Historical
Timeline
University
History
University Charter
Hamline Seal
Historical Firsts
Campus
Treasures
Gone But
Not Forgotten
Haven
on Hewitt
Home Away From Home
Modern Architecture
Desktop Wallpapers
|
The Bishop Statue
The statue of Bishop Leonidas Hamline was commissioned by Annette Strand Scherer
Robbins '36 and designed by Hamline art professor Michael Price. It is
dedicated (in Bishop Hamline's words) to "all who have provided the
means and facilities of education."
The symbolism of the sculpture
As for the sculpture of Bishop Hamline, I have tried to express the character
of this complex man, and at the same time the character of this institution
and its aspirations. He was a man of conviction: intelligent, articulate, and
thorough. And he was both pragmatic and spiritual. I hope that you find this
sculpture to be straightforward; dignified and strong, well grounded, and bound
by spirit.
He is standing slightly askew, his head turned toward the prairie, looking
beyond it. In one hand he holds a book, while the other hand hangs free.
I’ve
been asked often about the book, especially if it’s a Bible. Well, it
might be. It certainly was his favorite, but not the only book he read and
valued…the point of the book is that his decision to have this relationship
with us was considered and deliberate…It was a lifetime of study and
thought that brought him to us. The book is an expression of his conviction;
and it is an expression of our conviction as well.
I’ve also, in this gesture, intended to express the tradition of education
from which we have evolved. For Methodism, an important aspect of education
is the pursuit of truth – and the truth takes us where it will. I have
encoded in this dual gesture of one hand holding a book, and one hand hanging
free – an uplifting book, a down-reaching hand – a suggestion,
too, of the tenets of service and justice that also lie at the heart of this
tradition. These principles have led to what we are today: a rich and diverse
community of teachers and learners, scholars and artists, scientists and social
scientists. We come from many places, are interested in all things, are of
many faiths and beliefs, and are many colors. We are learning in myriad ways
about ourselves and about others, and about the world we live in. The truth
has led us to our own complexity and diversity, and to our similarities, and
to our differences – and it has led us to each other. Together we
are learning to help others and to make a better world. We are a community
to be
proud of, born of a tradition to be proud of, and one to be coveted. It
is expressed in this sculpture, and in our continuing commitment to truth
and
justice, and to service.
(Michael Price, Hamline Quarterly, Fall
1995)
|
 Bridgman Memorial Court
Bridgman Memorial Court was constructed in 1954 in memory of President
George Henry Bridgman and his wife Mary Elliot Bridgman and was presented
by Dorothy
Bridgman Atkinson Rood and Donald E. Bridgman, the daughter and son
of the president. The court, sculpted by John Rood, commemorates the
university’s
100th year anniversary through sculptured panels. Steps were originally
constructed from Snelling Avenue to the court, but in 1997 they were
replaced with grass
to create a rolling hill effect.
Bridgman Hall
Bridgman Hall, located within Old Main, was originally a university
chapel. The room was rededicated as Bridgman Hall on November 6,
1939. It was
used as an auditorium, lecture hall, and concert hall, and has
hosted guest
such as William McKinley, Charles Elliot (president of Harvard
University), and
Archbishop John Ireland. Bridgman Hall was renovated and preserved
in the summer of 1978, and it is known for its historical beauty
and unparalleled
acoustics.
 Hamline United Methodist Church
The new congregation of the church held its first service in the
chapel at Hamline University in 1880, ten days before college
classes in Saint
Paul
began. The first church building, constructed in 1900, was destroyed
by fire in 1925.
The new Hamline United Methodist Church, built between 1926 and
1928, features a spire that rises eighty feet above the roof,
gargoyles spouting
rainwater
away from the structure, intricate carvings, and marble steps.
It seats more than 1,000 people, who can enjoy the colors coming
through the
stained glass
windows. Today, more than seventy-five years later, the classic
gothic building reflects the stately beauty and quiet grandeur
envisioned
by the congregation
that built it.
Norton Field
Norton Field has experienced many changes over the years. Originally,
the athletic field was located on the south side of campus
where Manor House
and Sorin Hall
are currently located. Matthew Norton, the second chairman
of the board of trustees, gave $1,500 to construct a new athletic
field.
