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120th Anniversary of the Administration Building
In Oct. 2008, the Bethel College Administration Building turned 120 years old, and special activities to observe the structure's "birthday" took place at Fall Fest 2008. The activities kicked off five years of events to celebrate the college's 125th anniversary in 2012.
Known for many years as the "main building" of the college, the Ad Building has both architectural and historical significance. It was designed by architects William T. Proudfoot and George W. Bird in Richardsonian Romanesque style – a design named after American architect H.H. Richardson, known for his castle-like buildings with towers and turrets (often irregular), rounded arches and construction of rugged stone.
Construction began in early 1888, and the basement was completed by the end of the summer. On Oct. 12, 1888, an estimated 2,500 people gathered for the cornerstone laying. However, progress toward completion of the building was slow, as the Board of Directors refused to go into debt and fundraising proved difficult. Detractors spoke of the "Denkmal echt Mennonitisher Dummheit" (monument to Mennonite stupidity). Nevertheless, work resumed, and the college opened its doors to students and dedicated the building in 1893.
In 1977, the historic edifice was added to the National Register of Historic Buildings.
To mark the 120th anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone, Fall Fest 2008 included various special activities:
- Building the Ad Building in 2 Hours!
Friday, October 3, 2-4 p.m.
The Green
Watch Bethel students build the Ad Building in two hours, using creativity and limited resources in a contest sponsored by Student Life and the college's 125th Anniversary Committee
- Special Exhibit: Administration Building Memorabilia
Saturday, October 4, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Lobby, Fine Arts Center
Memorabilia will include a model of the Ad Building, photographs of the structure, wedding photos of couples married in the chapel, souvenirs, postcards and other items featuring the building.
- The Administration Building: A Sampling of Memories
Saturday, October 4, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Meeting Place, Northeast Corner of Ground Floor, Administration Building
What special memories do you have of the Bethel College Ad Building? What anecdotes can you tell that feature the nooks, crannies, offices, rooms, stairways or exterior of the structure? What impressions do you have of the architecture? Which of its design features do you like best? What other memories or stories do you have to share?
The History Department and the 125th Anniversary Committee invite alumni to participate in Bethel's own oral history project. Come any time between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Facilitators will make it easy for you to briefly share your thoughts, which will be recorded for the archives and for possible use in the new Bethel history that Keith Sprunger, Oswald H. Wedel professor emeritus of history, is writing.
- A Castle on the Prairie: Bethel’s "Old Main" in Word and Image
Saturday, October 4,1-2 p.m.
Sunday, October 5, 7:30 p.m.
Krehbiel Auditorium, Fine Arts CenterRobert W. Regier, professor emeritus of art, and Keith Sprunger, professor emeritus of history, present an audiovisual program celebrating the 120th "birthday" of the Administration Building. This is the story of the history, architecture, and faculty and student experiences in Bethel's venerable castle.
- Birthday party for the Ad Building
Saturday, October 4, 2-2:30 p.m.
The Green
It's time for a party, and everyone at Fall Fest is invited. The Ad Building is 120 years old! Enjoy refreshments and fellowship in a grand celebration on The Green, with the historic facade of the edifice that evokes so many memories towering nearby.