Powell Dining Hall

In 1966, the Salisbury State College campus dedicated a new building to provide dining and recreational space for 1000 students. The Memorial Student Union (MSU) housed the College post office, bookstore, snack bar and several offices as well as two dining halls. The Maryland Room served food cafeteria style, while the Salisbury Room required “proper attire” and had its own buffet service with candlelight, linens, and dinner music. Later, the building was renamed the Ruth Powell Dining Hall after “Miss Ruth,” the College’s first dietitian and “house mother.” The Crossroads Pub took over the space when dining services moved to the new Commons building in 1997. While the pub was well used by students, the building was demolished three years later, in 2000, to make room for the new Henson Science building.

In 1966, the Salisbury State College campus dedicated a new 28,756 square foot building to provide dining and recreational space for 1000 students. The Memorial Student Union (MSU) commemorated the former students who served in the armed forces, especially during World War II and the Korean War. It housed the College post office, bookstore, snack bar and several offices as well as two dining halls. The Maryland Room served food cafeteria style, while the Salisbury Room required “proper attire” and had its own buffet service with candlelight, linens, and dinner music.

In the mid-1970s, the MSU was renovated and became the only dining hall on campus. Additionally, the building was renamed the Ruth Powell Dining Hall after “Miss Ruth,” the College’s first dietitian and “house mother.” Managed by an Advisory Board composed of administrative personnel and students appointed by the Student Government Association, Powell Dining Hall held many social events for students and faculty.

In 1988, many student services moved to the newly-built University Center (now Guerrieri Student Union) and Dining Services moved into the new Commons in 1997. The Crossroads Pub, which served food and alcohol to students who were of legal age, moved into the now-vacant dining areas of Powell from 1997 until 1999, when it was replaced by Gull’s Nest, located in the University Center. The Ruth Powell Dining Hall was demolished in 2000, making room for the new Henson Science building.

Bradley, Sylvia. Salisbury: From Normal School to University 1925 - 2001. Salisbury, Maryland. Salisbury University Press, 2002.

Salisbury University. A Timeline of SU Buildings & Presidents, Salisbury University. Accessed March 16th 2021. https://www.salisbury.edu/discover-su/campus-history/whos-who.aspx.

"To Be Dedicated: Student Union Building." The Holly Leaf (Salisbury) November 23rd, 1966.

"Student Union Building Dedication." The Holly Leaf December 15th, 1966.

"Dr. Devilbiss Discusses Projected View of Campus ." The Holly Leaf (Salisbury) March 3rd, 1967.

"Dining Hall Named for 'Miss Ruth'." The Flyer (Salisbury) March 23rd, 1977.

Salisbury State University. Choices We Make. Evergreen. June 1st, 1996. 23 - 24.