scheduled for the completion by the end of 1994, this new addition would add additional classroom space and make the building more handicapped accessible with restroom changes and an elevator. The new addition to the west side of Dukes was dedicated April 1st, 1995, to Dr. Childe Harold Freeman, a professor of English and the head of the English Department from 1909-52. The Freeman Annex dedication was held at 11:30am.

The final addition to Dukes Memorial occurred in Fall 2002 with the groundbreaking for more classrooms. The Cornetet addition was completed the next Fall of 2003.

Dukes Building, Campus Buildings. Accessed November 10th 2020. https://library.onu.edu/c.php?g=357885&p=2416964.

"Dukes Hall Occupied." The Ada Record (Ada) April 29th 1903. .