History of the John

 

John Mabee Hall was a gift from the John E. and Lottie E. Mabee Foundation. Groundbreaking ceremonies were held in 1949 for both the John and its sister dorm, the all-female Lottie Jane Mabee Hall. The John opened its doors in 1950.

The John is home to the University of Tulsa's longest standing tradition: the Toilet Bowl. The Toilet Bowl is an annual flag football game played between teams formed from current and former residents of John Mabee. At halftime, the Toilet Bowl Queen is crowned, and a big party is held afterward in Club Mabee. Toilet Bowl XLIV will be held April 5, 2008, followed by the Toilet Ball in the evening.
 


The John was part of an $80 million renovation project in 2000-01. This expanded the parking available to John Mabee's residents.

A more recent renovation was the rebuilding of the campus' U in fall 2005. The small drop-off parking lot in front of the John was removed to make way for a wide brick pathway that stretches around the courtyard. New trees were planted and lampposts were installed, as well.

The residents of the John continue to start new traditions of their own while continuing the old ones. From football games to beauty pageants, the men of the John will surely add to the lore of TU for many years to come.