University of Virginia Library

600 Expected At
Restoration Ball

Some 600 guests from around
Virginia are expected to attend the
seventh annual Restoration Ball at
the Rotunda May 9.

Sponsored by the Jefferson
Literary and Debating Society and
the University Guide Service, the
ball is held each year to promote
the restoration of the Rotunda to
Thomas Jefferson's original design.

Now a national landmark, the
Rotunda was destroyed by fire in
1895 and rebuilt by Stanford
White, noted New York architect.
Departing from Jefferson's plan for
a main floor with three oval
meeting rooms and the domed
library above, Mr. White removed
the second story and designed one
central open room encircled by
massive columns. He also changed
the building's exterior, altering the
dome so that the Rotunda no
longer has perfect spherical proportions
and added a north portico.

Once used as a library, the
Rotunda occupied a central place in
the life of the University. Those
interested in restoring the building
hope to make it a functional, vital
place once again. They envision
offices for the president and Board
of Visitors in the main floor oval
rooms and a dome room that could
be a permanent reception center for
visitors, a library of University
history and a meeting room for the
student council and other groups.

For this year's Restoration Ball,
the main floor of the Rotunda will
be outlined with eight-foot tall
brass candelabra and classical urns
filled with flowers and greenery.
The three balconies encircling the
main floor will be lighted by
candles and draped with golden
swags.

Outside the Rotunda, the terraces
will be candlelit, and refreshments
will be served on the
esplanades, The south portico will
be draped and a red carpet will lead
from the doorway down the steps
to the Lawn.

Playing for the ball will be the
Howard Devron Orchestra of Washington.

Chairman of the Restoration
Ball is M. Campbell Cawood of Big
Stone Gap, and vice chairman is
Walter J. Camp of Richmond.