The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-09-18
LAFAYETTE COLLEGE.
Its IImproyements-The East Wing-TOwer-
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The changes thatwere in progress in the build
ings of Lafayette College, Easton, at the time OF
the last commencement, are resulting IN great
improvements. The proposition to extend the
main building was made about three years ago,
and plan was prepared by John Macarthur, Jr,
of this city, who suggested the erection of two
wings, to be connected with the main structure
by intermediate towers
The first imperative need, two years ago, was
additional dormitories -Four Students Homes
were erected, aud designated beginning at the
wes0 Blair Hall, Newkirk Hall, Martlen Hall,
and Powell Hall. The cost of constructing the
three latter have lately been assumed by the
gentlemen whose family names they bear. The
"Eastonian Building Fund became available
future name may be "Eastonian Hatl"-is 35 by
6516 feet. A hall 20 feet high, covering the
entire surface of the building, fills the first
floor, the entrance being from the tower at the
side. 1t may be used temporarily as general
assembly room until the chapel is built, but is
intended ultimately to contain the cabinet of
geology. 1t is wholly surrounded by gallery
six and half feet in width, twelve feet above
the floor, so that the entire wall surface is
available for shelving, to display the collections
just commenced to be gathered. The further
extension of the meteorological cabinet, to
which eleven thousand specimens have been
added within the past three years. may also
demand part of the space.
Between the main and second stories, hollow
panels in the exterior surface relieve the wall
from dulness they are faced with moulded iron
tablets. The next floor contains four rooms
one 81 by 81, for classes in Mechanics and EX
perimental Philosophy under the tuition of
Prof. James w. Moore, VI. D.; and one in the
south front to be used as the Presidents room.
The upBcr story affords Il room 65 by 80 feet, for
classes in mechanical drawing, well lighted as
required for this use, by 13 windows. For no
purpose more than this has additional space
been absolutely demanded. Instruction cannot
well be given, nor neat drafting be executed, in
apartments designed for other occupations,
NVb in hp an
countered.
The floors derive their chief support from
three wrought-iron girders, thirty-fve feet long,
eleven inches deep and half an inch thick,
stayed by being bolted between iron side-gird-
ers. The corners are faced with sandstone quoins
from the Hummenstown quarries, in Lebanon
county. Fixtures for gas and hot air extend
through the edificc.
The tower that connects this wing with the
centre contains spiral staircase, and is IA by "a
feet, rising 10 feet from the paved area. Its
dormant roof is supported by pointed light
iron railing. The windows are germinate, set
in arched panels. The belfry is of the Norman
order, enclosed. In it swings the old ''Hol-
brook" bell which ought now to be relieved
from its long service by substituting college
monitor of sweeter tone and heavier weight.
One of the first gifts to Cornell University was
a chime of bells, the donation of Miss McGraw
lady who resides so near as to share i'll the
daily enjoyment of their melody
The main building has been so RECONSTRUCTED"
as to remove every trace of its antiquity. \
Mansard roof has enlarged the students rooms
on the fifth floor, and made them the most COM
modious in the edifce. With the widely-eX-
tended view that they command they offer an
attractive home to the students who tenant
them. A bread doorway and beautiful covered
porticO at the chief entrances heavy
coTnice of the Doric order, surrounding the
whole building and the wing, and the insertion
of free stone water-taSe between the first
| story and the principal floor, with a thorough
| painting, within and without, have obliterated
| the less desirable features of increasing age.
years of continual treading have given place
to a substantial cylinder staircase, with steps OF
| oiled North Carolina pine, and railing of oiled
| black walnut, too elegant to invite the vandal
touch of the school-boy knife or of the defacin9
| pencil.
| The macadamized drive located by Donald G
| Mitchell cox Marvel!O has begun to display
| its winding course near the Students Homes.
| The cottage built on the eastern part OF the
| tract presented by John i. Blair will be ready
| for the occupancy of Professor Youngman next
| month. This, added to the cost Of the fourteen
| buildings already adjoining the college premises
increases the value of the real estate to 5000 900
| The pecuniary resources of the institution may
| amount to $40, 600 more; beside which it pos
| and apparatus of much value in the line OF
| chemistry, astronomy, and metallurgy.
The good repute of the students of Lafayette,
and their marked success in obtaining positions
| in life; the great increase in the number in
| attendance; and the distinction and devotednesS
| of its Faculty with its bright prospects of con
| tinued growth in importance and usefulness
| may well cause all our community to rejoice in
| the prosperity of Lafayette College, and use
| their endeavors to promote its interests.
| -@--
The ~ HbOuFgeOiSse Of Paris