‘First Day of Class’ by North Carolina artist Russell Smith is the first piece to capture the most revered of all Carolina traditions. Campus legend asserts that a drink from the Old Well on the first day of classes will ensure a student straight A’s for the semester.

A stunning depiction of this annual right of passage, Smith’s use of composition, color and light dazzle the canvas. The warm light of a late summer morning sun peers just over Old East, and pours through the pillars onto the ‘baptized’ student. Set beneath the Carolina Blue sky against the majestic backdrop of the South Building, this 1950’s depiction will be prized by any UNC Alumnus.

	Russell Smith is a master at using light to capture the moment. Notice the beam of early morning light pouring in from just above Old East, through the pillars, illuminating the student as he takes his momentous drink.
	This work is the first to display the majesty of the South Building. The second building on campus, it’s beauty is often overlooked due to the nearby and iconic Old Well. Notice the ivy growing on the building. Ivy was a feature of the South Building in the 1950’s.
	Russell Smith sets the work in the 1950’s, and is apparent from the dress of the students. Notice the slender oak tree that grows due north of the Old Well.  Once a complement to the Well, this tree today nearly swallows the historic monument.
	Carolina girls have always stolen the eye of the Tarheel men. Russell Smith captures a first day of class tradition as old as the University.  Notice the windows on the South Building opened or cracked in an era prior to air conditioning.

It is not known for sure when the ‘First Day of Class’ tradition began, but it is thought to have originated in the late nineteenth century when the original Old Well was 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 it was his obligation 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. Temple of Love at Versailles

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 gewgaws” when other needs were more vital.

As it turned out, the “gewgaws” would become the icon of the University and inspiration of education for over a century. Alderman’s four-year presidency saw him become a popular philosopher and evangelist of education 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.

“It always fascinated me to look out the third floor window of my Old East dormitory to see students, almost instinctively and without provocation, converge at the Old Well for a mythical drink that is said to ensure the student good grades for the semester. Despite its documented failure to ensure good grades (in my case at least), it is something greater that causes this age-old tradition to persevere. It is a special connection to the University that makes us continue this tradition. Where the Old Well was once the sole water supply for the University, a drink connects us with our predecessors who drank from the well for their livelihood. It also connects alumni with alumni to come that one day will partake in the tradition. It is this drink from the Old Well that connects all Carolina alumni, from Hinton James to you and I.

On a perfect May morning, an electric feeling envelops Chapel Hill. The much anticipated day has finally arrived. Years of anticipation would be condensed into moments. Lifelong dreams would soon be fulfilled. As the moment nears, the excitement heightens. And then suddenly, without provocation, the blue mass erupts into a thunderous roar of celebration which reverberates through an entire town. A mass of mortarboards are launched into the awaiting sky.

“Celebration” by North Carolina artist Russell Smith captures the excitement and jubilation of this awesome moment in this second edition of Franklin Galleries Traditions Collection®. The hats fly against the backdrop of an ‘angelic’ sky while the graduates celebrate their remarkable accomplishment in the shadow of the Bell Tower. Smith’s brilliant use of light, color and contrast create a visually stunning piece that you will be proud to display in your home or office.

	Tossing the hats in the air has long been a Carolina graduation tradition. Smith immaculately captures this unforgettable moment.
	Russell Smith is a master at using light to illuminate the moment. He frames the tossed before the Morehead Patterson Bell Tower of in the distance
	Our memories of Carolina will always include the friends we made. Graduation Day is a day of celebration for students, friends and family.

With commencement addresses from Noble Prize winners, to famous actors and Presidents, Carolina has had its share of memorial graduation ceremonies. The following facts are among the most notable…

One particularly memorable one happened in 1799, the second year of the ceremony. That year a serious rift on campus occurred when several university employed tutors were attacked by students who charged that the faculty members were being “aristocratic.” Similar countercharges were directed toward the students, by those same members accusing the students of being “immoral” and “resistant to discipline.” (Does this sound familiar?) The students were sought by the school disciplinarians. The “apprehending officers” of the accused “rule breakers” located, tried, and charged each of the rule breakers with an expulsion notice… In the group were a large number of “advanced students;” therefore, the graduation ceremony had only three graduates that spring.

