While the Dickinson science community awaits this opening in 1999, Tome is left with the most serious dilemma of its lifetime. While it will remain in use to some degree, there has yet to be a final decision on how the building of which Charles Himes dreamed will continue to serve the College . While all four options appear logical and useful, particularly returning Tome to its role of housing a Dickinson Museum, there will certainly be a void left as the major sciences leave Tome for the first time in over one hundred years. After all, Tome may lay claim at the moment to being the oldest continuously serving purpose built science building in United States education. While Himes spoke these words nearly one hundred and fifteen years ago, they could be applied today in the exact same fashion.
Science is a subject in constant motion and constant change.
Himes would not be left empty with the current events of Dickinson College, for Tome was merely a step in his dream, not the dream itself. The building has served its students well and will continue to do so into a new century. Charles Francis Himes, 131. Charles Francis Himes, 132. Charles Francis Himes, 132.