McGraw Tower

McGraw Tower. It is the iconic clock tower of Cornell University, centrally located on the Arts Quad and forming the architectural centerpiece of the original campus. The structure was built in 1891 as a freestanding bell tower for the adjacent John McGraw Hall, which was named for the university's first major benefactor. Today, it is most famous for housing the Cornell Chimes, one of the world's most celebrated sets of tower bells.

History and construction

The tower was commissioned by the university's first president, Andrew Dickson White, and financed by a generous donation from John McGraw, a trustee and early supporter of Ezra Cornell's vision for the institution. Designed by noted Ithaca architect William Henry Miller, who designed many of the university's earliest buildings including Uris Library, construction was completed rapidly in 1891. Its creation was part of a broader expansion of the campus during the late 19th century, which also saw the erection of buildings like Barnes Hall and Goldwin Smith Hall. Initially conceived as a functional structure to house a new set of bells, it quickly became a defining symbol for the young university, standing apart from the adjacent John McGraw Hall which served as a dormitory.

Architecture and design

The tower is a premier example of Romanesque Revival architecture, constructed primarily of gray Ithaca stone and trimmed with contrasting red sandstone. Architect William Henry Miller employed a square base that transitions into an octagonal belfry, topped by a pyramidal roof and a distinctive weather vane. Key decorative elements include rounded Romanesque arches, corbel tables, and a series of clock faces on each side, which were manufactured by the Seth Thomas Clock Company. The design harmonizes with other early campus structures like Morrill Hall and White Hall, establishing a cohesive architectural identity for the Arts Quad. The interior houses a 161-step staircase leading to the belfry and the playing cabin for the Cornell Chimes.

The Cornell Chimes

The tower is internationally renowned as the home of the Cornell Chimes, a historic set of tower bells that is among the heaviest and most frequently played in the world. The original bells were cast by the Clinton H. Meneely Bell Company and have been expanded over the decades, with significant additions funded by alumni like Henry Sage. The bells are played by a dedicated group of student musicians known as the Chimesmasters, who perform regular daily concerts from the tower. The repertoire spans centuries, from the works of Johann Sebastian Bach to modern film scores and Cornell-specific songs like the Alma Mater. Concerts mark significant university events such as Convocation, Commencement, and Cornell Big Red football victories.

Role in university life

The structure serves as both a physical and symbolic heart of Cornell University, functioning as a central meeting point, a navigational landmark, and a keeper of campus time. Its clock faces and bell concerts regulate the daily rhythm of academic life for students and faculty across the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Engineering. It is a focal point for major traditions, including Dragon Day and Slope Day, and is often illuminated in special colors to honor academic achievements or memorialize events. The tower is also a featured stop on tours for prospective students and visitors, symbolizing the enduring legacy of founders Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White.

Maintenance and preservation

Preservation of the historic structure is an ongoing priority for the university's Facilities and Campus Services department. Major restoration projects have addressed stonework repointing, roof repairs, and clock mechanism maintenance, often involving specialized firms familiar with historic landmark preservation. The Cornell Chimes themselves undergo regular inspection and tuning by expert bellfounders such as the Verdin Company. The tower is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing element of the Arts Quad historic district, ensuring its protection. Funding for preservation comes from the university endowment and donations from alumni of organizations like the Cornell University Glee Club and the Quill and Dagger society.

Category:Cornell University Category:Towers in New York (state) Category:Clock towers in the United States