Morris Hall

Morris Hall. Photo courtesy: Bentley Historical Library

The Once-Home of a Philosopher and the University Band

by Cameron Moghavem

From the UM band's broadcasting studio to a Catholic chapel to a home of a renowned philosophy professor, Morris Hall, "situated on State Street on the southwest corner of Jefferson Avenue directly across from the campus” ("Morris Hall") once stood as a testament to the institution's commitment to intellectual excellence and its diverse academic history.

This iconic building was said to be attractive due to the allure of its Gothic architecture and was once home to Professor George S. Morris. Although many philosophy majors attending Michigan today may not be aware, Professor Morris played an instrumental role in the development of the University of Michigan's academic programs, particularly in the fields of philosophy and psychology (needs source).

Portrait of George S. Morris. Photo courtesy: findagrave.com.

Morris earned his Ph.D. from the University of Berlin in 1868, becoming one of the first Americans to receive a doctorate in philosophy from a German institution (Kuklick 84). Morris's tenure at the University of Michigan began in 1870, where he started as “an adjunct professor and later became a full professor and the Chair of the Department of Philosophy” (McCarthy 12). The building's name was announced in a January 15, 1924 article in The Michigan Daily stating, “the University Senate council passed a recommendation that the old Catholic chapel…be here-after known as Morris Hall in honor of the late Prof. George Sylvester Morris, of the philosophy department, who died there in 1889.”

After being Morris' home and a chapel, the iconic building served as “headquarters of the University Broadcasting Service and the University Band" ("Morris Hall"). Morris Hall was also a hub for musical talent, as it provided a space for bands to practice and perform. The adaptive and multipurpose nature of the hall allowed it to seamlessly accommodate a variety of activities, ranging from rehearsals to live concerts. Numerous articles from 1924-1943 in The Michigan Daily testify how “Varsity Band has a trombone rehearsal” and “Morris Hall is hosting section rehearsals for saxophone, barratones, and clarinets” were scheduled as regular events. Thus, Morris Hall served the Michigan community by aiding to cultivate and celebrate musical expression and creativity among its students and faculty. It was demolished in 1957 "to make way for the Administration Building" ("Morris Hall"), which was recently also torn down.

Like the building, the name behind it also has a rich history. The surname Morris originates from the Old French personal name "Maurice," introduced to England after the Norman invasion in 1066 (Reaney and Wilson). The building's design combines English and French elements, with its intricate exterior details honoring the Latin origins of "Mauritius." The name George, meaning "earthworker," reflects the diligent architects and builders responsible for the hall's academic excellence symbol (Hanks et al). The earthy tones and sturdy materials connect the building to the earth, work, and perseverance.

Regardless of whether Catholics gathered here to worship, Professor Morris spoke about philosophy, or a band practiced their trombone symphony, Morris Hall once stood as a symbol of excellence in the eclectic roles it played in the Michigan community. Though current Michigan students cannot physically see Morris Hall, they should be reminded of the rich history that stood on the famous State Street.

Works Cited

“April 01, 1932 (Vol. 42, Iss. 133) - Image 6.” Michigan Daily Digital Archives, https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071755917/242.

“George Sylvester Morris.” Find a Grave, 1928, https:/www.findagrave.com/memorial/60962678/george-sylvester-morris. April 7, 2023.

Hanks, Patrick, Kate Hardcastle, and Flavia Hodges. A Dictionary of First Names. Oxford University Press, 2006.

“January 15, 1924 (Vol. 34, Iss. 81) - Image 1.” Michigan Daily Digital Archives, https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071755750/839

Kuklick, Bruce. A History of Philosophy in America, 1720-2000. Oxford University Press, 2001.

McCarthy, John A. George Sylvester Morris: His Philosophical Career and the Founding of the University of Michigan's Department of Philosophy. University of Michigan, 1968.

"Morris Hall." Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan, bentley.umich.edu/legacy-support/campus_tour/morrishall.php. Accessed 29 Mar. 2023.

Photo of Morris Hall. A Historical Tour of the University of Michigan Campus, 1958, https://bentley.umich.edu/legacy-support/campus_tour/morrishall.php. Accessed 7 April 2023.

Reaney, P. H., and R. M. Wilson. A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1997.

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