Denny Chimes
Encyclopedia
The Denny Chimes is a 115 feet (35.1 m) tall campanile
equipped with a 25-bell carillon
, located on the south side of The Quad
of the University of Alabama
in Tuscaloosa
, Alabama
U.S.A.. The tower was named in honor of former University president George H. Denny, who served from 1912 to 1936 and again in 1941. Today, the tower is often recognized as the most visible landmark of the campus.
on campus was initially suggested in 1919 to be constructed as a war memorial for those who fought in World War I
. Due to an inability to secure funding for its construction, the tower was not completed at that time. However, by the late 1920s, university students were successful in collecting the necessary funding to construct the tower. This was done in an effort to dedicate the structure to then university president George Denny after hearing a rumor stating he was looking to leave the university and return to his native Virginia
.
Constructed by Skinner, Maxwell and Company at a final cost of US$40,000, the tower was dedicated on May 27, 1929, with governor Bibb Graves
in attendance. The tower is art deco
in design and features a concrete base followed by a brick shaft that gradually tapers towards its concrete top.
The carillon features 25 cast bronze
bells, with the largest having a circumference of about 11 feet (3 m) and a height of 3 foot (0.9144 m). The chimes ring every 15 minutes, chiming on the hour in addition to chiming other songs or the alma mater
as part of university celebrations or holidays. Inside the base is an automatic player that plays roll music in addition to a keyboard console that is used on special occasions. By 1945, the bell carillon was converted into an electronic system and modernized in 1966. For many years the Alabama organ professor Warren Hutton served as the carillonneur for memorial services and special events, and today the manual organ is played by both university faculty and students.
have placed their hand and footprints in cement slabs at its base since 1948. The ceremony annually occurs as part of the A-Day festivities, whereby the previous seasons captains are honored.
The names enshrined as part of the Walk of Champions are as follows:
Campanile
Campanile is an Italian word meaning "bell tower" . The term applies to bell towers which are either part of a larger building or free-standing, although in American English, the latter meaning has become prevalent.The most famous campanile is probably the Leaning Tower of Pisa...
equipped with a 25-bell carillon
Carillon
A carillon is a musical instrument that is typically housed in a free-standing bell tower, or the belfry of a church or other municipal building. The instrument consists of at least 23 cast bronze, cup-shaped bells, which are played serially to play a melody, or sounded together to play a chord...
, located on the south side of The Quad
Quadrangle (architecture)
In architecture, a quadrangle is a space or courtyard, usually rectangular in plan, the sides of which are entirely or mainly occupied by parts of a large building. The word is probably most closely associated with college or university campus architecture, but quadrangles may be found in other...
of the University of Alabama
University of Alabama
The University of Alabama is a public coeducational university located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States....
in Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Tuscaloosa is a city in and the seat of Tuscaloosa County in west central Alabama . Located on the Black Warrior River, it is the fifth-largest city in Alabama, with a population of 90,468 in 2010...
, Alabama
Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
U.S.A.. The tower was named in honor of former University president George H. Denny, who served from 1912 to 1936 and again in 1941. Today, the tower is often recognized as the most visible landmark of the campus.
History
The idea of erecting a clock towerClock tower
A clock tower is a tower specifically built with one or more clock faces. Clock towers can be either freestanding or part of a church or municipal building such as a town hall. Some clock towers are not true clock towers having had their clock faces added to an already existing building...
on campus was initially suggested in 1919 to be constructed as a war memorial for those who fought in World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
. Due to an inability to secure funding for its construction, the tower was not completed at that time. However, by the late 1920s, university students were successful in collecting the necessary funding to construct the tower. This was done in an effort to dedicate the structure to then university president George Denny after hearing a rumor stating he was looking to leave the university and return to his native Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
.
Constructed by Skinner, Maxwell and Company at a final cost of US$40,000, the tower was dedicated on May 27, 1929, with governor Bibb Graves
Bibb Graves
David Bibb Graves was a Democratic politician and the 38th Governor of Alabama 1927-1931 and 1935–1939, the first Alabama governor to serve two four-year terms.-Early life:...
in attendance. The tower is art deco
Art Deco
Art deco , or deco, is an eclectic artistic and design style that began in Paris in the 1920s and flourished internationally throughout the 1930s, into the World War II era. The style influenced all areas of design, including architecture and interior design, industrial design, fashion and...
in design and features a concrete base followed by a brick shaft that gradually tapers towards its concrete top.
