History of The Crawford Engineering Building

Harold W. Crawford also known as Crip left his mark here at SC State. Not only as the retired dean, but was a triple threat in mechanics and administration. Crawford has a long rep sheet when it comes to education attending more than 3 universities. Where he received certification for different choices of studies.

Crawford was a tall man standing at almost 6'2. However wasn't really a out going personality as Dr. William Hines stated, "He was a little on the shy side."

That he may have been, but his presence was very powerful. Before becoming Dean of SC State Crawford had his hands in the mechanical department of the school. Which shortly after I want to believe is when he was chosen to become one of the candidates for school President.

As Dr. William Hines also stated, "Crawford was among the big five the board of trustees chose to become a president."

The Crawford Engineering Technology Hall was designed by John H. Blanche and Paul V. Jewell. Financed by the Work Projects Administration to be a trade building. Which is a building dedicated to plumbing, construction, or even carpentry.

John H. Blanche was a former student who attended SC State around 1920 - 1930 who designed the Crawford building and Dukes Gymnasium. Under watch of the President at the time Mr. Whittaker.

Just as Crawford "Crip" the building served as a triple threat. Offering classes such as car fixing and lectures on science/ building. Which industrial / car fixing was Crawford's specialty.

It is uncertain if The Crawford building was named before or after his death. However Dr. Hines stated that every building were either named after a president or somebody who served a great purpose. Explaining that it was kind of the law that at a HBCU the buildings be dedicated to the African Americans who were in power. While the board of trustees were all white kind of like a reward to those chosen.