Samford Hall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids William J. Samford Hall |
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| General information | |
| Location | Auburn, Alabama |
| Coordinates | 32°36′17″N 85°28′58″W / 32.604738°N 85.482736°W |
| Completed | 1888 |
| Owner | Auburn University |
| Height | |
| Antenna spire | 176 ft (54 m) |
| Roof | 154 ft (47 m) |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 4 |
| Floor area | 49,376 sq ft (4,587.2 m2) |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Bruce and Morgan |
| Main contractor | James Smith |
William J. Samford Hall is a famous building at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. It's a symbol of the university and where many important school offices are located. The building is named after William J. Samford, who was the Governor of Alabama from 1900 to 1901.
Contents
The History of Samford Hall
How Samford Hall Began
When Auburn University first opened in 1859, it was called East Alabama Male College. Classes were held in a building known as "Old Main." This building stood exactly where Samford Hall is today.
Sadly, on June 24, 1887, Old Main was completely destroyed by a fire. But the university quickly planned to build a new main building.
Building the New Main Building
The very next year, in 1888, Samford Hall was built. Back then, it was simply called the "Main Building." Workers even used some bricks that were saved from the ruins of Old Main.
The new building looked a lot like Old Main. However, Samford Hall had two main entrances instead of just one. Also, one of its two towers was much taller. This taller tower was designed to hold a clock. In 1889, a special clock mechanism and a bell were added to the tall tower.
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Samford Hall Through the Years
For many years in the late 1800s, Samford Hall was the main classroom building for the college. It also held the school's library.
In May 1929, the building was officially named William J. Samford Hall. This honored William J. Samford, who had been the governor of Alabama.
Over time, the building was updated. In 1941, the clock in the tower was changed to run on electricity. Then, in 1977, a carillon was added. A carillon is a musical instrument with many bells. Samford Hall also had big renovations in 1971. The original clock parts were replaced in 1995.
Today, Samford Hall is home to many important university offices. These include the school's administration, accounting, planning, and public relations departments.
The Famous Clock Tower
What Makes the Clock Tower Special?
The clock tower at Samford Hall is the most famous part of the building. It's easily recognized by everyone who visits Auburn University.
The first clock parts were made by the Seth Thomas Clock Company. They were from Thomaston, Connecticut. In 1995, these old parts were replaced. The new clock and electronic carillon were made by the Verdin Company from Cincinnati, Ohio.
You can still see some of the original clock parts. A piece of the old clock and one of the original clock faces are on display. You can find them in the reception area of Samford Hall.
The Sounds of the Tower
The carillon in Samford Hall plays the Westminster Chimes every 15 minutes. This is a famous melody often heard from clock towers. A few seconds after noon each day, the carillon also plays Auburn University's fight song, "War Eagle!"
A Fun University Legend
There's a funny story that students at the university sometimes tell. The legend says that students once led a cow all the way up the tower stairs as a prank!
Part of a Historic Area
Samford Hall is an important building within the Auburn University Historic District. This means it's part of a special area recognized for its history and importance.
