Barton Hall: A Cornerstone of Cornell's History and Multifaceted Utility
Cornell University, a venerable institution steeped in tradition and academic excellence, boasts a rich tapestry of buildings, each with its own narrative and historical significance. Among these, Barton Hall stands as a particularly prominent and enduring structure, its imposing presence on campus a testament to its multifaceted role throughout the university's history. From its origins as a crucial military training ground to its evolution into a versatile venue for athletics, large-scale events, and academic pursuits, Barton Hall has been a silent witness to and active participant in many pivotal moments of Cornellian life. Understanding the origins and evolution of this iconic building, and the individuals it honors, offers a deeper appreciation for the university's enduring legacy.
The Genesis of a Grand Hall: From Drill Ground to Renown
The story of Barton Hall begins not with its current name, but as the "New York State Armory and Drill Hall," a designation reflecting its primary intended purpose. Construction commenced in 1914, on land that was once occupied by the Fuertes Observatory, and was completed in 1915. The original intention for this edifice, as announced in the Cornell Daily Sun on May 3, 1882, was to serve as a hall for holding Commencement exercises and other similar gatherings. The projected cost in 1882 was approximately $20,000, a sum that, by 2014 standards, would equate to about $480,000. However, the construction process, as is sometimes the case with large-scale projects, experienced significant delays. Despite plans being announced in 1882, work did not commence until 1914. By the time of its completion in the summer of 1917, the final cost had escalated to $350,000, which, in 2015 dollars, amounts to roughly $6.5 million. This substantial investment resulted in a building that, upon completion, was the largest university armory in the nation.
The architectural vision for the hall was entrusted to Lewis F. With its imposing structure, built from Llenroc stone, Barton Hall was initially conceived as a drill hall for the Cadet Corps, a precursor to Cornell's modern ROTC program. The building’s design, characterized by its vast, unpillared interior, was a marvel of its time. For many years, it held the distinction of being the largest unpillared room in existence. This expansive space was crucial for the mandatory "drill" that was a requirement for all male students in the early 20th century.
Honoring Colonel Frank A. Barton: A Legacy of Military Service and Education
The hall's transformation from the "New York State Armory and Drill Hall" to "Barton Hall" occurred in January 1940. This renaming was a deliberate act to honor Colonel Frank A. Barton, a distinguished alumnus and a pivotal figure in the establishment of military education at Cornell. Colonel Barton, a graduate of the College of Mechanical Engineering in 1891, was commissioned into the United States Army the same year. He holds the distinction of being one of the first two Cornellians to earn a commission in the U.S. Army. His military career was marked by significant service, including participation in the Spanish-American War, the Philippine Insurrection, and the Mexican Punitive Expedition.
Colonel Barton's connection to Cornell deepened when he returned to the Hill in 1904 to serve as a Professor of Military Science and Tactics and, crucially, as the first Commandant of Cornell’s student cadet corps. This role laid the foundational groundwork for the military science department that continues to be housed within his namesake hall. He later returned to Army service and then came back to campus again after his military retirement, underscoring his lifelong commitment to both his country and his alma mater. His legacy is further commemorated by two plaques in the main stairwell of Barton Hall, which honor Cornellians who served in World War I, a conflict that profoundly shaped the building's early history.
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Barton Hall Through the Ages: Adapting to War and Peace
Barton Hall's history is inextricably linked to the major conflicts of the 20th century. During World War I, even before its official renaming, the building served a critical role as a ground school for military aeronautics. The university's commitment to the war effort was substantial, with Cornell providing a remarkable 4,598 commissioned officers, representing over 2% of all WWI officers and a greater number than any other institution, including military academies like West Point. The hall was utilized as an airplane hangar and a headquarters for aviation students, who were housed, took their exams, and tended to their aircraft within its walls until the Armistice in November 1918.
The end of World War I marked a significant shift in Barton Hall's utility. Sport finally entered the picture, with the University adding 500 seats in 1920 specifically for basketball games. Barton Hall became the home of Cornell Basketball until 1990, a testament to its adaptability. Beyond basketball, the hall hosted a variety of athletic competitions, including track meets, wrestling matches, and rifling tournaments, between the two World Wars.
World War II saw Barton Hall once again embrace a military purpose, though not as an airplane hangar. From 1941 to 1945, the hall functioned as both an athletic facility and an ROTC armory. It also played host to War Loan drives, military balls, and rifle exhibitions, reflecting the pervasive impact of the war on American life, even in distant Ithaca. The war's toll was deeply felt at Cornell, with over 500 Cornellians perishing in the conflict.
A Hub of Student Life, Protest, and Culture
In the post-war era, Barton Hall continued to serve its dual military and athletic roles. However, the latter half of the 20th century witnessed a significant evolution in its usage, reflecting broader societal changes. The 1960s and 1970s were periods of profound social upheaval, and Barton Hall became a focal point for student activism and cultural expression.
A landmark event occurred in 1969. Following the University's suspension of African-American students who were protesting the lack of an Africana Studies program, these students took decisive action. They occupied Willard Straight Hall and, on April 22nd, took over Barton Hall. This occupation led to the establishment of the Barton Hall Community, an organization that engaged in debates about racism, power, and university governance. These protests were instrumental in the eventual creation of the Africana Studies program and the Ujamaa Residential College, demonstrating Barton Hall's role in the struggle for civil rights and institutional change.
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The Vietnam War era also saw Barton Hall become a site of anti-war sentiment. As a symbol of the military establishment, it, along with Day Hall, became a target for protesters. In May 1972, a protest that originated at Day Hall extended to Barton Hall, where a student named James R. Bean threw a rock through the glass panes. While charged with first-degree rioting, Bean was acquitted after a four-day trial, highlighting the complex legal and social dynamics of the time.
Beyond its involvement in political and social movements, Barton Hall also emerged as an unlikely, yet significant, hub for music. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, it hosted legendary musical acts, including the Grateful Dead, Bruce Springsteen, Patti Smith, Boston, Elton John, B.B. King, No Doubt, and Maroon 5. Despite acoustic challenges, as noted by the Cornell Concert Commission in 1980, which struggled to fill the acoustically unsound hall to break even, these concerts were vital for funding future shows. The Grateful Dead's concert on May 8, 1977, in particular, is widely regarded as one of their greatest live performances, earning a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's National Recording Registry.
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