Remembering the Old Campus in the Early Twentieth Century
Alternative campus tours have been a unique way that students, faculty, and other campus stakeholders have presented underappreciated histories not often evident on the campus. Since the early 2000s, Drs. Jason Black, Meredith Bagley, Adam Sharples Brooks and Hilary Green have used this form for exploring the complicated racial past from slavery to the Civil Rights Movement using the campus landscape. Their tours are rooted in a long UA tradition. The campus growth into a modern university caused anxiety among students. Using the student newspaper, one student developed and presented a self-guided alternate campus tour of the Lost Cause landscape. In addition, the Mound and other sites identified in the 1920s tour were regularly used by students and other campus stakeholders in their ceremonies and everyday campus activities. Below are two examples of how students remembered and ignored certain aspects of the campus’s mythic antebellum past and post-Civil War rebuilding.
Document 1: Student Alternate Campus Tour, 1923
Campus of Alabama Abounds With Remains of Old University in Mound, Guard House, Bowlder, Observatory
Freshman and Old Students Eagerly Tell What Such Places Mean to History of Alabama; Guardhouse and Observatory Alone Remain of Old University Destroyed by Feds in 1865.
Editors Note – This is intended for Class of ’27, but we feel sure all other students will do well to read this carefully so that they may know what these different features of the campus stand for.
Freshman and Old Students Eagerly Tell What Such Places Mean to History of Alabama; Guardhouse and Observatory Alone Remain of Old University Destroyed by Feds in 1865.
Editors Note – This is intended for Class of ’27, but we feel sure all other students will do well to read this carefully so that they may know what these different features of the campus stand for.
There are many interesting spots bound by tradition of Alabama, on the Capstone campus that is connected with history. There are places one must almost be considered lacking if he or she do not know its history. Among these, some of the most notable, are the bowlder in the street between the library and Dr. Denny’s mansion, the mound, the guardhouse, and the old observatory. Around each of these is a story that brings tender memories of the old Confederacy.
Bowlder Commemorates Rotunda
The bowlder was placed were it now stands by the Alabama chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. On it is a tablet so all may read the names of those who live in Alabama history. The bowlder stands on the same spot where once stood a most significant structure – the Rotunda, circular library of three stories surmounted by a dome and surrounded by peristyle of handsome Ionic architecture. The diameter of the structure measured 70 feet, and the building towered skyward the same length. Before destruction by the Federal forces in 1865, it boasted one of the largest auditoriums in the state.
Another feature of the Rotunda was the library. Some of the books were presented by Queen Victoria. The gallery was on the second floor. So good were the acoustics that the smallest of whispers could be heard over the entire auditorium. The library and museum were on the third floor. On April 4, 1865, when the building was destroyed, it was done over the plea of Professor Deloffre, who requested the commanding officer to refrain from such wanton destruction. Orders, however, were to the contrary, and the commanding officer order the building’s destruction. Twenty thousand volumes were lost by this fire, only one book, a copy of the Koran, being saved.
Mound Marks Spot of Dormitory
The Mound is all that is left of Franklin Dormitory, which extended from the middle of the present “Y” to the center of the present Mound. This building was also destroyed in the conflagration of 1865. For years, the rubbish remained until it was heaped together in a rectangular shape and today it bears the name of the Mound.
Directly in front of the “Y” is the old guard house where the officer of the day and the detail were quartered during the Civil War training period. Here were stationed guards as they could obtain a view of all buildings.
Federals Left Only Observatory and Guard House
The observatory, in the rear of Gorgas Hall, and the guard house are all that remains from the fire. The observatory was saved through the courage of the wife of Governor Chapman. This courageous woman asserted the observatory had not aided in exciting the South to rebel. One of the largest telescopes in the world was had at this place. Harper’s Magazine featured it before the Civil War. The instrument was bought for the University by Professor Barnard at a cost of $2,800. Simms, of London, was the manufacture. The aperture was eight inches and the instrument had a focal length of 12 feet. The object glass was hidden during the war on a secluded shelf under a pile of trash and was not found until years later.
