Illinois Wesleyan University - Wesleyana Yearbook (Bloomington, IL)

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I ,- -,--........, potlight on the Years Event 1965-1966 marked another important phase in the growth of lllinois VVesleyan. Duration Hall, which had for many years stood as a symbol of lVesleyan's past, was demolished. As the bulldozer began its destructive task, a large number of faculty members and students gathered to watch the death of what was at one time one of XVesleyan's finest buildings. ln 1867 the need for adequate space called for the con- sideration of a new building. After reviewing all of the proposed plans, those for what was to become Old Main were decided upon. Built at a cost of one hundred thou- sand dollars, which had been raised for that purpose, Old Main was an inspiring structure. Situated on a site that is soon to be the location of the new library, it was live stories high with a tower at each corner. Tina 1-men of Duration Hall posed proudly for Goyrgaxoiz Orro IQIRNLR sparks it the distii Elbert usher at the Stex enson Stamp ure a hnal picture before demolition began. bution of the hrst Steytnson Stimps mony -5-. -....i,, .S

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THE CONTENTS of Duration Hall's cornerstone, including old newspapers and money, were uncovered when the arch was demolished. Wesleyan Creates, Destroys Traditions The fourteenth annual university catalogue was the Hrst to bear an illustration of the new building. When Hedding College merged with Illinois VVesleyan, the official name of Old Main was changed to Hedding Hall. During the 1931 homecoming activities, copper plates bearing the in- scription, 'lln honor of Hedding College 1850-1928 were placed on either side of the front entrance. Old Main served as a classroom and administration building for almost seventy-five years. Then, on january 9, 1943 disaster struck. A fire which was caused by defective wiring destroyed the brick building, leaving only the black- ened hull. Destroyed in the fire were the usual classroom furnishings, the Powell Museum, the Amie Chapel which contained portraits of VVesleyan's presidents, and many priceless records. One amazing result of the disaster was that the students did not miss one class because of the Hre. When students returned to classes in the fall of 19-H, they discovered that the basement of Hedding Hall had been roofed over and the name had once again been changed. This time it was appropriately called Duration Hall. Although the main building was to be torn down, the arch which commemorated Hedding -College was to be left standing, and was to be moved to the lawn behind McPherson Theater, over the Hedding bell. However, be- cause of the age of the arch and the high cost of moving it, it too was destroyed. In the process the box which had been placed there when the corner stone was laid in 1870 was saved. Included among the contents of the box were a Bible, a Methodist Almanac, university catalogues for the years 1869 and 1870, city daily papers and other interesting information. After these were examined by several faculty members, they were placed in the display case in Holmes Hall where they could be viewed by interested students, faculty members, and visitors to our campus. The end of Duration was only one phase of XVesleyan's building program for the year. Soon after students re- turned to campus in the fall, work was started on the ad- dition to the new Munsell Hall, a girls' dormitory, and on the addition to the Memorial Center. Good weather aided the workmen, and the sights and smells of construction job accompanied students as they crossed campus. Frequent articles also kept students informed on the progress of the work. Also included in this year's building program were the completion and dedication of Stevenson Hall, the plan- ning and building of three new fraternity houses, and plans for the destruction of Old North, IVesleyan's Hrst building. Wesleyan's growth can be seen in her building program. YVesleyan experienced several lirsts this year. One of these was the appearance of the IfVesleyan Titan at the first home football game which was with ISU. After this he entered the stadium before each game in a chariot pulled by two Roman slaves. VVith torches blazing, he prayed to the gods of the North, South, East and VVest for victory, and his appeals were answered. Also in the fall, YVesleyan was privileged to host the First Issue Ceremonies of the Adlai E. Stevenson Com- memorative Stamp. Members of the Stevenson family were present as well as dignitaries representing the United Na- tions, President .Iohnson and state and city government odicials. VVesleyan students served as ushers and greeters, and the Music School provided the instrumentalists for the ceremony. 23