I got a question today about the original lighting in the cloisters on the front of the Mech Lab. I almost laughed at how easy this question was—I remembered right away that we have a great picture from the 1910s that looks straight down that sidewalk with a perfect view of the ceiling vaults. Heck, I even know what file the picture is in!
I could not have been more surprised when I pulled it out for a look.
There weren’t any lights at all. Wh–??
Now I have to figure out when they first put them in, which will be no easy task. Don’t count your chicken before they’re hatched, I suppose.
Bonus: I think this is the last working original drinking fountain.
That arcade looks better without the ugly fire door of Abercrombie on the end
Boy, no kidding.
Is there any chance that there had been lights at some point before this picture was taken? I think I see a plate or electrical box at the peak of one vault and wires hanging from another one.
Good eye. The picture was taken right before the lights were installed.
Those old drinking fountains are so charming. It’s regrettable they aren’t all functioning as intended. Where is this last working one located? I may have to make a pilgrimage.
It’s tucked into a little nook on the front of Mech Lab. Go see!
Thank you. Next time I’m on campus, I will definitely visit it.
Maybe post a quick tour of the lesser known corners of campus for folks arriving for homecomitour.ng?
I no longer have my WRC freshman handbook with a similar
“similar tour”
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