Around each little tree along Fraternity Row, is a reminder of the part played by loyal Alabamians in the World War. The drinking fountain near Gorgas Oak, Gorgas Oak itself, the Quadrangle, all of these things and more should be clearly understood by the freshman and old students of the Capstone.
Source: Ormond O. Black, “Campus of Alabama Abounds With Remains of Old University in Mound, Guard House, Bowlder, Observatory,” Crimson White, September 27, 1923, 1.
Bowlder Commemorates Rotunda
The bowlder was placed were it now stands by the Alabama chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. On it is a tablet so all may read the names of those who live in Alabama history. The bowlder stands on the same spot where once stood a most significant structure – the Rotunda, circular library of three stories surmounted by a dome and surrounded by peristyle of handsome Ionic architecture. The diameter of the structure measured 70 feet, and the building towered skyward the same length. Before destruction by the Federal forces in 1865, it boasted one of the largest auditoriums in the state.
Another feature of the Rotunda was the library. Some of the books were presented by Queen Victoria. The gallery was on the second floor. So good were the acoustics that the smallest of whispers could be heard over the entire auditorium. The library and museum were on the third floor. On April 4, 1865, when the building was destroyed, it was done over the plea of Professor Deloffre, who requested the commanding officer to refrain from such wanton destruction. Orders, however, were to the contrary, and the commanding officer order the building’s destruction. Twenty thousand volumes were lost by this fire, only one book, a copy of the Koran, being saved.
Mound Marks Spot of Dormitory
The Mound is all that is left of Franklin Dormitory, which extended from the middle of the present “Y” to the center of the present Mound. This building was also destroyed in the conflagration of 1865. For years, the rubbish remained until it was heaped together in a rectangular shape and today it bears the name of the Mound.
Directly in front of the “Y” is the old guard house where the officer of the day and the detail were quartered during the Civil War training period. Here were stationed guards as they could obtain a view of all buildings.
Federals Left Only Observatory and Guard House
The observatory, in the rear of Gorgas Hall, and the guard house are all that remains from the fire. The observatory was saved through the courage of the wife of Governor Chapman. This courageous woman asserted the observatory had not aided in exciting the South to rebel. One of the largest telescopes in the world was had at this place. Harper’s Magazine featured it before the Civil War. The instrument was bought for the University by Professor Barnard at a cost of $2,800. Simms, of London, was the manufacture. The aperture was eight inches and the instrument had a focal length of 12 feet. The object glass was hidden during the war on a secluded shelf under a pile of trash and was not found until years later.
Around each little tree along Fraternity Row, is a reminder of the part played by loyal Alabamians in the World War. The drinking fountain near Gorgas Oak, Gorgas Oak itself, the Quadrangle, all of these things and more should be clearly understood by the freshman and old students of the Capstone.
Source: Ormond O. Black, “Campus of Alabama Abounds With Remains of Old University in Mound, Guard House, Bowlder, Observatory,” Crimson White, September 27, 1923, 1.
Document 2: Transitioning from the Old to the Modern Campus
Center of Activity Moves Toward University Avenue with Erection of the New Library and Post Office
University’s Center Has Shifted From Old Franklin Hall to Manly, And Now to Amelia Gorgas Memorial.
University’s Center Has Shifted From Old Franklin Hall to Manly, And Now to Amelia Gorgas Memorial.
The “shifting of the University’s center,” indulgent reader, has not as current interest would probably prefer, reference to any of Coach Wade’s new football formations. It has reference to a subject, however, which should be equally interesting to Bama students, the growth of the University, and the increasing importance placed upon adequate offices and equipment for the student body, and for the school executives themselves.
In days of old, when the imposing old rotunda austerely surveyed the campus, the executive offices were located in Franklin Hall. This building was situated on “the mound” and kept company with the now lonely little “Round House.” The administration retained Franklin Hall as its headquarters until this building, along with the other martyrs, was burned by vengeful Northern troops.
Immediately following the war, the “quadrangle” was built, and the president established himself and his retinue in the luxurious and spacious room which we have known the past few years as “Dr. Denny’s office.” In this magnificent apartment, with the buzz of class rooms around, all of the business of the University was carried on. We wonder at the University’s progress under such conditions.
