History of Douthart Hall: Our Roots

Douthart Scholarship Hall was built in 1954 in honor of Lela Douthart and Ava Douthart Chronister. Lela Douthart was a longtime teacher at Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, Kansas. Her sister, Ava Douthart Chronister, was a member of KU's class of 1889 and died in 1945. Money came to the KU Endowment Association through a bequest in Lela's will. That gift was augmented by Ava's estate at the time of her death.

A special friend to Douthart women since the erection of Douthart itself has been Mrs. Juanita Strait. Mrs.Strait lived in the house just east of Douthart (across Louisiana Street). Unfortunately, Mrs. Strait passed away last year. She was known, in her healthy years, for bringing flowers or cookies to socialize with Douthartians.

There are many proud moments in Douthart history. One such event is the infamous Red Bandana Raid that occurred not so many years back. The raid was staged during Loopy Day, a weekly water fight established by Pearson Hall and a schol hall tradition. Defying the notion that female halls are mere victims during Loopy Day, the Douthart women—brazenly wearing red bandanas—stormed the Pearson porch and held the position. For the rest of the year and there on after Douthart women have known the red bandana as a symbol of that victory.

Excitingly, next year will be the fiftieth anniversary celebration of our beloved hall. Plans are underway for a fantastic occasion! We’re expecting a big turnout with many alumnae from far across the Midwest and beyond to unite again (or for the first time) to share stories, laughs, and probably, parking spaces. Mark your calendars!

Not an inch of our old building is without some history, so grab the scrapbooks, an old woman and a cozy piece of couch.

Archived History

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Last modified: September 25, 2003