Jesse Hall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jesse Hall |
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Jesse Hall, seen From the Francis Quadrangle
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| Former names | New Academic Hall |
| General information | |
| Location | The University of Missouri Campus |
| Address | Jesse Hall, Columbia, MO 65211 |
| Town or city | Columbia, Missouri |
| Country | United States |
| Inaugurated | June 4, 1895 |
| Cost | $250,000 |
| Owner | University of Missouri |
| Height | 180 feet (55 m) |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Morris Frederick Bell |
Jesse Hall is a very important building at the University of Missouri. It used to be called New Academic Hall. Its tall dome reaches 180 feet (55 m) into the sky.
You can find it at the south end of the David R. Francis Quadrangle. Right in front of Jesse Hall are The Columns. These are all that is left of an older building that burned down. Jesse Hall was finished in 1895.
This building is home to many important offices. These include the chancellor's office, the registrar, and admissions. It also houses financial aid and the graduate school. Jesse Hall was designed by Morris Frederick Bell, a famous architect from Missouri. It is one of the most photographed places in Missouri.
Jesse Auditorium inside the building has hosted many events. These include graduations and concerts. The University Concert Series brings in shows from all over the world. These include Broadway plays, bands, and speakers.
Jesse Hall is a key part of the National Register of Historic Places District. In 1922, its name changed from "New Academic Hall" to "Jesse Hall." This was to honor Richard Henry Jesse, a university president who was retiring.
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A Look Back: Jesse Hall's History
The building before Jesse Hall was called Academic Hall. It burned down on January 9, 1892. Only the six famous columns were left standing. The fire started from an electric light fixture. It happened during a debate in a meeting room.
The new building, "New Academic Hall," was built just south of the columns. It was finished in 1895. It cost about $250,000 to build. In 1922, the hall was renamed Jesse Hall. This honored former University President Richard Henry Jesse.
Jesse Hall has faced some tough weather. In 1932, a tornado hit Columbia. It caused a lot of damage to the building. Later, in 1982, a big storm also damaged Jesse Hall. After this storm, the building got many repairs. These included a new ball and slate on the dome. They also added stronger windows and beams. These repairs cost around $390,000.
On April 23, 1991, a fire was set on purpose in the building. This caused a lot of damage, costing between $350,000 and $500,000 to fix.
Jesse Hall's Unique Design
Jesse Hall is one of the most special buildings on campus. Its dome is very tall, standing 9 stories above the ground. It is even taller than the building it sits on! The building was designed by Morris Frederick Bell. Its style is similar to the Connecticut State House.
The dome was first lit up in October 1987. This was to celebrate the university's 150th birthday. Usually, bright white lights shine on the dome at night. But for special events, the lights change color. For Homecoming, the dome glows gold. For Engineers' Week in March, it turns green.
The dome used to have a special decoration on top. It was a sphere with wings. These wings broke off when someone put a large American flag pole there. This winged sphere is now a symbol for a secret group called QEBH. William Lincoln Garver helped build the hall as the assistant architect.
Jesse Auditorium: A Stage for Many Talents
The main entrance to Jesse Auditorium used to be on the north side. When it first opened, it could seat 1,200 people. But later, a wooden balcony was removed because of fire safety rules. This reduced the seating to only 400.
In 1953, the auditorium was completely updated. This new design was by Jamieson and Spearl. Today, it can seat 1,732 people. Many famous people have performed or spoken on its stage. William Jennings Bryan gave a famous speech there in 1900.
Today, the University Concert Series brings many shows to Jesse Auditorium. You can see touring Broadway shows, symphony orchestras, singers, and comedians. These performers come from all over the world.
Images for kids
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The rotunda
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Through the Memorial Gateway
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Jesse Hall and the Quad in 1905
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Jesse Hall and the Quad
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The cornerstone of Academic Hal
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The circle drive
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Jesse Dome behind Townsend Hall
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