Soon it was discovered that two can live as cheaply as one” and another palatial room was allotted to the school executives. As the growth of the University increased and generosity of its patrons and the Legislature became more concrete, a third room was added. Again and again were rooms appropriated until almost everyone had space to turn around in.
For years the administrators contented themselves with these apartments and built the University to goodly proportions with the facilities accorded them.
Then, of recent date, a drive for Alumni subscriptions was started, and as a result the old grads opened up their coffers and made the new library building and supply store a reality.
In the Amelia Gorgas Memorial, which is the correct name for the Library building, the offices of the Administration are allotted the space they should rightly have. Among the prominent features of this suite is the steel file for the Registrar’s records, which insures a permanent history of every student activity at the University for future reference. These files are kept in a fire-proof vault.
In the new Post Office building are located the Supply Store and Cafeteria. Ample accommodation for students’ private boxes in the P.O. is a comfort indeed. The Supply Store has a large stock at hand to fill students wants conveniently. The Cafeteria caters to students’ tastes, and affords a great restaurant convenience.
Therefore we see a new University Center formed. The old “Quad” will always be a hallowed spot, as will be the “Mound.” But as the old eternally gives away to the new, we see the modern University turn to the new quarters on University Avenue for its center of activity, where the great majority of the student body is conveniently served.
Source: “Center of Activity Moves Toward University Avenue with Erection of the New Library and Post Office,” Crimson White, October 1, 1925, 1.
In days of old, when the imposing old rotunda austerely surveyed the campus, the executive offices were located in Franklin Hall. This building was situated on “the mound” and kept company with the now lonely little “Round House.” The administration retained Franklin Hall as its headquarters until this building, along with the other martyrs, was burned by vengeful Northern troops.
Immediately following the war, the “quadrangle” was built, and the president established himself and his retinue in the luxurious and spacious room which we have known the past few years as “Dr. Denny’s office.” In this magnificent apartment, with the buzz of class rooms around, all of the business of the University was carried on. We wonder at the University’s progress under such conditions.
Soon it was discovered that two can live as cheaply as one” and another palatial room was allotted to the school executives. As the growth of the University increased and generosity of its patrons and the Legislature became more concrete, a third room was added. Again and again were rooms appropriated until almost everyone had space to turn around in.
For years the administrators contented themselves with these apartments and built the University to goodly proportions with the facilities accorded them.
Then, of recent date, a drive for Alumni subscriptions was started, and as a result the old grads opened up their coffers and made the new library building and supply store a reality.
In the Amelia Gorgas Memorial, which is the correct name for the Library building, the offices of the Administration are allotted the space they should rightly have. Among the prominent features of this suite is the steel file for the Registrar’s records, which insures a permanent history of every student activity at the University for future reference. These files are kept in a fire-proof vault.
In the new Post Office building are located the Supply Store and Cafeteria. Ample accommodation for students’ private boxes in the P.O. is a comfort indeed. The Supply Store has a large stock at hand to fill students wants conveniently. The Cafeteria caters to students’ tastes, and affords a great restaurant convenience.
Therefore we see a new University Center formed. The old “Quad” will always be a hallowed spot, as will be the “Mound.” But as the old eternally gives away to the new, we see the modern University turn to the new quarters on University Avenue for its center of activity, where the great majority of the student body is conveniently served.
Source: “Center of Activity Moves Toward University Avenue with Erection of the New Library and Post Office,” Crimson White, October 1, 1925, 1.
Document 3: Students Express Anxieties Over The Mound
Plans Are Under Way to Decorate Franklin Mound
“CRIMSON WHITE” and Jason Society Advocate Salvaging of Old “State Capitol Columns” for Historic Campus Spot.
AN EDITORIAL
“CRIMSON WHITE” and Jason Society Advocate Salvaging of Old “State Capitol Columns” for Historic Campus Spot.
AN EDITORIAL
It has recently become a fact that the remains of the building which is known to most students of the University as the old “Central College” are to be salvaged.
It will interest many of the students not well acquainted with the facts concerning the structure, to know that it is in reality our old State Capitol, and a part of the University’s real property.
When, in 1846, the Capitol of the State was moved from Tuscaloosa to Montgomery, the State gave the old Capitol property to the University. The latter has never been able to use the property on account of its detached location.
