2007: Denny Hall at the UW

Resting atop the highest point of the University of Washington campus, Denny Hall was the first building constructed when the University moved from its downtown location to its present site in 1894.  Originally named the Administration Building, it was renamed in 1910 for Arthur Denny, one of Seattle’s founding pioneers who donated the eight and a half acres for the original campus.  Charles Saunders designed Denny Hall and construction began on July 4, 1894 when a copper box from the cornerstone of the old University building was dedicated.

The bell tower, with its copper copula, is perhaps the most recognizable feature of Denny Hall.  In its belfry hangs the Varsity Bell, which was shipped from Troy, New York around South America’s Cape Horn to the old University building.  It first rang on March 19, 1862 and continued to toll to aid ships during fog, to alert citizens to the 1889 Seattle fire, and to mourn the deaths of Presidents Lincoln and Kennedy.  It was used to signal classes until 1912, but has since been used only once each year during fall Homecoming week.  The bell and cupola atop Denny Hall were refurbished in 2005, complete with protective screens to prevent weathering and corrosion.  Today, an electric carillon resonates from the Denny belfry with early morning tunes and hourly tolls.

Upon its completion, Denny Hall opened its doors to faculty, staff and about 200 students in September 1895.  As the first and only University of Washington building at the time, Denny Hall contained biology and chemistry labs, a large assembly hall, multiple classrooms, faculty offices, and the president’s headquarters.  Now, Denny Hall provides a home to the departments of Anthropology, Classics, Germanics, Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations and the Language Learning Center.  Denny Hall remains a significant monument signifying the history of both the University of Washington and the City of Seattle.

-Jenée Myers, Writer (2007)