Old Chapel (Amherst, Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Old Chapel
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Old Chapel in 2013
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 Location in Massachusetts
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| Location | Amherst, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1884–1887 |
| Architect | Stephen C. Earle, Worcester |
| Architectural style | Richardsonian Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 15000211 |
| Added to NRHP | May 11, 2015 |
Old Chapel, once known as the Old Chapel Library, is a historic building. It stands on the campus of the University of Massachusetts Amherst. This special building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important part of history.
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Building History
Old Chapel was built a long time ago, between 1884 and 1887. It was designed by an architect named Stephen C. Earle from Worcester, Massachusetts. The building cost about $25,000 back then. That would be a lot more money today!
Original Purpose
When it was first built, Old Chapel had several uses. It served as a library, a museum, and a large meeting hall. The building has a unique style called Richardsonian Romanesque. It is mostly square and made of stone. There is a tall tower at one corner.
Building Design
The chapel is built mainly from strong granite stone. It has sandstone details and a roof made of slate. The tower is very tall and has an open area at the top. This area has rounded arches, like windows. Above these arches are peaks with clock faces. At the very top, there is a four-sided steeple.
Famous Visitors
It is believed that John F. Kennedy spoke at the Chapel. This might have happened during his 1952 campaign for the U.S. Senate. However, this visit has never been officially confirmed.
The Bells of Old Chapel
The chapel's first bell was called "Old Aggie." It was added in 1892. Today, "Old Aggie" is gone. Instead, the tower holds 44 special bells called carillon bells. These bells can play many different tunes.
Renovation and Reopening
The tower of Old Chapel had a big renovation in 1999. This project cost $1.65 million. However, the main building was empty for many years after 1996. The University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band used to practice there. They moved out because the building was not safe.
Many people, especially former students, wanted to fix the building. They started a movement to raise money. In 2013, Chancellor Kumble R. Subbaswamy began a campaign to restore the inside. The restoration work started in 2015. On May 11, 2015, Old Chapel was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places. Today, Old Chapel is a beautiful and active part of the campus once again.
See also