The carillon features 25 cast bronze
Bronze
Bronze is a metal alloy consisting primarily of copper, usually with tin as the main additive. It is hard and brittle, and it was particularly significant in antiquity, so much so that the Bronze Age was named after the metal...
bells, with the largest having a circumference of about 11 feet (3 m) and a height of 3 foot (0.9144 m). The chimes ring every 15 minutes, chiming on the hour in addition to chiming other songs or the alma mater
Alma mater
Alma mater , pronounced ), was used in ancient Rome as a title for various mother goddesses, especially Ceres or Cybele, and in Christianity for the Virgin Mary.-General term:...
as part of university celebrations or holidays. Inside the base is an automatic player that plays roll music in addition to a keyboard console that is used on special occasions. By 1945, the bell carillon was converted into an electronic system and modernized in 1966. For many years the Alabama organ professor Warren Hutton served as the carillonneur for memorial services and special events, and today the manual organ is played by both university faculty and students.
Walk of Fame
Surrounding the tower is the Walk of Fame, whereby captains of the football teamAlabama Crimson Tide football
|TeamName = Alabama football |Image = Alabama Crimson Tide Logo.svg |ImageSize = 110 |Helmet = Alabama Football.png |ImageSize2 = 150 |CurrentSeason = 2011 Alabama Crimson Tide football team...
have placed their hand and footprints in cement slabs at its base since 1948. The ceremony annually occurs as part of the A-Day festivities, whereby the previous seasons captains are honored.
The names enshrined as part of the Walk of Champions are as follows:
- 1947: Harry GilmerHarry GilmerHarry Vincent Gilmer, Jr. is a former American football halfback and quarterback in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins and Detroit Lions. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1993.-Early life:...
, John Wozniak - 1948: Billy Cadenhead, Ray RichesonT. Ray Richeson-References:...
- 1949: Billy Cadenhead, Ed Holdnak, Doug Lockridge
- 1950: Ed SalemEd SalemEdward Joseph Salem was an American football quarterback and defensive back. He was a 1950 College Football All-America Team selection from the University of Alabama Crimson Tide and played one season for the National Football League's Washington Redskins and one season for the Canadian Football...
, Mike Mizerany - 1951: Jack Brown, Harold Lutz
- 1952: Bobby Marlow, Bobby Wilson
- 1953: Ralph Carrigan, Bud Willis
- 1954: Thomsa Tharp, Sid Youngleman
- 1955: Nick Germanos
- 1956: Jim Cunningham, Max Kelly, Wes Thomas
- 1957: Jim Loftin, Clay Walls
- 1958: Bobby Jackson, Dave Sington, Bobby Smith
- 1959: Jim Belvins, Don Cochran, Marlin Dyess
- 1960: Bobby Boylston, Leon FullerLeon Fuller-References:...
- 1961: Billy NeighborsBilly NeighborsWilliam Wesley "Billy" Neighbors is a former American football guard who played in the American Football League from . He played college football at the University of Alabama where he was an All-American, and was selected in sixth round of the 1962 AFL Draft...
, Pat TrammellPat TrammellPatrick Lee Trammell was an All-American quarterback for the University of Alabama from 1958 until 1961. In his senior year, he led the Crimson Tide to a perfect season of 11-0-0 and Alabama subsequently won the NCAA National Championship for 1961. On December 10, 1968, he died from metastatic... - 1962: Lee Roy JordanLee Roy JordanLee Roy Jordan is a retired American football linebacker. After attending the University of Alabama, playing under head coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, he spent 14 years in the National Football League playing for the Dallas Cowboys between 1963–1976...
, Jimmy SharpeJimmy SharpeJimmy Sharpe is a former football coach, most notably head coach of the Virginia Tech Hokies from 1974 to 1977. He also served as an assistant coach at the University of Alabama, under Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, and at Mississippi State University. He graduated from the University of Alabama in 1974... - 1963: Not awarded
- 1964: Steve Allen, Benny Nelson
- 1965: Joe NamathJoe NamathJoseph William "Joe" Namath , nicknamed "Broadway Joe" or "Joe Willie", is a former American football quarterback. He played college football for the University of Alabama under coach Paul "Bear" Bryant and his assistant, Howard Schnellenberger, from 1962–1964, and professional football in the...
