History of Cherry Hall
Named for Henry Hardin Cherry, WKU’s founder and first president, Cherry Hall, opened for classes on September 22, 1937, a few weeks after Cherry’s death on August 1, 1937.
When it opened, the iconic academic building at the top of the Hill housed all academic departments except biology, agriculture, home economics, physical education, military science and music. Over the next 88 years, Cherry Hall housed English, history, philosophy, religion, political science programs, and the majority of students have climbed the building’s marble stairs.
The building was the last one built during Cherry’s administration as the Depression halted the rapid building program of the 1920s. Cherry Hall replaced Recitation Hall as the main academic building on the Hill. In 1933, state funds were not available to replace Recitation Hall; regents approved an application to the Public Works Administration. In 1934, state legislation eliminated some barriers for securing approval, but Western’s project was passed over. Cherry was furious and enlisted the help of members of Congress and Kentucky’s governor; he was assured of a new building by end of 1935.
The building’s architect was Brinton B. Davis, the “Hill Builder” who designed 11 campus buildings from 1909 to 1937. To fund the $609,000 construction project, the federal government contributed $252,819 as a grant and agreed to purchase $309,000 in 4% bonds to be repaid from student fees over a 30-year period. Recitation Hall was torn down with classes moving to the Kentucky Building, which was still under construction.
Cherry Hall’s cornerstone was laid on October 27, 1936. As the building’s opening approached, President Cherry suffered severe injuries in a fall at his home in July 1937. He died at his campus home on August 1, 1937.
The three-story building, which has two wings that extend at the back, was dedicated on Founders Day, November 16, 1937. As part of the dedication, the statue of Henry Hardin Cherry was unveiled on that rainy November day. The statue was the last major project of noted sculptor Lorado Taft. The statue was finished in clay in 1934, but Cherry refused to let it be cast or installed during his lifetime.
Chimes were installed in the tower at Cherry Hall in 1957. The 25 chimes could be played manually in room 301 of Cherry Hall. Their tones were picked up by microphone and transferred to speakers in the towers. Other additions included the remodeling of exits in 1960, new lighting in 1965 and a new rear entrance, elevator and electronic carillon chimes in 1973.
When it was first built, the building was used for all academic classes, chemistry and physics department laboratories, and the college bookstore, post office and various other offices. In 2025, the building houses academic departments and programs in English, Anthropology, History, Philosophy and Political Science.
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