This newly
dedicated
field, opened in the autumn of 1905, was located between Pascal
and Holton avenues. In 1922, the athletic field was moved to
its newest
location
of Taylor Avenue. 1986 marked more changes for the athletic
field as a new
all-weather outdoor track and field complex, and a renovated
football/soccer field were
added. By fall of 2004, the Hamline University Klas Center,
will take the place
of the old
Norton Stadium.
 Joseph W. Hutton Arena
The athletic facility known as Hutton Arena was named after
Joseph W. Hutton on December 13, 1986. The arena, built in
1937, for
$100,000, was first
called Norton Field House. The historic field house was the
location of Joe Hutton
and his talented teams that brought widespread fame and recognition
to
the university. 1966 marked a year of renovations for the
field house, as $800,000
was contributed to new fluorescent lighting, a new tartan
floor, roll away bleachers, and six motorized backboards.
 Sundin Music Hall
Sundin Music Hall opened in October 1989. The 330-person
seat concert hall was funded with major gifts from Lloyd ’22 and Mildred Howard ’24
Sundin that fulfilled their lifelong dream. The $1.3 million
facility includes backstage rehearsal spaces, new concert
piano, and a state-of-the-art
audio
system. The building took its architectural cues from Drew
residence, which adjoins the building to its east, and
its doors open to beautiful
rose gardens
in the spring and summer months.
University Hall/Old Main
Considered the central landmark of the Hamline University
campus, University Hall (Old Main) is listed in the
National Register
of Historical Places.
Fire destroyed the original University Hall in 1883,
but in 1884, the current University
Hall was dedicated debt-free. The three-story high
structure cost $50,000 to build.
In the summer of 1978, at the cost of $75,000, Bridgman
Hall was renovated. Retaining the essential elements
to preserve
the acoustic
quality,
the green paint was covered in beige, the wood floors
were stripped, sanded,
and varnished,
carpet replaced linoleum in the aisles, a specially
designed chandelier was hung above the stage to improve
the lighting
and the silent
heating system
was improved. On September 2, 1985, a fire caused
$10,000 in damage to Bridgman Hall, when an overheated light
fixture ignited
roof
insulation. The fire
quickly spread to the ceiling, leaving a 15- foot
hole.
In 1913, electric lights were installed and in 1915,
the bell used to summon and dismiss classes, was
replaced by
an electric
bell,
thus ending
the
career of the campus bell ringers. In the 1930s,
the bell was used again to open
and close classes. It was last used on November
5, 1966, to ring out news of an
athletic victory when the 1966 football team defeated
Gustavus to win the MIAC championship. Now the
tower houses an electric
carillon that
has the
ability
not only to ring a bell, but to also play selected
music. Since 1993, the bell rings and plays music
during the
noon hour.
In July 1981, bees became a problem when honey
was found dripping down the walls on the second
story.
The clock
tower was finally
removed
for renovation
in the early 1990's, the top section in October
1990 and the bottom section in March 1991, because
of
rotting wood
and structural
damage.
The renovation
cost $290,000. When replaced, the trim colors
were painted as they originally were, in Tarrytown green
and copper.
Today Old Main houses the President's Office,
the Provost's Office, Human Resources, the
Office for
Multicultural
and International Student Affairs,
the Student
Affairs office, University Relations, and the
business and finance
offices.
White House/President’s House
The original President's House was built in
1886 during President Bridgman's term. Bridgman
painted
it red
and gray in 1895
to show his school spirit.
The current “White House” was built in 1903, constructed by trustee
Joseph M. Hackney ’1901 and his wife Jennie Hill Hackney ’1902.
He and his family lived there for sometime before donating
it to Hamline.
It has eleven rooms, three fireplaces, and
four baths. It was relocated in 1944 to
the southeast
corner
of Simpson and Hewitt
Avenues when
Drew Hall
was constructed. In 1946, the basement
was finished, adding an oil burner; a new
roof and an additional room were added
in 1953, in 1961 the
baths were remodeled, new kitchen cabinets
were installed in 1964,
and the front
entry was rebuilt
in 1968. Finally, in 1988, alumna and decorator,
JoAnn Hanson '58, restored the main floors
of the White House
to the look
of its
early years. For more details on the White House, click here.
|
