View from Above

Do you know which dormitory is named after a bishop, who was also the valedictorian of the College’s first graduating class? Ever wonder what the view from campus was like before the construction of I-290?

Answers to these and other questions can be found in the newest exhibit prepared by the Archives and Special Collections department. The Angel’s View: Campus Aerials, on view through June 2007 on the second floor of Dinand Library, illustrates the growth and development of the Holy Cross campus through photographs from the Archives’ extensive aerial views collection.

As part of the exhibition, on Feb. 1 at 3 p.m. in Dinand’s Faculty Room, Rev. Anthony J. Kuzniewski, S.J., professor of history at Holy Cross and College historian, will speak on the development of the College throughout the 20th century. He is the author of Thy Honored Name: A History of the College of the Holy Cross, 1843-1994 (Catholic University of America Press, 1999), and “This Holy Cross” (General Alumni Association, 2002).

Archivists Mark Savolis and Lois Hamill observed that many visitors stopped to examine the aerials in the Archives. This gave them the idea for the current exhibit.

The campus saw the addition of academic buildings, a campus center, dormitories, and athletic facilities in the 20th century. The first building on campus was Fenwick Hall, erected in 1843. Since then, Holy Cross has added 26 buildings. The most recent additions include Ciampi Hall (1992), Smith Hall (2001) and the Senior Apartments (2004).

“The beauty of the campus is due to the genius of architect Charles D. Maginnis who designed Alumni, Carlin, Wheeler, Dinand, Kimball, and St. Joseph Memorial Chapel, and to the architects who have been engaged to enhance our campus since Rev. John E. Brooks became president. Moreover, our grounds crew, by their dedicated service, have designed and maintained the outdoor portion of our campus in a manner that is absolutely stunning,” says Rev. Kuzniewski.

In total, the exhibit showcases 44 aerial views of campus. Labels include fascinating facts about construction and changes on campus over the years. For instance, the Field House was originally built as a military drill and recreational hall at Camp Endicott in Rhode Island before being transported to Holy Cross in 1948.

By the way, the answer to the first question is Bishop Healy. As for the second, you’ll have to stop by the exhibit to see for yourself.