As our summer tour continues around the Ole Miss campus, this week we are focusing on the western edge and Guyton Hall.
This 81-year-old crown jewel, once referred to as such by Chancellor Khayat, will always remind me of two traumatic moments while attending Ole Miss.
Number one, if you were a male student in the 1960s you had to complete two years of ROTC training. My Air Force classes were held in Guyton Hall.
Secondly, Guyton also served as the school’s infirmary in those years. I spent two days there during an exam week recovering from strep throat while listening to countless Beatle songs. The beautiful nurses eased the pain considerably!
Built in 1934 this classic revival style building is positioned perfectly to align with other buildings, especially the Lyceum, as the initial layout of the campus was strategically planned. An annex was added in 2014. Its official address is 49 Rebel Drive. It is named for Dr. B.S. Guyton who was Dean of the School of Medicine from 1936-43. Initially, Guyton served as the state’s school of medicine and was the university hospital.
Through the years, Guyton has housed the Student Health Service, Air Science Tactics, Departments of Aerospace Studies, Military Science and currently the School of Education.
A full renovation occurred in 2003. Seated close to Fraternity Row and appearing as a magnificent structure at the end of Magnolia Drive, Guyton’s presence on the Ole Miss campus is one of beauty and strength. The original architects can be very proud of their accomplishment as Guyton has served Ole Miss well and continues to do so!
I owe a special thanks to the University of Mississippi for providing the history associated with Guyton Hall.
Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. Currently, Steve is a highly successful leader in the real estate business who lives in Oxford with his wife Rosie. You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745.