, Ray OgdenRay OgdenRaymond Douglas Ogden is a former professional American football wide receiver. He played seven seasons for the St. Louis Cardinals , the New Orleans Saints , the Atlanta Falcons , and the Chicago Bears in the National Football League.-References:... - 1966: Richard Cole, Ray Perkins, Steve SloanSteve SloanStephen Charles Sloan is a former American football player, coach, and college athletics administrator. He played college football as a quarterback at the University of Alabama from 1962 to 1965 and then played for two seasons in the National Football League with the Atlanta Falcons...
- 1967: Bobby Johns, Kenny Stabler
- 1968: Mike Hall, Donnie Sutton
- 1969: Danny FordDanny FordDanny Lee Ford is a former American football player and coach. He played college football at the University of Alabama from 1967 to 1969. He served as the head football coach at Clemson University in South Carolina from 1978 to 1989 and at the University of Arkansas from 1993 to 1997, compiling...
, Alvin Samples - 1970: Dave Brungard, Danny Gilbert
- 1971: Johnny Musso, Robin Parkhouse
- 1972: Terry Davis, John Mitchell
- 1973: Wilbur JacksonWilbur JacksonWilbur Jackson is a former American football running back for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was drafted in the first round of the 1974 NFL Draft out of University of Alabama by the 49ers. He played five seasons for San Francisco, and then three years with the...
, Chuck Strickland - 1974: Ricky Davis, Sylvester CroomSylvester CroomSylvester Croom, Jr. is the former football head coach at Mississippi State University and current running backs coach of the St. Louis Rams. He was the first African American head football coach in the Southeastern Conference...
- 1975: Lee Roy Cook, Richard Todd
- 1976: Thad Flanagan, Charles Hannah
- 1977: Ozzie NewsomeOzzie NewsomeOzzie Newsome Jr. and a 1974 graduate of Colbert County High School in Leighton, Alabama, is a former American football tight end for the Cleveland Browns, an inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the current General Manager of the Baltimore Ravens.-College career:Before his NFL career,...
, Mike Tucker - 1978: Marty LyonsMarty LyonsMartin Anthony Lyons is a former American Football defensive tackle who played his entire eleven year career from 1979 to 1989 with the New York Jets of the National Football League...
, Tony NathanTony NathanTony Curtis Nathan is an American football coach and former running back.Nathan was a running back from Alabama who was selected in the third round of the 1979 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins, with whom he played from 1979-1987... - 1979: Don McNealDon McNealDon McNeal is a former American professional football player who played defensive back for the Miami Dolphins in the 1980s....
, Steve Whitman - 1980: Alan Gray, Major Ogilvie
- 1981: Warren Lyles, Randy ScottRandy Scott (American football)Randolph Charles Scott is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League. He played 7 seasons in the NFL for the Green Bay Packers and he played for Bear Bryant at Alabama-External links:*...
- 1982: Randy EdwardsRandy EdwardsRandy Edwards is a former professional American football player who played defensive lineman for four seasons for the Seattle Seahawks....
, Steve MottSteve MottWalter Stephen "Steve" Mott III is a former American football center in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the fifth round of the 1983 NFL Draft. He played college football at Alabama.... - 1983: Walter Lewis, Eddie Lowe
- 1984: Paul Ott CarruthPaul Ott CarruthPaul Ott Carruth is a former running back in the National Football League and the United States Football League.-Career:Carruth played three seasons with the Green Bay Packers. He would spend his final NFL season with the Kansas City Chiefs. He also played for the Birmingham Stallions of the USFL...
, Emanuel KingEmanuel KingEmanuel King is a former professional American football player who played linebacker for four seasons for the Cincinnati Bengals and two seasons for the Los Angeles Raiders.Random Facts:Was number 92 at Alabama.... - 1985: Thornton Chandler, Jon HandJon HandJon Thomas Hand is a former professional American football player who was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1st round of the 1986 NFL Draft. A 6' 6", . defensive end from the University of Alabama, Hand played in nine NFL seasons, all with the Colts...
- 1986: Cornelius BennettCornelius BennettCornelius O'Landa Bennett is a former American football linebacker who played for the Buffalo Bills from 1987 to 1995, Atlanta Falcons from 1996 to 1998, and the Indianapolis Colts from 1999 to 2000...
, Mike ShulaMike ShulaMike Shula is an American football quarterback coach for the Carolina Panthers, an NFL team. Between 2003 and 2006, he was the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide football program.- Early life :... - 1987: Kerry Goode, Randy Rockwell
- 1988: Derrick ThomasDerrick ThomasDerrick Vincent Thomas , nicknamed D.T., was an American football linebacker and defensive end for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League . He played his entire 11-year career for the Chiefs after being drafted fourth overall in the 1989 NFL Draft...