In recent years the building has been used as a female college – “Central College” as it was familiarly known. In August 1923, fire consumed “Central College," and since that time no action has taken place in regard to reconstruction or salvage up to the present. At present the Baptists have a lease given them by the University, which is good for some seventy years yet. Which bring us to our point.
Mr. Stallworth, of Tuscaloosa, has arranged to salvage the remains of the building. In these remains are two excellent and well-preserved examples of Doric and Ionic architecture the porticos of the front entrance and the Southern elevation. Mr. Stallworth has no use for these columns, for they bear traditional and historical interest only and are valuable solely from that standpoint. He has graciously offered them to the ladies of Tuscaloosa if they will only haul them away.
In turn, the ladies of Tuscaloosa are somewhat at a loss just where to place these columns. Some advocate the Tuscaloosa library site now under consideration. The “CRIMSON WHITE” advocates Franklin Mound!
In following up this idea this paper has appealed to the Jasons to include the moving of these columns to the Mound in their program of campus improvement. Mr. Gallalee and Mr. Palmer have been consulted. To each of these the plan seems feasible.
Therefore, the “CRIMSON WHITE” is approaching the parties already interested in the removal of these columns to allow the University to help in the removal, and to place them on our campus – really the most logical spot in Tuscaloosa for a project of this kind, and one where the columns would show up to best advantage from a standpoint of both beauty and historical association.
For in the words of our own Colonel McCorvey, quoting the “Historical Sketch of Tuscaloosa.”
“Should the old building (Capitol) ever cease to be used for any public purpose – as it is today devoted to education – it should be as religiously cherished and guarded as are the Panthenon at Athens and the Coliseum of Rome.
With these columns standing on Franklin Mound the fragments of two of Tuscaloosa’s most revered ruins will be incorporated. If this idea seems at all feasible to the student body, let it lend an eager hand in all measures which will aid in accomplishing the removal!
It will interest many of the students not well acquainted with the facts concerning the structure, to know that it is in reality our old State Capitol, and a part of the University’s real property.
When, in 1846, the Capitol of the State was moved from Tuscaloosa to Montgomery, the State gave the old Capitol property to the University. The latter has never been able to use the property on account of its detached location.
In recent years the building has been used as a female college – “Central College” as it was familiarly known. In August 1923, fire consumed “Central College," and since that time no action has taken place in regard to reconstruction or salvage up to the present. At present the Baptists have a lease given them by the University, which is good for some seventy years yet. Which bring us to our point.
Mr. Stallworth, of Tuscaloosa, has arranged to salvage the remains of the building. In these remains are two excellent and well-preserved examples of Doric and Ionic architecture the porticos of the front entrance and the Southern elevation. Mr. Stallworth has no use for these columns, for they bear traditional and historical interest only and are valuable solely from that standpoint. He has graciously offered them to the ladies of Tuscaloosa if they will only haul them away.
In turn, the ladies of Tuscaloosa are somewhat at a loss just where to place these columns. Some advocate the Tuscaloosa library site now under consideration. The “CRIMSON WHITE” advocates Franklin Mound!
In following up this idea this paper has appealed to the Jasons to include the moving of these columns to the Mound in their program of campus improvement. Mr. Gallalee and Mr. Palmer have been consulted. To each of these the plan seems feasible.
Therefore, the “CRIMSON WHITE” is approaching the parties already interested in the removal of these columns to allow the University to help in the removal, and to place them on our campus – really the most logical spot in Tuscaloosa for a project of this kind, and one where the columns would show up to best advantage from a standpoint of both beauty and historical association.
For in the words of our own Colonel McCorvey, quoting the “Historical Sketch of Tuscaloosa.”
“Should the old building (Capitol) ever cease to be used for any public purpose – as it is today devoted to education – it should be as religiously cherished and guarded as are the Panthenon at Athens and the Coliseum of Rome.
With these columns standing on Franklin Mound the fragments of two of Tuscaloosa’s most revered ruins will be incorporated. If this idea seems at all feasible to the student body, let it lend an eager hand in all measures which will aid in accomplishing the removal!
- E. L. S.
