Buckman Hall, along with Thomas Hall, was one the two buildings that comprised the University of Florida at its opening for Fall Semester 1906. These buildings provided all the services of the University from dormitories to classroom, faculty and administrative offices. During World War I, soldiers lived in Buckman Hall and drilled on the adjacent field. The North wing of Buckman was used for classrooms until after World War II. Each of the entrances to the individual suites is headed by a plaque with a Renaissance inspired figure, often called the "Anguished Scholar." The building was named for Henry Buckman, the legislator who authorized the higher education consolidation bill, known as the Buckman Act, which established the University of Florida in Gainesville.
3-1/2 Stories
39' top of parapet eave
51' top of ridge
Rectangular (I-shape)
Projecting angled bays
292 feet long
Gable
Crenellated parapet
Individual entrances facing courtyard
Cast stone ornament at door surrounds
6 over 6 lights
Double Hung, wood
Paired or tripled
Wide center sash and narrower side sash
Brick is Common Bond with course 6 alternating header/stretcher
6th course is Flemish Bond
Water table - half round with bulging torus
Sculpture - anguished scholar
Cast cap at top of bay window
Cast sills
Forms one wing defining a rectangular courtyard
The proportion of clear space in the courtyards between the buildings is at least twice the ground to parapet height
Architect: William Edwards 1914; library addition by Rudolph Weaver 1939;
East wing and dean’s office by Guy Fulton 1949-50
Contractor: W. T. Hudlow
Building Name: U.S. Senator Nathan Bryan, first chair of the State Board of
Control for Florida Universities