, David SmithDavid Smith-In sports:* Dai Smith , rugby league footballer of the 1900s, who played for Salford, and Other Nationalities* David Smith , South African Olympic sport shooter... - 1989: Marco Battle, Willie WyattWillie WyattWillie Wyatt was an Arena Football League player who played offensive lineman/defensive lineman for the Detroit Drive in 1993 and the Tampa Bay Storm from 1995–1999, and again in 2001. He wore #55...
- 1990: Philip Doyle, Gary Hollingsworth, Efrum Thomas
- 1991: Siran StacySiran StacySiran Stacy is a former American football running back.- Early career :Stacy played at the University of Alabama from 1989–91, after spending two years at Coffeyville Community College in Coffeyville, Kansas...
, Robert Stewart, John Sullins, Kevin TurnerKevin Turner (running back)Paul Kevin Turner is a former professional American football fullback in the National Football League for eight seasons for the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles.... - 1992: Derrick Oden, George TeagueGeorge TeagueGeorge Theo Teague is a former American football player who played free safety in the National Football League with the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, and Miami Dolphins.-College:...
, George Wilson, Prince Wimbley - 1993: Chris Anderson, Lemanski HallLemanski HallLemanski Hall is a former American football linebacker who played nine seasons in the National Football League. Lemanski is a fitness instructor at a new school, Ensworth High School, in Nashville,TN. Hall is known as one of the toughest coaches at the school...
, Antonio LanghamAntonio LanghamCollie Antonio Langham , is a former professional American football player who was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 1994 NFL Draft. A 6'0", 187 lb cornerback from the University of Alabama, Langham played in seven NFL seasons from 1994-2000...
, Tobie Shiels
- 1994: Jay BarkerJay BarkerJay Barker is a former professional American football quarterback, and a current Birmingham radio personality.- Football career :...
, Tommy Johnson, Tarrant Lynch, Sam ShadeSam ShadeSamuel Richard Shade is a former American football safety in the National Football League. He played eight seasons in the NFL from 1995–2002. He played for the Cincinnati Bengals and the Washington Redskins. Shade played college football at the University of Alabama and was drafted in the fourth... - 1995: Shannon Brown, Brian Burgdorf, Tony JohnsonTony Johnson (tight end)Tony Vincent Johnson is a former American football tight end who played for four seasons in the National Football League. He played for the New Orleans Saints from 1996 to 1999. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round of the 1996 NFL Draft, but did not make the team...
, John Walters - 1996: John Causey, Fernando Davis
- 1997: Curtis Alexander, Paul Pickett, Rod RutledgeRod RutledgeRodrick Almar Rutledge is a former professional American football player who played tight end for five seasons for the New England Patriots and Houston Texans of the National Football League...
, Deshea TownsendDeshea TownsendTrevor Deshea Townsend is a former defensive back in the National Football League, and is currently a defensive backs coach for the Arizona Cardinals and most recently a player for the Indianapolis Colts... - 1998: Calvin Hall, John David Phillips, Daniel PopeDaniel PopeDaniel Pope is a former professional American football player who played punter for three seasons for the Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets, and New England Patriots....
, Kelvin Sigler, Travis Smith - 1999: Shaun AlexanderShaun AlexanderShaun Edward Alexander is a former American football running back who played for the Seattle Seahawks and the Washington Redskins. He was drafted by the Seahawks 19th overall in the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Alabama.- Early career :Alexander was born and...
, Cornelius GriffinCornelius Griffin-Washington Redskins:Griffin was signed by the Giants' NFC East-rival Washington Redskins as an unrestricted free agent on March 3, 2004, during the 2004 offseason.Griffin had his best season in 2004, recording 96 tackles and six sacks...
, Miguel Merritt, Ryan Pflugner, Chris SamuelsChris Samuels-Washington Redskins:Samuels immediately became the starting left tackle for the Redskins and has since been selected to six Pro Bowls. In 2000, Samuels was one of only four players on offense to start every game, joining Jon Jansen, Mark Fischer and Stephen Alexander. Samuels won co-Offensive... - 2000: Paul Hogan, Bradley Ledbetter, Kenny SmithKenny Smith (American football)Kenny Smith is an American football defensive lineman who is currently a Free Agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
- 2001: Jarret JohnsonJarret JohnsonJarret Webster Johnson is an American Football outside linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens of the NFL.-College career:...
