Davis & Elkins College’s historic district is expanded
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ELKINS -- The National Park Service has added portions of Campus Drive, Harpertown Road, Graceland Drive, Allen Street, Residential Drive, and College Drive to the existing Davis & Elkins College Historic District.
While Graceland and Halliehurst mansions are designated Historic Landmarks on their own, they are also part of the Historic District, along with Albert Hall, the Gatehouse, the Icehouse, and Liberal Arts Hall. With this new designation, the District has been expanded to include 34 additional contributing structures and 15 additional non-contributing structures.
President Chris A. Wood shared the College's gratitude, saying, "Since 1924 when Davis & Elkins College moved from its original site on Sally Mike Hill to our current location, we have been stewards of significant historic properties in Graceland, Halliehurst, the Gatehouse, and the Icehouse. The College then added Albert Hall and Liberal Arts Hall, which became our first Historic District.
"As the College's journey continues and so many of our additional structures have stood the test of time and are now also historically significant, it was time for us to expand that recognition to include them. We're delighted this two-year process has been brought to this honorific result."
As a municipal entity, the Elkins Historic Landmarks Commission served as the lead agency on the grant. Priscilla Gay, Chairperson of the EHLC, worked with Tina Vial, Coordinator of Foundation and Church Relations for the College, to prepare the grant proposal, which was submitted to the West Virginia State Historic Preservation Office on Nov. 15, 2021.
Upon receiving approval, David L. Taylor, Historic Preservation Consultant from Brookville, Pennsylvania, then prepared the inventory and nomination forms that were approved on Sept.29. The expanded District was then approved by the National Park Service on Nov. 2.
"Elkins Historic Landmark Commission was pleased to partner with Davis & Elkins College in its effort to preserve and promote additional campus buildings through expansion of the Davis and Elkins College Historic District," said Priscilla Gay. "The college recognizes that its buildings tell the human stories of those who built them, worked in them, and were educated in them. Davis & Elkins College plays an important role in the life of Elkins and its buildings create a visible connection to our community's history and culture."
Elkins Mayor Jerry Marco shared, "I wish to express my deepest gratitude to all those who played a role in achieving this remarkable milestone -- the National Park Service's endorsement of the expansion of the historic district for Davis & Elkins College. The college's listing on the National Register of Historic Places is not just an honor, but a reflection of our steadfast commitment to preserve and celebrate our shared history.
"This achievement is a direct result of the tireless efforts and dedication of the Elkins Historic Landmarks Commission and all who cherish our cultural heritage. Today is a day of pride for both D&E College and the City of Elkins, and I am truly honored to be a part of this extraordinary effort."
Recognizing the additional cultural resource's significant contribution to the history of West Virginia, this honorary designation will open the door for potential grant funding and bring added interest to the District by residents and visitors to the area who take interest in historic sites. As one of three historic districts in Elkins, the College is proud to be stewards of valued treasures.