When students first come to Purdue, one of the first things they notice is the bell tower. Most people have probably heard the popular story that walking under bell tower will prevent you from graduating in four years. While that may or may not be true, there is one story that is true; there is a time capsule sealed into a shaft within the bell tower.
Picture taken from media.purdue.edu
Firstly, the bell tower was completed in 1995. It was given to Purdue as a gift from the class of 1948. It was designed to be similar to and replace the old Heavilon Hall bell tower that was built in 1895 and finally demolished in 1956. According to the seal at the base of the tower, the current tower is nine bricks taller than its previous counterpart. Like the Heavilon Hall bell tower, the current one has a clock on each side and even contains the bells from the original tower. However, the bells are rung by an electronic device every half hour and at the end of classes. The bell tower plays the Purdue fight song as well.
When it was built, a time capsule was sealed into a shaft near the base of the bell tower. Along with the capsule, there is a plaque in the bell tower. This plaque gives details about the history of the bell tower, including information about the previous Heavilon Hall bell tower. The capsule will not be opened until 2095. Inside the capsule there are letters from the president, Emeritus Beering, and the student president, Kevin Parsons, for their respective position holders in 2095. Additionally, the capsule contains campus newspapers, specifications for the tower, and information about the towers fundraising.
Some popular legend about the bell tower are, as previously stated, that the seal at the bottom of the tower is cursed; any student that walks over the seal will not graduate in four years. Another legend states that if two people kiss under the bell tower and then pass the Lion Fountain, they will later be married.
With a deep history and collection of legends, the Purdue bell tower is something all students should visit.
No comments:
Post a Comment