Birdwell Field, Aikman Gym and the Women's Recreation Center

When Stephen F. Austin State Teachers College was funded in 1921, the Texas legislature only authorized one building--the Austin Building, known as "Old Main". President Alton W. Birdwell recognized the importance for extra curricular venues for the college and the region, and immediately began planning to meet these needs. He arranged for the construction of the school's first athletic field in 1923, before the college even moved to its North Street campus. From 1923 until 1941, which was its last year of use, the only changes made to Birdwell Firld were the addition of bleachers in 1924. Memorial Stadium, dedicated to those who had died in World War II, replaced Birdwell Field in 1946. Thanks to a generous donation from local philanthropist Frank Aikman, a multi-purpose building was constructed and named in his honor. Aikman Gymnasium served the college not only as an arena for athletics, but also as an auditorium, a theater with seating capacity of 3,500, and as a setting for commencement exercises until they were moved to Shelton Gymnasium in 1953. A physical education building for women was requested as early as 1931, but was not constructed until 1935 with assistance from the Public Works Administration. While its primary purpose was as a setting for women's physical education, the Women's Recreation Center (WRC) replaced Aikman Gym as the location of college dances, and served as the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) post exchange during World War II. Both Aikman Gym and the WRC were demolished in 1975 to make room for new university facilities. (2008)

Birdwell Field, Aikman Gym and the Women's Recreation Center is a historical marker in Nacogdoches, Nacogdoches County, dedicated in 2008. It is one of 94 historical markers documented in Nacogdoches County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 232 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 31.6207, -94.6524 near Nacogdoches. The nearest cataloged historic site is Blount, Eugene H., House (historic place), about 0.1 miles away. Others within a short drive include Site of the Home of Thomas J. Rusk, Karle Wilson Baker, and Oil in Nacogdoches County, 100th Anniversary.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5507015425. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.