Having attended The College of William & Mary in Virginia, I take great pride in the fact that it is considered the second oldest university in America, the “Alma Mater of a Nation”, with such illustrious graduates as Presidents Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe and John Tyler. Of course the oldest university is Harvard, and whenever I’m in Cambridge I enjoy walking through its campus.
While Harvard is the oldest institution, William & Mary does boast the oldest college building, with the Sir Christopher Wren Building dating to 1695 (I had a freshman English class there – how cool is that?) The second oldest college building, Massachusetts Hall at Harvard, dates to 1718 or so.
The charming chapel in the feature photo dates to 1744, and as such is the third oldest at Harvard and still on the list as one of the oldest college buildings in America.
You can find Holden Chapel in the Old Yard portion of Harvard Yard, the 22.4 acre acre fenced area that is the oldest part of Harvard and its historic center. Enclosed by a 9 foot tall fence of wrought iron, brick and stone with 26 (26!) gates, Harvard Yard includes some of the most beautiful architecture (never mind university architecture) in New England.
Nestled among a number of freshman dorms, it is somewhat of a hidden gem unless you happen to look to the side at just the right time while passing by. Highlighted by the pedimented door and ornamental gable its facade is simple but striking. The building’s windows, on the sides, give plenty of natural light for the choral performance groups that use it today.
Although I couldn’t readily find information about the detailed gable scrollwork, I was most curious about the oxen skulls above the door. Up close they are frankly a bit disturbing and I couldn’t help but wonder what they represent. Luckily for me, Two Nerdy History Girls wondered the same back in 2012.
The ox skulls, otherwise known as bucrania (Latin for oxen skulls), were fairly common motifs in Greek and Roman architecture that carried forward into newer designs over the centuries.
While Harvard University only admits the best and brightest to its academic programs, its campus is an architectural treasure trove that is free for all of us to enjoy. Most of Harvard’s 26 gates are open, and at any point in time you will see a blend of students, Cambridge residents, local workers and tourists roaming the campus paths. Harvard also offers history tours for the public to take advantage of, so the next time you are in the Boston area add it to your list!
This post is part of Norm 2.0‘s weekly Thursday Door series. Come take a peek for some interesting portals and consider contributing some photos of your own!
Enjoy this post? You might also like Sever Hall at Harvard University.
[x_author title=”About the Author”]
My name is Deb Cohen, and I am a lifelong resident of Connecticut, a lover of all things historic and New England, and a realtor who helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals and dreams. When I’m not working, I enjoy life with my husband, our two adult children, and our two rescue pups. Renovating and decorating our historic home, dating to 1800, is another favorite pastime.
Love all those details, Deb!
janet
Thanks so much, Janet!
Great post Deb, stunning door and most interesting history lesson!
Thank you so much Jane!
Love this one! I’ll definitely seek out one of those history tours the next time we’re in the area.
Thanks for this very educational post 😉
Thanks for sharing the history of this chapel. Very decorative gable-end, would require skilled workers to accomplish.
Beautiful building and history, Deb. The absence of any windows is quite strange but it really makes the ornate gable stand out.
It is rather strange! The other end of the building (with another door) doesn’t have any either. But each side has extra tall windows spanning the width, so lots of light from that perspective.
Fantastic historic door and history! I like the top crest and portico. on the red brick. It’s such a striking building. OH! Red, White, and Blue. DUH! 🙂
I didn’t even think about the red/white/blue! Good observation 🙂 wonder if it has any meaning? I love all of the details on this little building.
Super building. Thanks, Deb.
Thanks, John!
Wonderful historic door Deb. I love the brickwork on the building. Probably the best thing about where this building is, is the fact that its survival is pretty much guaranteed.
Yes! I do think so. The renovation a few years ago updated all of the “inner workings” of this tiny building (HVAC, etc.) so while it maintains its old charm its got what it needs inside to bring it into the present day. And agree – the brickwork is great – love a good brick building!
Handsome for sure. I love the craftsmanship and trim. 🙂
Thanks so much Judy!!
Splendid door! What a lucky student you were! My campus was beautiful, but not so old. Ball State was founded by the Ball Brothers (Ball jars) just before the turn of the century.
I really do feel lucky to have gone to W&M! But there are so many gorgeous campuses out there as I’m finding now with my daughter who is a junior. We are starting to visit schools so I’m guessing I’ll be writing some posts about those too at some point! That is so interesting that Ball State was founded by the Ball jar people!! Who would have thunk?