Abernethy Hall

Building Notes

1993 (Source: History)

The Program in Humanities and Human Values moved from Abernethy Hall to Alumni House to occupy some of the space vacated when Alumni Office staff moved to the George Watts Hill Alumni Center. Instructional Technologies continues to occupy Abernethy Hall. The Department of City and Regional Planning's Program in Public Policy, and the School of Social Work uses some space there.

1991 (Source: History)

When the Friday Center was completed in 1991, the Division of Continuing Education moved into the Center from Abernethy Hall. Abernethy Hall now houses the Program in Humanities and Human Values, and some faculty offices for the School of Social Work, and for the Department of City and Regional Planning. Abernethy Annex is used for Instructional Technologies storage.

1981 (Source: Construction Doc)

A fire alarm system was installed as part of a project of deferred and preventive maintenance in several buildings. The total project cost was $68,999.90, which also included work done in New West and Swain Hall. Work was performed by Physical Plant. Engineer: Samuel E. Jeffries, P. E.

1979 (Source: Construction Document)

Roof repairs were made to Abernethy Hall with funds made available by a Legislative appropriation of $200,000 for minor renovations to several buildings.

1979 (Source: Construction Doc)

Electrical renovations were made to Abernethy Hall at a cost of $30,000, with funds allotted from a 1973 Legislative appropriation for electrical renovations to several buildings. Engineer: Thomas and Olive, Inc. Contractor: Electrical Construction of Durham

1975 (Source: History)

An analysis of the building indicated that it was a non-fire-proof, wood frame structure, not suitable for major renovation, and that long-term planning envisions eventual demolition of the building. In the meantime, continuing alterations have made it adequate for its current use. (Self Study Summary Report, 1974). The N. C. High School Athletic Association moved from Abernethy Hall to its newly constructed building on Finley Golf Course Road. The small amount of vacated space in Abernethy was immediately occupied by the Extension Division.

1970s (Source: History)

By this time the Extension Division had expanded to include the Audiovisual Bureau, Community Adult Education, Correspondence Instruction, Evening College, Residential Adult Education, and School Services. From time to time, other small units, such as offices for the North Carolina High School Athletic Association, were located in Abernethy.

1950s (Source: History)

Abernethy Hall was renovated for use by the Extension Division, offices for the Department of Dramatic Art, and the Playmakers ticket office.

1946 (Source: History)

The University infirmary function was moved from Abernethy to the Infirmary Building (east of MacNider Hall), vacated by the U. S. Navy Pre-flight medical function. Abernethy Hall was used to house student couples with children until Victory Village was established. In the late forties and early fifties, Abernethy was rented to faculty and staff.

1939 (Source: Construction Document)

A wing to the south of the Main Building was added to Abernethy to provide (1) the first clinic space made available for the teaching of physical diagnosis, (2) improved laboratory facilities for the care of students as well as the teaching of clinical pathology, and (3) additional beds--single rooms--for very ill patients requiring hospital admission. This proved helpful and continued in use for teaching and patient care for students in the Medical School, until 1946 when other facilities were available. (WRB) Prior to 1939, second year medical students were sent to Watts Hospital in Durham for required study of actual patients. State Appropriation $267,100 plus a PWA Grant 217,700 $484,800 was provided for a new Medical School building--MacNider Hall--and an addition to the infirmary building-- Abernethy Hall. Mr. Henderson says the cost was $30,000 for Abernethy. Gross Area: 16,299 square feet (FPO) Architect: Atwood and Weeks Contractor: V. P. Loftis

1930-1938 (Source: Expenses)

Buildings Department records show that work performed at the Student Infirmary amounted to $5,462.94.

1930 (Source: Mr. Giles Horney)

Small structure of 252 square feet between Swain and Abernethy Halls, now known as Abernethy Annex, was originally constructed as toilet and dressing facilities for the kitchen employees of Swain Hall. This means that it, too, was probably constructed in 1914. The building was used as storage space for the Scuttlebutt for some time; later used as storage for the Extension Division, and is now used as a mailroom for the Extension Division in Abernethy Hall.

1929 (Source: Construction Docs)

Remodeling of Abernethy was completed at a cost of $6,985

1924 (Source: Construction Docs)

An addition to the East was completed at a cost of $23,300. (AH) The addition doubled its capacity, and greatly increased the arrangements for the nursing and comfort of the patients. (ASL) Gross Area: 12,382 square feet (FPO) Architect: Atwood and Nash Contractor: T. C. Thompson and Brothers

1921-1929 (Source: Expenses)

Buildings Department records show that work performed at the Student Infirmary amounted to $418.48

1907 (Source: Cornerstone)

Building Committee R. H. Lewis, I. H. Manning, Claudius Dockery,J. W. Gore, Josephus Daniels, F. P. Venable. Frank P. Milburn & Co., Architects N. Underwood, Builder 1907

1907 (Source: Construction Notes)

The building was completed in 1907 as the third infirmary. At the completion of the infirmary, Drs. Manning, Mangum, and MacNider were placed in charge; each serving as director for three months during the year, until 1919 when Dr. Abernethy became University Physician. This action came about as a result of the University's realizing the need for increased concern for the health of the students. The building was named for Dr. Eric A. Abernethy, who in 1919 was named University Physician. He had been a practicing physician in Chapel Hill, and served in the Army from 1917 to 1919 where he had risen rapidly from promotions to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He filled the position of University Physician until his resignation due to ill health in 1933. At a service in memory of Dr. Abernethy, Reverend C. Excell Rozzelle, former Methodist pastor in Chapel Hill, said: "The life and work of Dr. Abernethy will stand as an inextinguishable light. Not only the University community but hundreds of University students will remember him for his cheerful and uplifting presence. "I recall one evening when he and I drove six or eight miles out in the country in a driving rain to attend a boy who was sick with pneumonia. The stricken youth lay in the loft of one of the most humble homes I have ever seen. "We climbed the ladder to the sick youth, and Dr. Eric said to me, 'Excell, I've done all I can. There's something beyond us, someone higher, who can minister unto this boy.' And we prayed. Many were the times when we worked together, and his unselfish devotion to his work, without regard for money or reward, never failed to stir my great admiration for him. "He worked throughout his career in physical pain. A wound received while he was with the troops in Europe left him a life-long sufferer. But, when duty called, Dr. Eric was there. His skill and wisdom and knowledge of his ability to aid stricken people were his compensation. "He buried himself in the thought and labors of his community and his people so thoroughly that his memory will always remain dear to those whom he served." (NCC) The Town of Chapel Hill also employed Dr. S. A. Nathan as Sanitary Officer to work in collaboration with Dr. Abernethy. (LRW) The building contained four ward rooms, dispensary, an operating room, a nurses' room, a dining room, a kitchen, baths, closets, and two waiting rooms. (AH) Source of Funds and Cost: State Appropriation $18,000 plus 3,000 equipment: $21,000 (LRW & AH) Gross Area: 8,345 square feet (FPO) Architect: Frank P. Milburn and Company Builder: N. Underwood (AH)