In order to find out what Ohio State is all about, you won't need expensive football tickets, a visit with Brutus, or even a long walk around campus. All that you need is your own two feet and directions to Orton Hall.
Orton Hall is my favorite building on Ohio State's campus. First of all, I like it's history. It was built between 1891 and 1893, and it is named after the first president of OSU, Dr. Edward Orton, Sr. Actually, someone told me that Orton's ghost still haunts the building. I'm not sure if I believe that, though!
When it comes to the building itself, I find the vestibule of Orton to be most intriguing. The room is usually a quiet and empty space. It creates a feeling of solemnity. Furthermore, the entire room is made of stone, from the high, arched ceiling to the columns that line the walls. This repetion of stone seems to indicate the idea of endurance and timelessness. Also, the stone columns were cut from various types of rock from all reaches of the state of Ohio. They are engraved with different images, including snakes, birds, skulls, and sea shells. The fact that these columns were brought in from different parts of the state seems to relate to the idea that Ohio State is a place where people from across the state can come together and receive an education. These people are different and diverse, though, just like the carvings on Orton's columns. With that in mind, I drew the conclusion that Orton Hall's vestibule is not simply an entryway to a building, but a representation of why Ohio State was created. The varied columns represent the diverity of students who attend Ohio State. The stone walls, ceiling, and floor give the impression that the legacy of Ohio State will last forever, and the information display case in the very center of the room represents the reason why students come to OSU - education. Who could have thought that one room could hold so much or have so much meaning? I didn't....until I visited Orton.
This room seems really neat and pretty! The description of the history and the stones are very interesting. I will have to visit this place sometime soon! The picture is really great too!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting, I especially like how the columns are from different parts of the state and how you said they represent the diversity of the students who go here. Good work.
ReplyDeleteYes, definitely visit! Make sure that you have time to really look around, too! It's such a neat building. It's also got a museum and a library. If you go up the stairs to the right of the vestibule, there's a little room with tables, too. It might be a good place to study!
ReplyDeleteI liked how you picked a place that was a little out of the ordinary. I had never heard of it but might have to visit it now.
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