Campanile (Iowa State University)

Campanile (Iowa State University). The Campanile is a historic bell tower and the central landmark of the Iowa State University campus in Ames, Iowa. Dedicated in 1898, the structure houses the Stanton Memorial Carillon, a concert instrument of 50 bells, and serves as a focal point for university traditions and ceremonies. Recognized as a symbol of the institution, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Iowa State University Historic District.

History and construction

The Campanile was constructed between 1897 and 1898 as a gift from the senior class of 1897, led by class president Edgar W. Stanton. The tower was built to honor Stanton's late wife, Margaret MacDonald Stanton, and was formally dedicated on September 29, 1898. The project was overseen by university president William M. Beardshear and designed by architect George E. Hallett, with the Iowa State Board of Regents approving its placement on central campus. Funding was provided through student contributions and support from the Alumni Association, establishing an early precedent for philanthropic gifts to the university. The cornerstone was laid during commencement exercises in 1897, with the structure completed in time for the following academic year.

Design and architecture

The Campanile's design is a prime example of Beaux-Arts architecture, characterized by its classical symmetry and ornate detailing. The tower rises 110 feet and is constructed of limestone sourced from Bedford, Indiana, resting on a foundation of Milwaukee brick. Its square base features four clock faces, each nine feet in diameter, manufactured by the Seth Thomas Clock Company. The architectural plans by George E. Hallett were influenced by the collegiate Gothic Revival style prominent at institutions like Cornell University and the University of Chicago. The shaft culminates in an open belfry with arched openings, topped by a copper roof and finial, creating a distinctive silhouette against the Iowa skyline.

The Stanton Memorial Carillon

The Stanton Memorial Carillon, installed in 1899 and significantly expanded in 1954, is a traditional carillon comprising 50 cast bronze bells. The original 10-bell chime was a gift from Edgar W. Stanton in memory of his wife, with bells cast by the Meneely Bell Company of Troy, New York. A major renovation funded by the Stanton family and the Iowa State University Foundation added 40 bells from the Paccard Foundry of Annecy, France, making it one of the largest instruments in the Midwestern United States. The carillon is played manually from a baton keyboard located in the playing cabin, with performances given regularly by university carillonneurs, a position historically held by faculty from the Department of Music and Theatre.

Traditions and campus role

The Campanile is integral to campus life, marking the hours and serving as the backdrop for major university events. A central tradition is the "Campanile Kiss," where students kiss at the stroke of midnight during events like Veishea, the former student-run festival. The tower's bells chime for academic processions, including commencement ceremonies and the memorial service for George Washington Carver. It is also a site for the annual "Theft of the Theta Bell" prank and is illuminated in various colors to commemorate occasions like Homecoming and achievements by the Iowa State Cyclones athletic teams. The area around its base, known as the Memorial Union Terrace, is a popular gathering space for students and visitors.

Maintenance and preservation

Ongoing maintenance and preservation of the Campanile are managed by the Iowa State University Facilities Planning and Management department. Major restoration projects have included structural repairs to the limestone, replacement of the clock mechanisms in the 1970s by the Standard Electric Time Company, and a comprehensive carillon renovation in 1994 funded by the ISU Alumni Association. The tower is protected as a contributing property to the Iowa State University Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Preservation efforts follow guidelines from the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and are supported by endowments through the Iowa State University Foundation. Category:Buildings and structures in Ames, Iowa Category:Iowa State University Category:Bell towers in the United States Category:National Register of Historic Places in Iowa