The Record Online

Spring/Summer 2001

Bock Museum Celebrates Silver Anniversary

Every day hundreds of cars and pedestrians pass by the little two-story house on College Avenue with the white picket fence, most probably never giving it a notice or second thought. For many who discovered the treasures inside Greenville College’s Richard W. Bock Sculpture Museum last fall, the 25th anniversary celebration was an eye-opening experience.
Dr. Donald Hallmark, former member of the Greenville College faculty and founder of the Bock Museum, returned to Greenville for the anniversary celebration October 27-28. Dr. Hallmark presented a colloquium on the work of Bock and his close friend and colleague, architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

The presentation focused on the collaborative works of Wright and Bock, who worked together during the first decade of the 20th Century. After the lecture, Hallmark answered questions from the audience, then a reception was held in his honor.

The next day an open house was held, with Dr. James Mannoia, president of Greenville College, making a special presentation to Dr. Hallmark for his instrumental role in establishing the Bock Museum in 1975. Hallmark was also the museum’s first curator. About 60 students, faculty, and Greenville residents visited the museum throughout Saturday morning.

Many of the college students had never been in the museum before. “It’s much nicer and has a lot more pieces in it than I thought,” remarked one student. “It’s really a pretty cool museum.”

Hallmark worked closely with Bock’s children and several other people at the college to raise funds and gather the large collection that is now on display in the museum. It was Bock’s wish to see his work gathered in one location for many generations to enjoy. Even though he passed away before the museum’s founding, his daughter was able to attend the grand opening in 1975.

The Bock Museum’s current curator, Sharon Davis, hopes the increased publicity surrounding the anniversary will boost visitation to the museum, which is open Wednesdays and Fridays from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

The history of the house itself goes back much farther than its current incarnation as the Bock Museum. Almira House, as the building is also known, was the home of Almira College, an all-girls’ school founded in 1855. It was the only building of Almira College until the completion of the large four-story brick building that is today known as Hogue Hall. Almira College eventually closed and reopened as Greenville College in 1892.

Last updated: July 17, 2001