Wicomico Hall

In 1939, the need for a male dormitory became evident at Maryland State Teachers College. Over 100 men were enrolled at the college, but the school’s main building only provided lodging to female students. Sixty of the male students were housed in private homes in close proximity to the school. Temporary male lodging in the main building’s south wing became available in January of 1948. Sixty male students were housed in large rooms, some holding six men each. However, many still were housed in private homes, which cost the college $5,000 a year in agreements with the homeowners. In 1949, a six year plan to expand the school was announced and $250,000 was allocated to construct a male dormitory. 

Ground broke for the new dormitory on March 31, 1950. The cornerstone was laid in a ceremony on November 16th celebrating the school’s 25th year, and the dorm was projected to open in February of 1951. However, opening day was delayed to October and then eventually November. Governor Theodore McKeldin attended the opening ceremony for the building, and delivered remarks. The dormitory was not officially named Wicomico Hall until 1966 at a ceremony in which all of Salisbury State College’s buildings were named.

Wicomico Hall is a brick structure of three stories. Located to the south of the main building now called Holloway Hall, it was intended to have fifty rooms and house 100 men. It has been renovated twice since its construction in the 1950s. Its first renovation took place in 1984 with a focus on adding bathrooms. A renovation of the entire building took place in 2011. 

Wicomico Hall continues to operate as a residence hall for Salisbury University. However, it is now co-ed, and houses seventy-eight students. Rooms are in a suite style, with two roommates sharing a linked bathroom with another pair of students. It also houses two lounges, a kitchen, and laundry facilities.

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

“Dedication Ceremonies Nov. 16th.” The Holly Leaf November 21st 1950.

“Expansion Program for Teachers College.” The Holly Leaf October 22nd 1948.

“Governor Visits S.T.C. Nov. 17.” The Holly Leaf November 16th 1951.

Moore, Marshall. “New Dormitory Opens for Second Semester.” The Holly Leaf January 30th 1948.

“Opening of New Dorm Delayed.” The Holly Leaf October 16th 1951.

“Salisbury Times Editorial Echoes Need for Men’s Dormitory at Teachers College.” The Holly Leaf November 1939.

Salisbury University. Wicomico Hall. Salisbury University. Accessed June 17th 2020. https://www.salisbury.edu/administration/student-affairs/housing-and-residence-life/residence-halls/wicomico.aspx.

“Senior Day Slated for March 31.” The Holly Leaf March 22nd 1950.

“To Be Dedicated: Student Union Building.” The Holly Leaf November 23rd 1966.