MC2010/162: Photo of Biology Class

Eberly’s book has a photo of a Biology student, 1914 on pg. 41.  The skeleton in the picture wears a skull.

The skeleton in the photo I am showing you does not have a skull…the skull appears to be on top of the first filing cabinet to the viewer’s left.

Eberly’s book says Biology classes met on the first floor and second floor of Bumgerdner Hall (pg. 11) 1895-96.

Science Hall (Communications Building) was dedicated in 1915.

In trying to date this picture we might consider the room itself.  It does not look like the paneled room from 1898 (pg.12) or the wall papered room of Nature Study, 1908 (pg.34)…nor do the cabinets look the same. 

Chris Garber of the Physical Plant asked employees to identify the room.  His comments follow:

"It (the room) has the case mouldings that are all over the Ad Building.  Except for one door, it appears to be room 310 on the third floor.  I suspect one door in the corner, which went to the hall, was filled in.  You can tell by the baseboard that is in the classroom, or at least I suspect.  It is now a tiered classroom and half of the back door is closed off.  There is a bulletin board in front of it now.  Of course, I could be completely wrong."

One might compare architectural components with shots from Bumgerdner Hall as well

·         door frames

·         plastered walls (is that mold with crumbling plaster to the right of the left door?)

·         and the light coming in the window/door?

·         Some type of units on the ceiling – for gas lights? – electric lights? (did they have sprinkler units back then?  Note to Archivist: Ask Doug Carpenter. He can probably date the ceiling of the building.