‘Polk Place circa 1935′ by North Carolina artist William Waters IV is a brilliant rendition of TC Moore’s classic photograph of Polk Place taken on a cold, mid-thirties winter day. Moore was commissioned by the University to capture the quadrangle when it was perfectly empty. After hours of waiting in the bitter cold for the people to clear, Moore decided he could not wait anymore and snapped the photo which has since gained considerable recognition.
Waters rendition takes this photograph to a whole new level. His magnificent use of light and contrast create a remarkable composition that captivates the eye. Notice the symmetry of the spoked walkway and the majesty of the Carolina skyline featuring the Bell Tower’s legendary ascent over the dome of Wilson Library. A radiant mid-morning sun casts shadows off top-coat clad students, hurried to escape the frigid conditions. The silhouettes contrast against the illuminated campus creating the most striking component of the Vintage Collection®.
 |
TC Moore was commissioned by the University to photograph the quadrangle when it was perfectly empty. After hours of waiting in the bitter cold for the people to clear, Moore decided he could not wait anymore and snapped this photo which has since gained considerable recognition. |
 |
The first painting to display John Motley Morehead’s legendary “Dunce Cap” atop the dome of Louis Wilson’s library. (see ‘history’ for more) |
 |
One of the most striking features of the UNC campus is the symmetry of the network of walkways. This photo shows Polk Place in the days prior to the brick walkways which we know today. |
 |
William Waters IV spectacular use of light, shadow and contrast makes this work the masterpiece of the Vintage Collection. |
The sound of the Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower bells resonate freely across the UNC campus, but this picturesque landmark did not arrive without a struggle. John Motley Morehead was the namesake and grandson of the North Caorlina Governor, graduated from UNC in 1891. Following his graduation from the University, the chemistry major and his father were searching for an inexpensive method for manufacturing aluminum, but instead discovered acetylene gas. Mr. Morehead then developed an economical process for the manufacture of calcium carbide which laid the groundwork for what would become the Union Carbide Corporation.
The wealthy Morehead, first presented a proposal for a bell tower to University President Harry Woodburn Chase in the early 1920s. During the post-war building boom the University remodeled South Building, one of the school’s oldest structures built in 1798. Morehead offered to fund a bell tower to be placed on top of the old building. The University declined the offer on grounds that it wished to preserve the historical integrity of the building. Morehead was shocked to learn of the addition of the portico on the south side of the South Building just one year later.
In 1926 campus officials drew up preliminary plans for what would become Wilson Library. Morehead thought that the roof of the building would be ideal for his bell tower. Louis Round Wilson, the University Librarian, had lobbied for a domed building in the spirit of Columbia University’s Morningside heights. In a vicious political battle, it was Round’s influence on University President Chase that prevailed leaving Morehead, once again, shunned.
The aging Morehead wished to see his mark left on the Campus in his lifetime, but he had been spurned and was bitter to say the least. He persisted in his concept of a bell tower. When the University trustees decided to move the flagpole from McCorkle Place to Polk Place, Morehead suggested a bell tower, this time with Old Glory waving from its top. The administration again declined his offer.
Ardent in his cause, Morehead decided to expand his project and enlisted the aid of friend and fraternity brother Rufus Lenoir Patterson II. Finally winning approval from the University, Morehead influenced Patterson and the University to build on a site due north of Wilson Library. It is said that Morehead selected this location to spite those whom prevented his efforts.
Standing on the steps at the portico on the south side of the South Building, one can see the top of the Bell Tower directly above the Library. Legend offers two explanations of this view. The first is that Morehead, indeed, got his bell tower on top of the library. The most popular theory is that the top of the bell tower resembles a ‘dunce cap’ atop the dome that Louis Wilson’s so vehemently campaigned for against Morehead. In effect, Morehead forever mocks Wilson and his project.
Rising exactly 172 feet, the Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower is surrounded by a hedge and lawn designed by William C. Coker, botany professor and creator of the campus Arboretum.
The tower’s belfry originally contained a carillon of twelve manually operated bells ranging in weight from 300 to 3,500 pounds cast by the Meneely Bell Company of Troy, New York. Today, there are fourteen mechanized ones. The largest bell is inscribed “Governor John Motley Morehead,” the tower creator’s grandfather, and the second largest bears the name of William Lenoir. Both men played prominent roles in University and state history.
Inside the porch-like structure at the tower’s base, called the arcade, are plaques honoring other members of the two families. The University dedicated the Morehead- Patterson Bell Tower on Thanksgiving Day, 1931.