711 Wiley Ave., Marshall
Sandborn Maps:
Architectural Survey
Historical Background
Wiley College was founded in 1873 by the Freedmen's Aid Society of the MEthodist church as an institution for the education of AFrican American men and women freed by the Civil War. In 1893, Isaiah S. Scott, a former slave pereacher, became the first African American to preside over the college. M.W. Dogan, Wiley president in the 1940s, initiated a program that offered students scholastic studies and practical training. This program, known as the "Wiley Method," was widely used by African-American colleges. The Dogan Hall on campus was named in his honor. (Images of America: Marshall, Joyce Williamson, Pat Smith-JGasperson, Lucile Estell, and the Harrison County Historical Museum).
In 2007, the movie "The Great Debators," starring Denzel Washington, was filmed on the Wiley College campus, which told the story of three students who participated in a major colliagete debate event. Although the movie portrays a woman on the team, there were actually only three men: Hobart Jarrett, Henry Heights, and J.Leonard Farmer Jr.
Wiley College Photos
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The Willis King Administration Building was originally the Old Carnegie Library built in 1910. Photo taken by Natalie Bach-Prather.
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Willis King Building, Back View Photo taken by Natalie Bach-Prather.
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Willis King Buildling, Left View Photo taken by Natalie Bach-Prather.
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Thirkield Hall built in 1919. Photo taken by Natalie Bach-Prather.
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Thirkield Hall Left View Photo taken by Natalie Bach-Prather.
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The President's Home built in 1902. Was renovated in 2007 when the movie "The Great Debators" was filmed on the Wiley Campus. Photo taken by Natalie Bach-Prather.
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President's House Back View Photo taken by Natalie Bach-Prather.
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President's House Left Side Photo taken by Natalie Bach-Prather.
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President's House Left Angle Photo taken by Natalie Bach-Prather.
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The Freedman P. & Carrie Hodge Building, right angle. The Freedman P. & Carrie Hodge Building, Originally the former Refectory. Built in 1920, renovated in 1993. Now the Hotel & Managment Center. Photo taken by Natalie Bach-Prather
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The Freedman P. & Carrie Hodge Building, left addition. Photo taken by Natalie Bach-Prather.
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Texas Historical Marker Photo taken by Natalie Bach-Prather.