The exact year of the inception of the Carolina Blue graduation gown is unknown, but the blue and white colors became the standard attire for commencement and other glorious events, like socials and balls. The Carolina Blue and White are a significant part of the Carolina history, dating all the way back to the students from the original two prominent literary societies found on campus. The rivalry between the members of the Dialectic Literary Society (affectionately called the Di’s), who wore light blue attire as a distinguishing identification, and the Philanthropic Literary Society (the Phi’s), who wore white. It wasn’t until 1888, when intercollegiate athletics became organized, did the university officials decide to combine the colors of the two societies to symbolize one university, not two rival societies.

Ironically, it was the 1847 commencement address that former United States President James Knox Polk, class of 1818, credited his training in UNC’s Dialectic Society as a major factor in his political success. Polk participated in the most popular campus activity of the time, debating, as a member of the Di’s Society. In fact, Polk shared with that commencement audience that “the campus debates prepared and trained him to preside over the US government.” When Polk attended Carolina debating was far larger than football! He added, “To the university’s credit, the diploma presented to each graduate did not signify scholarship as much as each student’s ability to manage other men; however, everyone could translate Latin inscriptions on that diploma.”

Carolina legend has it that if you kiss your date beneath the legendary Davie Poplar, then you will marry the one you kiss. Franklin Galleries third of the Traditions Collection, ‘Legend of Davie Poplar’ by North Carolina artist Russell Smith is the first picture to capture the sacred tradition of the ‘kiss’ while capturing the splendor of North Campus.

Smith depicts a glorious fall day with the sun illuminating Old East – the first building built on campus – as students pass on the walkways behind the historic tree. Set in front of a backdrop of the South Building and the Old Well, this work is visually stunning and truly captures the essence of a fall Carolina day.

Legend has it that on a hot summer day during his exhaustive search for a location for the nations first public University, General William Davie and his associates took a much needed rest beneath a tree near New Hope Chapel. After ‘exhilirating beverages’ a picnic lunch and a ‘refreshing nap’, the trustees unaniamously decided with Davie’s urging, that they proceed no further. So they settled on that very spot.

Another legend associated with the tree is that as long as Davie Poplar remains standing, the University will thrive. If it falls, the University will crumble. As such, many steps have been taken to preserve the tree. In 1918, it was struck by lightning, and fear that the tree was dying led the University to make a plant grafting, called Davie Poplar Jr. Later, another tree called Davie Poplar III was planted nearby from a seed of the original tree. As part of the university’s bicentennial celebration in 1993, 100 seedlings from the tree were given to 100 children representing North Carolina’s 100 counties. The seedlings were to be planted in the 100 counties across the state. Where these seedlings were actually planted is not known. In 1996, Davie Poplar was badly damaged by Hurricane Fran, after which the trunk was filled with cement and strung with cables to keep it up.

‘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.

‘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.

	Take a look at the vintage photography that inspired this work.
	Drinking from the Old Well was more than a luxury in 1892. This student drinks from a bucket affixed to a pulley above.
	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.
	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.

‘Beat Duke Parade’ is Franklin Galleries rendition of the classic 1949 photograph from the North Carolina Collection Photographic Archives. The photograph, taken on November 18, 1949 depicted the ceremonious parade on Franklin Street that preceded one of the greatest Duke-Carolina football games of all time (see history).

William Waters IV delivers a masterful rendition of the classic image most noted by his fervid attention to detail. His elegant composition draws your eyes to the canvas seeking to know more about the place, this scene, this day. Your eyes can’t help to follow the action down a 1940’s Franklin Street, absorbing every detail of the parade. It is not until every inch of canvas has been studied that you can pull away from this work – then you can’t help to look again.

