“The Swisher Gym, donated by Mr. Swisher of the cigar company. One of the first big buildings built at Jacksonville University 1957.” LS
According to the Jacksonville University timeline, JU started as William J. Porter University in 1934, meeting in the 3rd. floor auditorium of the First Baptist Educational building. In 1935 the school changed its name to Jacksonville Junior College and moved classes to the Haddock Business University’s classrooms on Laura Street. In 1936 the school occupied the second floor of the Florida Theater building. They moved to one additional downtown location before starting classes in the Founders building, the first permanent building on the Arlington campus in 1950. The Swisher Gymnasium was built in 1953, and dedicated along with the Nelms Science building in 1956. Of musical note, in 1979 K.C. and the Sunshine Band recorded a live performance for an album in the Swisher Gym.
Tags: 001837, architecture, Arlington, College, historic photography, Jacksonville University, JU, Swisher Gym, vintage photograph, William J. Porter University
