No dormitories existed at SFA until the mid 1930s when Wisely Hall was built.

The Pine Log would publish lists with pictures of the most popular boarding houses, the ones they found congenial. Although the number of boarding house was adequate, the college administration was always working to improve conditions. In one report, President Birdwell decried the lack of a hospital to care for the men when ill. The room and board rates were reasonable, prices ranging from $22.50 to $25.00 a month, but they had to work to standardize the furniture and equipment. The interview with Mrs. Bridges in this issue talks about having to share a double bed.

President Birdwell reported to the Board of Regents, October 15, 1930:

“We have made decided improvement in the housing of students. Our boarding houses are becoming better standardized as to furniture and equipment. As better houses are being built we are moving the students from the poorer ones, and without a single exception the boarding houses will furnish single beds for students after September first.

“The people of our section seem to appreciate the college and are patronizing it in a big way. We have done little advertising for the reason that nether our faculty or our equipment will serve many more students. The city of Nacogdoches continues to cooperate in a big and wholesome way. Taking it all together, we are happy and contented.”

The Texas law authorizing the Board of Regents to allow the construction of dormitories passed March 18, 1929, albeit no funding was to be provided by the state. On-campus housing would have to wait until the funding of the Depression-inspired Public Works Administration came into being. This will occupy much of the edition next week.