‘Old Well circa 1892′ by William Waters turns back the clock over 100 years to Carolina’s yesteryear. His rendition of this classic Carolina photograph preserves Carolina’s proud past for generations to come. ‘Old Well’ offers a glimpse into the UNC of the nineteenth century.
This work preserves the dress of the students of the day. One student is proudly displaying the interlocking NC while a professor dons a suit, tie, and a derby. Central to the photo is a student drinking water from a bucket affixed to a pulley. This timeless work of art is a must and will make a proud addition to the homes and offices of UNC alumni.
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Take a look at the vintage photography that inspired this work. |
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Drinking from the Old Well was more than a luxury in 1892. This student drinks from a bucket affixed to a pulley above. |
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Students of the past wore the school logo with pride. Notice that there is no Nike logo to be found on this student’s jacket. |
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More formal attire was required for classes. Also, notice the rustic nature of the Old Well. |
The importance of the Old Well depicted in ‘Old Well circa 1892′ was that it was, at that time, the sole source of water for the entire University. This fact gave rise to the student joke that the only place in Chapel Hill where one could get a bath was at the jail.
Located between Old West, Old East and the South building, the Well represented the physical and social centers of campus. This well was originally situated slightly east of where the Old Well stands today. It was not until 1897 that its physical form took the shape that we know today…
In the 1890’s the South was in the midst of reconstruction as a result of defeat in the Civil War. A broken mindset prevailed across North Carolina as well as the rest of the South. University President Edwin Alderman (1896-1900) inherited a dejected and financially strapped university in the midst of this reconstruction era.
Alderman felt that his obligation would be to uplift the social consciousness of the people. Higher education would falter without the underpinnings of an enthused educational foundation. It would be Alderman’s mission to elevate the intellectual spirit of the people. He felt it more important to train “leaders and missionaries in the democratic crusade of arousing the intellect of the whole people” rather than preach theory to a chosen few.
He would lead an inspired reconstruction effort of his own in education at the University. It would be improvements to the institution that would inspire education. He first renovated a depleted library as he saw it not as a “storehouse of thought, but a laboratory, a workshop, a mine, and inspiration for both professors and students”. A new water system would boost morale.
Campus beauty would also inspire. The view from Alderman’s South building office was of the Old Well, an admittedly “ramshackled structure”. Alderman asked Professor J.W. Gore to help improve its appearance. They ordered a modest reproduction of the Temple of Love at Versailles to replace the wooden canopy that covered the well. The cost would be $200.
Years later, Alderman said that he was “possessed with a great desire to add a little beauty (which after all is the most practical influence in the world) to the grim, austere dignity of the Old Campus.” Some of his colleagues thought he was wasting money on “luxurious gewjaws” when other needs were more vital.
As it turned out, the “gewjaws” would become the icon of the University and inspiration of education for over a century. During his four-year presidency, Alderman became known a popular philosopher and evangelist of education rather than an “architect of institutions”. He did less in prescribing forms than instilling sprit.
The Old Well and its surrounding area was given its present form in 1954 when brick walks, plantings, and benches were added as part of a campus wide beautification project.