You’re standing right here, in front of one of Northwestern University’s oldest buildings, the Annie May Swift Hall. It’s such a magnificent and historic building with a story that is much more fascinating than meets the eye. Annie May Swift Hall was built in 1895 for the School of Oratory, which is now the School of Communication. It was originally designed by Evanston architect Charles R. Ayers in a mix of Venetian Gothic Revival and Romanesque styles. It’s one of the oldest buildings on Northwestern’s Evanston campus. The hall is a masterpiece of ornate brick and terra-cotta exteriors and has an original reception room, library/lounge, Dean’s office and a remarkable wood stair. You can still see the intricate fretwork wood screen at the base of this historic stair, which was restored during a major rehabilitation project. This project included a major upgrade of the auditorium, which is now known as the Peggy Dow Helmerich Auditorium. The hall is a testament to a remarkable woman named Annie May Swift, the daughter of the Chicago meatpacking mogul Gustavus F. Swift. Annie May was a student at Northwestern University, and she tragically passed away from typhoid fever in 1889. Her father, in her honor, donated $12,500 to help complete the building, leading to the institution’s decision to name it after her. This is a tribute to a young woman’s life, a mark of her father’s generosity, and a story of a hall’s transformation over time. Today, Annie May Swift Hall is not just a landmark, but a vibrant part of Northwestern University’s School of Communication, echoing stories of academic excellence and the enduring spirit of a young woman.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to