Hardy Memorial Tower
Encyclopedia
Hardy Memorial Tower at San Diego State University
, constructed as a Works Progress Administration
project in 1931, is 11 stories (119.1 ft / 36.3 m) tall; it contains the Fletcher Symphonic Carillon (also known as the Fletcher Chimes) (installed 1946), consisting of 204 bells over 6 octaves. Hardy Memorial Tower is part of the original core of the SDSU campus on Montezuma mesa, and was the University's original library.
). Also named for Dr. Hardy are Hardy Avenue, just south of the present SDSU campus and Hardy Elementary School (located next to the SDSU campus). In 1976, by permission of the statewide Board of Trustees and in gratitude for his contributions to the university, it was named the Hardy Memorial Tower. Dr. Hardy's profile graces a bronze plaque designed by San Diego sculptor Donal Hord
.
The Fletcher Symphonic Carillon was presented as a gift to SDSU by Senator and Mrs. Ed Fletcher
in 1946 to commemorate the fiftieth (50th) anniversary of the university and to serve as a memorial to students lost in war.
In 2004, two historic murals (previously thought to be lost) were uncovered in Hardy Memorial Tower. SDSU received the Governor’s Historic Preservation Award in 2008 for efforts in preserving this artwork.
See Uncovering Local Art and Industry: The Discovery of Hidden WPA-Era Murals at San Diego State University (SDSU Occasional Archeological Paper Series) and SDSU Press Release: Exhibit promises wider exposure for legendary local painter and longtime SDSU art director.
San Diego State University
San Diego State University , founded in 1897 as San Diego Normal School, is the largest and oldest higher education facility in the greater San Diego area , and is part of the California State University system...
, constructed as a Works Progress Administration
Works Progress Administration
The Works Progress Administration was the largest and most ambitious New Deal agency, employing millions of unskilled workers to carry out public works projects, including the construction of public buildings and roads, and operated large arts, drama, media, and literacy projects...
project in 1931, is 11 stories (119.1 ft / 36.3 m) tall; it contains the Fletcher Symphonic Carillon (also known as the Fletcher Chimes) (installed 1946), consisting of 204 bells over 6 octaves. Hardy Memorial Tower is part of the original core of the SDSU campus on Montezuma mesa, and was the University's original library.
Tower
The Hardy Memorial Tower is named for Dr. Edward Hardy (1868–1958), who served as President of the State Normal School, SDSU's predecessor institution, from 1910 to 1935. During his tenure the college was relocated to Montezuma Mesa, and its name was changed to San Diego State College. Hardy also served on both the State and City Boards of Education, and in 1936, after his retirement, was appointed Executive Director of the San Diego Museum (now the San Diego Museum of ManSan Diego Museum of Man
The San Diego Museum of Man is a museum of anthropology located in Balboa Park, San Diego, California and housed in several historic landmark buildings.-Exhibits:...
). Also named for Dr. Hardy are Hardy Avenue, just south of the present SDSU campus and Hardy Elementary School (located next to the SDSU campus). In 1976, by permission of the statewide Board of Trustees and in gratitude for his contributions to the university, it was named the Hardy Memorial Tower. Dr. Hardy's profile graces a bronze plaque designed by San Diego sculptor Donal Hord
Donal Hord
Donal Hord , an American sculptor, was born Donald Horr in Prentice, Wisconsin. His parents divorced when he was about 6 years old; and around that time his mother changed his name, taking the second "d" from "Donald" and substituting it for the second "r" in "Horr", thus creating the name Donal...
.
Chimes/Bells
- See also CarillonCarillonA 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...
The Fletcher Symphonic Carillon was presented as a gift to SDSU by Senator and Mrs. Ed Fletcher
Ed Fletcher
"Colonel" Ed Fletcher was a real estate developer and U.S. Republican and Democratic politician from San Diego, California.Fletcher was born 1872 in Littleton, Massachusetts, son of Charles Kimball Fletcher....
in 1946 to commemorate the fiftieth (50th) anniversary of the university and to serve as a memorial to students lost in war.
Notability
Hardy Memorial Tower is recognized as an important symbol of San Diego State University to the greater San Diego community.In 2004, two historic murals (previously thought to be lost) were uncovered in Hardy Memorial Tower. SDSU received the Governor’s Historic Preservation Award in 2008 for efforts in preserving this artwork.
- NRA Packages, a mural painted in 1936 by Genevieve Burgeson Bredo, and for many years thought lost, has been restored and is now on display inside Malcolm A. Love LibraryMalcolm A. Love LibraryMalcolm A. Love Library , opened in 1971, is the primary academic library building on the campus of San Diego State University in San Diego, California...
. The mural was discovered in 2004 behind ceiling tiles inside SDSU's Hardy Memorial Tower, which was part of the university's first library. Painted in a variety of media, it portrays three men unloading National Recovery Act (NRA) packages from a van near San Diego's HillcrestHillcrest, San Diego, CaliforniaHillcrest is a neighborhood in San Diego, California northwest of Balboa Park and south of Mission Valley.Hillcrest is known for its tolerance, diversity, and locally-owned businesses, including restaurants, cafés, bars, clubs, trendy thrift-stores, and other independent specialty stores...
neighborhood. - A second, larger mural, George Sorenson's San Diego Industry, remains in Hardy Memorial Tower. This mural depicts the successive stages of tuna fishing and canning, along with the multi-ethnic work force involved in that industry. The library hopes to remove, restore and relocate this mural.
See Uncovering Local Art and Industry: The Discovery of Hidden WPA-Era Murals at San Diego State University (SDSU Occasional Archeological Paper Series) and SDSU Press Release: Exhibit promises wider exposure for legendary local painter and longtime SDSU art director.