Russell Hall
Amarillo, Potter County, Texas
Marker Inscription
The administration building and the gymnasium were the first two permanent structures built for Amarillo College. Originally known as Badger Gymnasium for the school's athletic teams, this facility was renamed to honor Dr. Natalie Russell, who fostered women's physical education at the college. Architect Guy Carlander designed the building, erected in 1937-39 with Public Works Administration funding. The steel and brick gymnasium includes a two-story central space surrounded by a one-story outer wing. Geometric Art Deco style elements such as chevrons, flutes and parallel bands accent the brick and cast stone exterior. Above the entry doors, the words "honor" and "valor" are inscribed in large rounded block letters.Recorded Texas Historic Landmark-2008
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Russell Hall was one of the first two permanent buildings at Amarillo College, raised in 1937-39 with Public Works Administration funding during the Depression. Architect Guy Carlander designed it in a geometric Art Deco style—chevrons, flutes, and the words "honor" and "valor" carved above its doors—and the gymnasium was later renamed for Dr. Natalie Russell, a champion of women's physical education at the college.
Why it matters
It embodies New Deal investment in public education and the growing place of women in American college athletics.
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Related people
- · Dr. Natalie Russell
- · Guy Carlander
Themes & tags
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