University of Mary Washington Then & Now

Willard Hall was the school’s first residence hall and one of the first two buildings erected on campus. Originally called “The Dormitory,” it was named in honor of Frances Willard, a leader in the temperance movement. Constructed in 1911, Willard is known for its large rooms. ¹ Willard was the first coed dorm on campus, when seven male students were moved in during the 1973-1974 term.² With an important renovation in 1980, Willard was also the first dorm to have air conditioning. The residence hall was given a more modern look over the course of the renovations, along with important structural updates.³ The dormitory underwent renovations again in 2006, to maintain the building after almost one hundred years of use.⁴ It continues to be a coed dorm today, primarily housing upperclassmen.

Willard Hall, n.d. "Willard Hall," n.d., UMW Archives, University of Mary Washington.

Willard, 2014 Alexandria Parrish, “Willard,” February 19 2014, Personal Collection of Alexandria Parrish. University of Mary Washington.