Purdue Bell Tower
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The Purdue Bell Tower was constructed in 1995, at Purdue University, through a gift from the class of 1948.
[edit] Heavilon Hall Tower
The current Bell Tower's inspiration comes from the bell tower that was part of the old Heavilon Hall, demolished in 1956. Heavilon Hall was dedicated on January 19, 1894 as part of Purdue's Engineering School. Four days later, the building caught fire and was destroyed. In light of this tragedy, James A. Smart, Purdue's president at the time, declared that a new tower would go up "one brick higher." According to legend, however, the belltower was actually built 9 bricks higher. The new tower was completed in December of 1894 with clocks on each of the four sides and four bells that would mark every quarter hour.
[edit] Purdue Bell Tower
Through a gift from the class of 1948, a new bell tower was completed in 1995. The new tower stands 160 feet tall, and like the original, has a clock on each of four faces. The bells from the original 1894 tower hang at the top of the tower, but a computerized carillon now marks every half hour and also plays Purdue's fight songs and the alma mater at Noon, 5 PM, and 10 PM.
There is also a time capsule located at the base of the tower that is to be opened in 2095.
[edit] External links
- Purdue Belltower from Purdue's College of Engineering
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