Campanile

The Campanile at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, stands as a towering symbol of the university's rich history and tradition. This iconic structure, with its elegant Gothic Revival architecture, has been a central feature of the campus since its construction in 1897. Rising to a height of 110 feet, the Campanile is not only a visual landmark but also a beloved auditory presence, thanks to the Stanton Memorial Carillon housed within its walls.

The History of the Campanile

The Campanile was built as a memorial to Margaret MacDonald Stanton, the first dean of women at Iowa State, who passed away in 1895. Her husband, Edgar W. Stanton, a professor and four-time acting president of the university, chose the site for the tower with the assistance of then-university president William M. Beardshear. The construction of the Campanile cost $6,510.20, a considerable sum at the time, and was completed two years after Margaret's death.

In 1899, Edgar Stanton donated the first ten bells of the carillon in memory of his late wife. Each bell bears an inscription chosen by Edgar, adding a personal touch to the memorial. Following Edgar's death in 1920, a significant portion of his estate was left to the university, and in 1929, 26 more bells were added to the carillon in his honor. The carillon continued to grow, with additional bells added in 1956 and the final bell in 1967, bringing the total to 50 bells. The bells and their supports weigh nearly 30 tons, with the heaviest bell alone weighing 5,737 pounds.

The Bells of Iowa State

The carillon, with its 50 bells, is a defining feature of the Campanile. The bells chime every quarter-hour, playing the Westminster Quarters, a melody familiar to many as the chimes of Big Ben in London. These chimes can be heard across the campus, providing a comforting and rhythmic soundtrack to university life.

In 1991, financial difficulties threatened the future of the carillon. Budget cuts left the Music Department unable to fund a replacement for the carillon position after the retirement of Professor Richard von Grabow. The bells fell silent until a local radio personality, Kenn McCloud, locked himself inside the Campanile, vowing to stay until $10,000 was raised to hire a guest carillonneur. The Bucks for Bells campaign quickly raised the necessary funds, and the bells rang out once more. This event highlighted the community's deep affection for the Campanile and its bells.

Renovations and Preservation

In the early 1990s, the nearly century-old Campanile underwent significant renovations. The tower's brick and terra cotta exterior were restored, and improvements were made to the bell chamber arches, clock movements, and the digital control system for the clock and chimes. The carillon itself received new framing, repositioned bells, new clappers, and new playing and practice consoles. These renovations ensured that the Campanile would continue to stand as a proud symbol of Iowa State University for generations to come.

The renovations were made possible by generous donations from alumni and friends of the university. Notable contributions came from the Classes of 1940, 1942, and 1987, the Stanton Memorial Carillon Foundation, Bobbi and Roy Reiman, Jean and Michael Steffenson, and Esther and Harold Wilcke. In 1994, Charles and Ivadelle Cownie donated $250,000 to establish an endowed carillon professorship within the music department, ensuring the continued performance and maintenance of the carillon.

Tradition and Folklore

The Campanile is steeped in tradition and folklore. One of the most cherished traditions is Campaniling. According to campus lore, a student is not considered a true Iowa Stater until they have been kissed under the Campanile at the stroke of midnight. This rite of passage is particularly popular during Homecoming and VEISHEA, a student-organized festival. During these events, hundreds or even thousands of students gather around the Campanile to participate in this time-honored tradition.

Daily Concerts and Special Events

The Campanile is not just a static monument; it is a living part of campus life. Every weekday at 11:50 a.m., a 20-minute carillon concert fills the air, usually performed by Dr. Tin-Shi Tam, the current Cownie Professor of Music and the fifth carillonneur in ISU history. These concerts provide a musical interlude for students, faculty, and visitors, showcasing the beautiful and diverse range of the carillon's bells.

In addition to the daily concerts, the Campanile hosts performances for special occasions, adding a festive and ceremonial touch to events such as graduation, homecoming, and other university celebrations. The carillon's music has become an integral part of the university's cultural fabric, creating a sense of continuity and connection across generations of Iowa Staters.

In conclusion, the Campanile at Iowa State University is much more than a clock tower. It is a memorial, a musical instrument, a symbol of tradition, and a beloved part of campus life. Whether you are a student, an alumnus, or a visitor, the Campanile's chimes and the stories they tell are sure to leave a lasting impression. So, take a moment to stand beneath its towering presence, listen to the bells ring out, and become a part of the enduring legacy of the Campanile.