, Terry Jones, Jr.Terry Jones, Jr.Terry Jones, Jr. is a tight end who currently plays for Team Alabama of the All American Football League. He played four years at the University of Alabama, the alma mater of his father, Terry Jones, Sr., who was a defensive tackle for the Green Bay Packers from 1978-84...
, Saleem RasheedSaleem RasheedSaleem Rasheed is an American and Canadian football linebacker who is currently a free agent.Rasheed formerly played for the San Francisco 49ers for four seasons in the National Football League...
, Tyler Watts, Andrew Zow - 2002: Lane Bearden, Ahmaad GallowayAhmaad Galloway- College :Ahmaad Galloway is an American football running back. Ahmaad played four years at the University of Alabama. He wore number 29 for the Crimson Tide to honor his former high school teammate, Mario Reed, who suffered a severe spinal cord injury in a game...
, Jarret JohnsonJarret JohnsonJarret Webster Johnson is an American Football outside linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens of the NFL.-College career:...
, Kenny KingKenny King (defensive lineman)Kenny King is a Canadian football defensive tackle free agent. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the fifth round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Alabama....
, Kindal MooreheadKindal MooreheadKindal Jerome Moorehead is an American football defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the fifth round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Alabama.Moorehead has also played for the Atlanta Falcons.-External links:*...
, Tyler Watts - 2003: Derrick PopeDerrick PopeDerrick Trayon Pope is a professional American and Canadian football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
, Shaud WilliamsShaud WilliamsShaud Rashae Williams is an American football running back for the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League. He was signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at Alabama.- Early career :Born in Andrews, Texas, Williams attended Andrews High... - 2004: Todd Bates, Wesley BrittWesley BrittWesley Britt is a free agent American football offensive tackle formerly of the New England Patriots of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fifth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
- 2005: Brodie CroyleBrodie CroyleJohn Brodie Croyle is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football for the University of Alabama from 2002 to 2005...
, DeMeco RyansDeMeco RyansDeMeco Ryans is an American football linebacker in the NFL for the Houston Texans. He played college football at the University of Alabama.- High school career :... - 2006: Le'Ron McClainLe'Ron McClain- Baltimore Ravens :McClain signed with the Ravens on July 27, 2007. He scored his first career touchdown on a Kyle Boller pass against the San Diego Chargers on November 25, 2007...
, Juwan SimpsonJuwan SimpsonJuwan Simpson is a Canadian football linebacker for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League. He was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at Alabama.-External links:*... - 2007: Antoine CaldwellAntoine CaldwellAntoine Caldwell is an American football player from Montgomery, Alabama. He is currently a center for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was selected by the Texans in the 3rd round of the 2009 NFL Draft...
, Rashad JohnsonRashad JohnsonJulian Rashad Johnson is an American American football player. He is currently a safety for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He was selected by the Cardinals in the 3rd round of the 2009 NFL Draft...
, Darren Mustin - 2008: John Parker WilsonJohn Parker WilsonJohn Parker Wilson is an American football quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. college football at the University of Alabama, he went undrafted during the 2009 NFL Draft, before signing with the Falcons as a free agent.-Freshman:After leading Hoover High School to...
, Rashad Johnson, Antoine Caldwell - 2009: Javier ArenasJavier Arenas (American football)Javier E. Arenas is an American football cornerback and return specialist for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League...
, Mike JohnsonMike Johnson (offensive lineman)Michael P. Johnson is an American football offensive lineman for the Atlanta Falcons. Johnson was one of three Crimson Tide offensive linemen to earn 2008 All-American honors, alongside Andre Smith and Antoine Caldwell...
, Rolando McClainRolando McClain-Oakland Raiders:McClain signed his contract with the Raiders on July 28, 2010, in time to make the first day of training camp. The contract is estimated to be for $40 million over 5 years.... - 2010: Greg McElroyGreg McElroyGregory McElroy, Jr. is an American football quarterback for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Jets in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football at Alabama....
, Dont'a HightowerDont'a HightowerDont'a Hightower is an American football linebacker. He is currently attending the University of Alabama in his junior year. He was granted a medical redshirt after his original sophomore campaign was cut short by a knee injury in the fourth game of the season...
, Mark BarronMark BarronMark Barron , nicknamed “Superman,” is an American football safety for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Barron is 6'2" tall and weighs approximately 215 pounds. He has been clocked running 40 yards in 4.5 seconds....