	Take a look at the vintage photography that inspired this work.
	Notice the cars of the era and William Waters interpretative realistic style.
	The floats were out in force for this game that would decide the Southern Conference football championship.
	Although many new businesses occupy the storefronts, Franklin Street is largely unchaged. Can you see the entrance to the Rathskeller (The Rat) established just a year earlier in 1948?

A Fantastic Finale

The 1949 UNC-Duke football game was one of the most important and greatest games in Carolina history. The 36th meeting between the rivals saw the 5-3 Tar Heels in need of a win over 6-2 Duke to take the Southern Conference Championship. The Heels hopes were largely dependent on an ailing Charlie “Choo Choo” Justice who’s chipped ankle bone injury caused him to sit out Carolina’s loss to Notre Dame one week earlier.

The record crowd of 57,000 at Duke Stadium would see the game get off to a fast start. After a Duke punt return to the 25 yard line, the game’s first snap saw the speedy back, Billy Cox, explode off right tackle, cut out toward the west sideline then back to the middle of the field, bobbing and weaving the distance for a spectacular 75 yard touchdown.

UNC’s Kenny Powell blocked the extra point attempt. Duke 6, Carolina 0 and the game was less than a minute old. The Tar Heels scored in the second quarter on Art Weiner’s 40 yard run, with Abie Williams conversion, the Heels took a fortunate 7-6 lead into the locker room at the half.

After intermission, Carolina’s Dave Wiley blocked a Cox punt out of the endzone for a safety to take a 9-6 lead. Moments later, on 3rd and goal, Billy Hayes passed to Justice for a 4-yard touchdown (the conversion failed) for a 15-6 lead with 6:15 left in the 3rd quarter. The touchdown was Choo Choo’s 5th TD against Duke, a record that eclipsed the mark of Trinity’s Stonewall Durham that stood since 1889.

Minutes later after a Justice 68 yard quick-kick and defensive stand, it was the injured Justice passing to Weiner for six. After a failed conversion, it was UNC 21, Duke 6. The lead would not last long. On the ensuing kickoff, Duke’s Tommy Powers returned the kick 93 yards to paydirt. Another Duke TD narrowed the margin to one point at 21-20 with only 3:55 left to play. The stadium was frenzied.

After a Carolina punt, Duke took a shot at the end zone with a deep pass that was intercepted by Carolina’s Dick Bunting at the one yard line. During the play, Bunting was tackled in the end-zone for an apparant Duke safety and a 21-22 win. Duke celebrated and the crowd roared. The officials saw it otherwise.

After deliberation, the officials said that there was no safety which gave Carolina the ball at the one and a one point lead. The controversial call enraged the crowd resembling “a gigantic school of hungry sharks at supper time”. On fourth down from the six, Justice punted and Duke returned it to the 19.

There was 20 seconds on the clock. The first play was an incomplete pass. On second down, the swarming Heels forced another incomplete pass. Referee JD Rodgers signaled the game over!

The enraged Colonel Wallace Wade stormed the field to get Rodgers attention. The game was NOT over. Four seconds remained on the game clock. Rogers reinstated play after realizing his mistake. One final play would determine the outcome of the game as the Blue Devils lined up for the decisive field goal attempt.

The stadium was frenzied and the suspense was maddening. The teams were in position at the line of scrimmage. Duke’s center Carl Perkinson snapped the ball to back up holder Fred Shoonmaker for kicker Mike Souchak, who “WHUMP” slammed his foot into the football. There was another “WHUMP”… Tar Heel Art Weiner who blocked the kick as the clock expired. Carolina won the wild game 21-20.

The fans carried Weiner and Justice off the field and the Carolina victory celebration began in Durham and continued well into the wee hours in Chapel Hill. And it continues today, as we Carolina faithful never get tired of beating Dook.