 | University of Virginia |  |
THE RESTORATION OF THE UNIVERSITY.
The last preceding issue of the Catalogue of the
University told briefly the story of the serious loss which
had recently been sustained in the destruction by fire of
the Rotunda and its Annex, together with a large portion
of their contents. It stated also the important fact that no
other of the structures upon the University grounds was in
any way injured; and the still more important fact that the
work of the University was not interrupted for a single day
because of the fire, temporary arrangements being at once
made for each of the schools dispossessed thereby, and all
classes meeting at their appointed hours on Monday, the
day following. While the work of the School of Natural
Philosophy and that of the Department of Engineering
were temporarily hampered by the destruction of valuable
apparatus, and while all the Schools of the University alike
felt the serious loss of the library, not a single lecture was
omitted, and it is not too much to say that the work of the
session was completed without important impairment of its
efficiency. The temporary inconvenience that in some
cases necessarily arose has been cheerfully and patiently
borne by the students, who deserve great credit for their
devotion and fidelity to the University in the hour of her
trial.
As was then stated, the Legislature responded promptly
to the expressed needs of the University, while its Alumni
and other friends throughout the country also contributed
liberally to the restoration fund, to which was added the
remainder of the Fayerweather gift. Means were thus provided
for the rehabilitation of the University, and the work
was intrusted to architects of national reputation. The
plans adopted were put at once in the hands of contractors,
displaced classes have already entered their permanent
quarters, and we may reasonably expect that the beginning
of the coming session will see the work finished in every
detail. While the delay has been somewhat greater than
was at first anticipated, it has been rendered necessary by
the magnitude of the undertaking and the importance of
having everything done in the most thorough and enduring
manner.
The Rotunda has been restored as nearly as possible in
accordance with the original plans of Mr. Jefferson, as far
as its outward form is concerned. The interior with the
exception of the two classrooms in the basement, has been
devoted entirely to the use of the library, forming one of
the handsomest rooms for this purpose anywhere to be
found. The whole structure has been rendered as nearly
fireproof as possible, and it is believed that the central
feature of the University will never again be put in peril.
At the base are four terraced wings (as originally designed
by Mr. Jefferson but never fully executed), two of which
are occupied by the offices of administration, which have
hitherto lacked adequate accommodation; the others will
be occupied for classroom purposes, or in such other manner
as may best subserve the needs of the University from
time to time.
The Annex has not been rebuilt. Where it stood lies
a broad terrace at the foot of the staircase which leads
down from the north portico of the Rotunda, and in its stead
there have been erected at the foot of the Lawn three
buildings. The chief and central one of these, which
faces the Rotunda, contains in its middle portion a Public
Hall larger and more commodious than that which was
lost; in its wings are domiciled the Department of Law,
and a number of the Academic Schools. On the eastern side
stands the Rouss Physical Laboratory, a worthy monument
to the generosity which provided the means for its erection.
Facing this from the west a building of similar size and
proportions furnishes ample accommodation for the
in harmony, alike in form and in detail with the
other edifices upon the Lawn, and form at its southern end
a quadrangle which is a worthy companion to the time-honored
structure which it confronts; all who knew the
University as it was will agree that its beauty has been
enhanced by the changes that have been made.
Great as was the calamity which befell the University,
the Visitors and Faculty cannot but feel that the outcome
has been a still greater benefit. With the ampler accommodations
which, owing to the growth of the University in
every department, were greatly needed even before the
demand for them was so suddenly rendered imperative;
with renewed vigor and enthusiasm; with steadfast adhesion
to the great principles upon which it has always firmly
stood, the University goes forward in the spirit of true
progress to wider opportunity and greater usefulness. It
looks confidently to its loyal Alumni and its warm-hearted
friends everywhere in the belief that not only their good
wishes but their earnest efforts as well will be given to the
advancement of its interests and the maintenance of its
prestige and honor.
| University of Virginia | |