Fountain of Fun

For a majority of the blogs so far, I have dealt with buildings or organizations. This time I decided to give some credit to the Dede Plaza and the awe-inspiring fountain in the center. Any day of the week (given it's not cold or raining), you can pass by this area, which used to be an intersection of Chestnut street and 6th street, and see people of all ages enjoying the fountain and available seating around it. It sits at the heart of the university and was built on September 14, 1989 thanks to Ed and Mary Dede, who reside in Terre Haute. It is unique elements like this that make universities worth while for me. I hope that in the future, ISU continues to encourage a pleasant atmosphere for students, faculty, and public.

Science and Art

The Via Solaris sculpture located outside Stalker Hall may appear to most students to be just another piece of art. However, this unique structure is influenced as much by science as it is by art. The Via Solaris was built on September 16, 2007 by New York artist John Van Alstine. The sculpture is twenty feet tall and made of bronze and steel. But if one were to go up to the sculpture and read the writing engraved at the base, one would learn that the Via Solaris is actually a calendar. The sculpture measures sun spots. If anyone is interested in how it works, the writing engraved at the base also provides instruction on its use. This interesting addition to ISU is a perfect example of why it is important to really examine a work of art. Many students walk by the Via Solaris in an apathetic trance. Hopefully, more students will not only take the time to look at this structure, but also learn to use it as well.

National Award for Bayh College of Education

The Bayh College of Education is a newly renovated building that used to be known as University Hall. It was renovated in July of 2009 and was renamed the Bayh College of Education in the fall of 2009. Not only is this newly renovated building the structure that the Dean chose to have his office, it was recently recognized for the work that the Bayh building has done with other schools. On Saturday March 13th, the Bayh building was giving the Award for Exemplary Professional Development School Achievement. This award was giving to the Bayh building because of the help and assistance that they have given to various schools to prepare their students for higher education. If you wish to get more inforamtion of this building, it can be found on the ISU website.

A Good Cause

Yesterday, I went into the Zorah Temple, located right next to Root hall. I was first intrigued by the architecture of the building, but upon entering, I was quite surprised with what this building is used for. The temple is actually a club for the Shriners Hospitals for children. After a brief discussion with a man in the main office, I learned that this club's function is to raise money to provide the medical costs required to treat child who are burn victims, born with arm or leg disfigurements, and several other serious medical problems. He told me that the building was built in 1927, but that the organization has been in Terre Haute since the beginning of the 20th century. I also learned that they hold fundraiser events to help provide the aid for the children and also to help pay for the upkeep of the building. This unique and beneficial organization is located throughout the United States and has made its way around the world. I implore anyone who reads this blog to get involved with various fundraiser activities and help support this fantastic cause. I, for one, have every intention of participating and to help provide free medical attention to children who need it.

Old Main

After taking a brief tour today with the class and visiting some of the historical areas on campus, I decided that this blog should be dedicated to a building that is no longer in existence. The Old Main building was built in 1888, following the destruction of the previous building in it's place, due to fire. The Previous building was known as the "Normal School." When it was destroyed, the residents of Terre Haute came together to help raise money for the building that would later be known as Old Main. It was built by the Jenny & Otis Company, Chicago, IL. Old Main was later remodeled from 1938-1939. However, Indiana State University felt the need to express it's appreciation for good architecture by having the building torn down in 1950. After seeing what this building looked like, I can honestly say that it is a shame that this building's location is now nothing more than a walk-way. Not even provoking thought in most students minds of what was once there, this bare area is frequently used by students and faculty. I can't help but wonder what elements of the campus will be destroyed in the next few decades or if anyone will even remember it.

The History of Justice in Terre Haute

Located on third street, in between Wabash Avenue and Ohio Street, sits the Court House of Terre Haute. This large building consists of four floors and has a chandelier hanging in the center of the building right above the fourth floor. To enter this cornerstone of Terre Haute legislation, you must go through the west doors. Upon entering, you will be greeted by a metal detector and the police officer that operates it. Today, I decided to visit the Court House. After passing the detector and being deemed safe, I made my way around the first floor. I was able to gather some information about the Court House from a clerk who worked down on the first floor and discovered that there have been three Court Houses in Terre Haute history. The first one was built in 1818 in the same location as the Court House that people know today. The current Court House was built in 1888. At the center of every floor, except the first, is a little guard rail. This is to prevent people from falling as the look up and down at the other floors. Even if you don't have a court date at this destination, I implore anybody who appreciates good architecture to visit this building.

Fairbanks Memorial Library

The Emeline Fairbanks Memorial Library is located at 222 N. 7th street. This beautifully classical building is structured in the Beaux Arts style and was named after Emeline Fairbanks (The mother of the famous Crawford Fairbanks). It was build in 1906 and is made of limestone. The unversity gained possession of this local treasure in 1978. In 1984, the university decided to get it remodeled. The building now is quite different than the building shown here. However, it still maintains it's integrity. Most of the rooms inside are now utilized as classrooms. Upon entering the main doors, you are instantly caught in awe as you look up. Above the inside center of the building is a dome that has several paintings of famous people in a huge circle. As a walked through a door to access a full view, I noticed that I had walked into a student art gallery. In a complete 360 degrees around me, I was swarmed with artistic expression curtesy of the talented students that go to ISU. Feeling almost overwhelmed, I jolted my head back and forth, from one piece of art to another. However, I never escaped the ever present pull to look up. Finally, after viewing all the artwork around me, I tilted my head toward the heavens for a more in depth look at the doom. I noticed some of the names of the famous people paintings including Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and even Mark Twain. This building is a must for any person who has an appreciation for art, history, or who is of the belief that Terre Haute has nothing of interest to offer it's people.