Cotten Hall

Image source: https://digital.lib.ecu.edu/1299

Cotten Hall opened in 1926 next to Fleming Hall in the central neighborhood. Cotten was originally built as a women’s dormitory and housed the office of the Dean of Women for many years. It is named in honor of Sallie Southhall Cotten, wife of Pitt County writer, poet, and community leader Robert Randolph Cotten. Sallie Cotten organized the End of the Century Book Club, which was instrumental in the construction of Sheppard Memorial Library.

Other names

Dormitory B

Built

1925

Construction cost

$203,750

Gross sq. ft.

47,088

Assignable sq. ft.

31,554

Architects

H.A. Underwood, Raleigh, NC

Namesake

Sallie Southall Cotten (1864-1929), the wife of Robert Randolph Cotten, was a Pitt County writer and poet and Greenville Community leader. She, along with other leading ladies of Greenville, organized the End Of The Century Book Club to improve the quality of life both in the home and in the community. The club was instrumental in the construction of Sheppard Memorial Library. Robert Cotten was a member of the General Assembly and was an advocate of ECTTS being placed in Greenville.
Click here to see a list of books about Sallie Southall Cotten which are available in Joyner Library.
Click here to see a list of books by Sallie Southall Cotten which are available in Joyner Library.

History

The site of this dormitory is eight feet lower than the original Austin Building. To match existing roof lines, Cotten was built as a three-story building and unless one looks closely, the change in elevation is not noticeable. The tile-roofed building continues the Spanish-mission style of architecture found in the original dormitories. This selection was the result of founder Thomas J. Jarvis experiences as minister to Brazil where he was influenced by the architecture. Built for use as a women’s dormitory, it also housed the office of the Dean of Women for many years.

Additions

1950 – Renovation by James W. Griffith, Jr., Greenville, NC
1963 – Renovation of 6 bathrooms, Dudley & Shoe, Greenville, NC
1985 – Renovation, replaced HVAC System and wiring, painted

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