Smith Gymnasium History

Originally known as the Women’s Gymnasium, Smith Gym was the first women’s physical fitness building. On October 15, 1961, it was named after Helen G. Smith, chair of the Department of Physical Education for Women (1928-61). Smith Gymnasium is one of a group of athletic buildings that define the northern boundary of the campus core. Its north elevation repeats the high gabled profile of Hollingbery Fieldhouse at the other end of the complex.

The building features brick corbelling, a large stone cornice, and geometrically patterned brickwork spandrels, but it is the south facing entrance that is of particular interest. The entrance is approached over a concrete bridge and is a rare campus gesture towards Art Deco Style. The floor is flanked with pilasters; over the door is a low relief stylized sculpture of five female figures with Greek key and Deco sunrise motifs.

Smith Gym now houses a basketball gym, dance/exercise studios, a swimming pool, general university classrooms, the intramural sports office, and faculty offices.

<gallery> image: Smithconstruction1937.jpg|Smith Gym under construction in 1937. Photo courtesy of WSU Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections. image: Cougarettessmith1966.jpg|The Cougarettes inside of Smith Gym in 1966. Photo courtesy of WSU Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections. image: Helensmith.jpg|Helen Smith outside of what was later named Smith Gym in her honor. Photo courtesy of WSU Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections. image: Smithpool1973.jpg|The pool inside of Smith Gym in 1973.Photo courtesy of WSU Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections.