Have you ever wondered what kind of stuff we keep in the University Archives? Been curious if there is anything other than letters, photos, and newspapers being saved as part of the record of the university? Now is your chance to find out! A new exhibit, Objects of Study: Selections from the Artifact Collections at the Chatham University Archives, is on view in the lounge of the Women’s Institute. Stop by the exhibit to explore the role played by artifacts and objects in documenting the history of the university and to discover some truly remarkable stories about campus, Chatham alums, and more.
One of our favorite items on view is a copper coffer that was retrieved from the cornerstone of the old Dilworth Hall when it was demolished in 1953. “Dilworth Hall demolished? But, what’s that building just up the hill from the Carriage House?” you might ask. That’s actually Dilworth Hall II! The first Dilworth Hall, Dilworth Hall I, was attached to Berry Hall I. Here’s a picture of both halls as they appeared in a 1906 issue of Sorosis, the student magazine of the day:
View of Dilworth Hall I and Berry Hall I at PCW in 1906
Both Dilworth Hall I and Berry Hall I were demolished in 1953 to make way for the upgraded academic buildings we still use today: Braun, Falk, and Coolidge. Here’s a couple photos of the demolition:
View of Demolition of Berry Hall I and Dilworth Hall I at PCW in 1953
View of Berry Hall I and Dilworth Hall I during demolition with Chapel steeple visible in background
I bet you are wondering what was found inside the copper coffer, right? Check out this article from The Pittsburgh Press (another relic from a bygone era) and read about the discovery.
Newspaper clipping about PCW time capsule discovery
The exhibit, Objects of Study: Selections from the Artifact Collections at the Chatham University Archives , features little known bits of history about Berry Hall I, The Minor Bird, and campus dining.
Intrigued? Here’s some pics to help wet your whistle:
Alumnae Napkin Rings at from University Archives
History of The Minor Bird Logo
Check out the copper coffer and other relics from the history of our university in the Women’s Institute or stop by the University Archives in the JKM Library to further explore our history.