• Breese Gymnasium - Cullowhee NC
    Breese Gymnasium was completed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in 1939 on the campus of Western Carolina Teacher’s College, now Western Carolina University. It was named for William E. Breese, a trustee of the college who was influential in its construction. It was the first indoor basketball facility in the region, and also housed a swimming pool. In addition to sporting events, many dances were held there and in the 1950s it was listed as a nuclear fallout shelter. Today, it is used by physical education, musical theater and dance students. The formidable stone structure is just one of...
  • Western Carolina University: McKee Building - Cullowhee NC
    The McKee Building on the campus of Western Carolina University was built in 1938-39 as part of a six-building expansion of what was then Western Carolina Teacher’s College. The North Carolina General Assembly appropriated $110,000 for a new training school for teachers in 1937. An additional $90,000 came from a Public Works Administration grant. The brick structure has been refurbished and it currently houses several academic departments at Western Carolina University. Some of the original woodwork and chalkboard remain. It is named for Gertrude Dills McKee, first woman elected to the N.C. Senate. She served in Raleigh from 1931-1948 and was also...