Hall of Languages' Sesquicentennial Scrapbook
Happy Birthday to Me
You might be getting ready to celebrate Commencement, but you should also be celebrating campus's one and only 150-year-old grandfluencer, moi. I was formally introduced to the world at my dedication on May 8, 1873, and have been a VIP in students' lives ever since. Enjoy this scrapbook of highlights from my life*!
Do you have any special photos of me? Email them to ASNews@syr.edu. My people may share them on social media or this website.
Hello, world! Here I am, a brand-new baby building in 1873. See how I only have the two towers? My middle one didn't come in till 1886.
Before I was born, architects drew up this nice portrait of me. I was designed by Horatio Nelson White in the Second Empire style—one of New York State’s most prominent architects between 1865-1880. Only the best for me!
This cornerstone was laid in 1871 and I arrived two years later. You can't rush quality!
I bear a striking resemblance to my relative, the Gridley Building (pictured above), who lives in downtown Syracuse. Other prominent relatives include Syracuse’s Plymouth Congregational church (b. 1858) and the third Onondaga County courthouse (1858-1968).
Finally! After 14 years as an only child, I get some siblings. First, Holden, who you can't see in this photo, then Tolley and Crouse. We all have our own distinct looks and personalities, but our family ties are strong (and orange!).
The more things change, the more they stay the same. My front steps are still a busy crossroads, just like in this 1930s scene.
I cherish my role as a backdrop to students’ lives across the decades, and hope I provide them with a sense of comfort, pride and resilience.
People say this is my doppelganger, but I prefer to think of myself as more stately than spooky!
Actually famous--What a great gift when I turned 100!
I had to plug my ears that day, when boisterous students led a lively pep rally in 1958!
Here's a photo of my good friend, Otto, around the time we first met in 1980.
This is a more recent photo of us together. Otto stops by to visit me often.
When I'm not hanging with Otto, I love taking in some rays with students.
My favorite birthday gift every year. Chatting with graduates, hearing their plans, and giving them a bit of advice before they leave the nest: "Come back and visit me often! Bring your families, too. I'll always be happy to see you!"
*We hope you enjoyed this humorous celebration of the Grande Dame of campus, our iconic Hall of Languages! If you're looking for more history, you can check the A&S commemorative magazine and timeline.
Archival photos courtesy of the Special Collections Research Center.