Wowee–this is a really big hole:
Obviously, this is the beginning of construction of Sewall Hall. The building makes a lot more sense when you see this. Suddenly, I understand why you enter it on the third floor.
Here’s something else that suddenly adds up. There’s the constant sound of water being pumped from this spot on the courtyard side of Sewall:
I wonder why they built it this way.
Bonus: Here’s a photo from the dedication of the building. That’s Blanche Harding Sewall in the wheelchair: she gave most of the money for its construction and named it for her late husband, Cleveland Sewall. Interestingly, she attempted to give the money anonymously but later agreed to have the gift publicly acknowledged. (I once accidentally came across her transcript and I have to say that she was a seriously good student.)
That’s Mrs. Hackerman at the right helping unveil the dedicatory plaque. You can also see the back of Professor Tsanoff’s head in the audience. He would have taught Mrs. Sewall.
Here’s the plaque now, on the northwest corner of the building:
