Beaumont Tower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Beaumont Tower |
|
|---|---|
Beaumont Tower's location within the campus
|
|
| General information | |
| Type | Carillon |
| Architectural style | Collegiate Gothic |
| Location | Between the Student Union and Main Library, Michigan State University |
| Coordinates | 42°43′55.13″N 84°28′55.75″W / 42.7319806°N 84.4821528°W |
| Named for | John W. Beaumont, class of 1882 |
| Completed | 1928 |
| Dimensions | |
| Other dimensions | 49 bells in the carillon |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Donaldson and Meier |
The Beaumont Tower is a famous building at Michigan State University (MSU). It was designed by the company Donaldson and Meier and finished in 1928. This 104-foot-tall (32 m) tower stands where the very first building on campus, called College Hall, used to be. College Hall was also the first building in America built for teaching agriculture (farming) and science. Sadly, College Hall fell apart in 1918 because it wasn't built very well.
John W. Beaumont, who graduated from MSU in 1882, suggested building the tower. He wanted it to be a special monument to teaching and to keep the Campus Circle area beautiful.
Contents
What is Beaumont Tower?
When the Beaumont Tower was first opened, the college president said it would be a "meeting or trysting place" for students. It was meant to be a central spot for all activities at the university. The tower also acts like a giant clock, ringing its bells every hour to help students keep track of time.
Building Style and Art
The tower is built in a style called Collegiate Gothic. This style looks like old European castles and churches. On the tower, you can see a cool sculpture called The Sower. It's an Art Deco artwork made by Lee Lawrie in 1922. Below the sculpture, it says, "Whatsoever a Man Soweth." This saying is from the Bible (Galatians 6:7). It reminds everyone that MSU started as a farming college. It also shows how important it is to plant the seeds of knowledge.
The Bells of Beaumont Tower
Beaumont Tower has a full carillon, which is a musical instrument made of many bells. There are 49 bells in total! When the tower was first built, it only had ten bells. Over time, more bells were added so that many different songs could be played. Now, a computer makes the bells play music often throughout the day.
The area around the tower, called the Campus Circle, is a popular spot for students to gather. In the summer, you can even enjoy free concerts on the lawn there. The Beaumont Tower is one of the most famous and photographed places at MSU. You can even see a drawing of it on MSU's official letterhead. Sometimes, special bell performances happen for important events.
Hidden Meaning
If you look closely at the top of the tower, you'll see four pointy parts called finials. One of the finials on the northeast side is taller than the others. This is on purpose! It's meant to show that there's always more to learn and that we should always aim for "higher education."
The Tower Guard
The tower is also the meeting place for a special student group called the Tower Guard. This group was started in 1934 by May Shaw, who was the wife of a former MSU president. The Tower Guard is the oldest and one of the most respected student organizations at MSU.
- Helping Others: It began as a group for women who wanted to help students with vision problems at MSU.
- Open to All: In 1977, outstanding young men were also invited to join the group.
- Who Joins?: Every year, the best students in their second year (sophomores) are chosen to be part of the Tower Guard. They are picked because they have great grades, are good leaders, have strong character, and love to help others.
Gallery
-
Beaumont Tower
-
View of Beaumont Tower from the north
-
The tower from across West Circle Drive
-
The Sower
Images for kids
-
The south side of the Beaumont Tower
