The Poet's Shack
Oxford, Butler County, Ohio
Marker Inscription
"The Poet's Shack" "The Poet's Shack" was built as a writing studio for the prolific poet Percy MacKaye, who held the position of writer-in-residence at Miami University from 1920-1924. MacKaye requested a writing studio in the woods, a simple shack with a fire where faculty or students could gather to talk with the poet or hear his newest works. MacKaye's studio was built on Miami's lower campus – now known as Bishop Woods after first president Robert Hamilton Bishop – where Upham Hall stands today. Students called the structure "The Poet's Shack."
Erected by Ohio History Connection
The Story
Built as a rustic writing studio for poet Percy MacKaye during his years as writer-in-residence at Miami University from 1920 to 1924, 'The Poet's Shack' was a simple woodland cabin with a fire where students and faculty could gather to hear his newest works. It stood on the lower campus — now Bishop Woods — where Upham Hall rises today. Students affectionately named the little structure themselves.
Why it matters
It recalls an era when universities cultivated resident poets and the arts as a living presence on campus, shaping American literary and educational life.
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Related people
- · Percy MacKaye
- · Robert Hamilton Bishop
Themes & tags
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