Rededication of the
duPont-Ball Library
September 9, 1999
STETSON
| UNIVERSITY
Florida's First Private University
The expansion and renovation of the du-Pont Ball Library on
Stetson University's DeLand campus is the capstone capital
project of the final phase of the $200 Million Campaign, the
largest fund-raising campaign in Stetson's history. The Campaign, slated
for completion in May 2001, has already received more than $191
million in gifts and pledges for endowment, annual gifts for scholarships,
new construction, building renovations, and planned gifts.
In commemoration of the rededication of the duPont-Ball Library,
it is our pleasure to present you with this brass bookmark depicting the
Elizabeth Hall Cupola. The distinctive cupola, rising above Stetson
University's Elizabeth Hall tower, has been the University's most
enduring symbol since the center portion of the Colonial Revival
landmark in DeLand, Florida, was completed in 1892. Both tower and
cupola were designed to remind John Batterson Stetson of another
famous landmark in his home city: Philadelphia's Independence Hall.
Designed for function as well as aesthetics, the cupola held a tank
containing the campus water supply until city water was available.
Bell chimes were installed in 1915, but their vibrations caused cracks in
the structure, so the chimes were relocated to nearby Hulley Tower.
For years afterward, the cupola's musical tradition continued each
December, when brass musicians used it as a lofty platform for
performing Christmas carols during the University's annual Yule Dog
ceremony.
