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| 'Denny Chimes' historical marker in Tuscaloosa, Ala. |
This week’s featured historical marker is the “DENNY CHIMES”
marker in Tuscaloosa County, Ala. This marker is located on the campus of the
University of Alabama, on the south side of The Quad and just off University
Boulevard between the intersections of Colonial Drive and Elm Drive, in
Tuscaloosa. It’s directly across the street from the President’s Mansion.
The Alabama Historical Association erected this marker in
1986. There’s text on both sides of the marker, and both sides are different.
What follows in the complete text from the marker:
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“DENNY CHIMES: This bell tower, an enduring symbol of
Alabama’s first university, was erected in honor of President George H. Denny,
under whose leadership (1911 to 1936), The University of Alabama gained
national prominence. Conceived by Jerome M. Britchey and his classmates, this
free-standing campanile carillon was built by Skinner, Maxwell and Company and
dedicated May 27, 1929, with Governor Bibb Graves presiding. Converted in 1945
from a bell carillon to an electronic system and modernized in 1966, its echoes
have continued to touch the hearts and memories of Alabamians from every walk
of life.”
“DENNY CHIMES: Exhausted by years of service, the system was
replaced in 1986 with a 25-bell bronze carillon of the highest known quality
and design. The funding for the bells and the establishment of a permanent fund
for continuing maintenance were made possible by the University’s alumni and
special friends.
“This markers stands as a tangible expression of gratitude
to all who have participated in the erection and preservation of this
historical monument.”
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I encountered this marker a while back while visiting the
camp to see a gymnastics meet. One thing that you’ll probably notice about the
picture above is that it doesn’t actually include Denny Chimes. That’s because
Denny Chimes is so large (115 feet tall) that it’s very difficult to take a
nice photo of this historical marker and the chimes structure at the same time.
As mentioned, this tower was erected in honor of George
Hutcheson Denny, who was born on Dec. 3, 1870 in Hanover County, Va. Those of
you who have seen Denny Chimes before will know that it’s constructed mostly of
brick and limestone. While the limestone came from Alabama, the bricks were
made in Denny’s home state of Virginia. After retiring as Alabama’s President,
Denny returned to Virginia where he passed away at the age of 84 in Lexington,
Va.
Also, if you ever get the chance to visit Denny Chimes in
person, be sure to check out the Walk of Fame that surrounds it. This area is
where, since 1948, the school’s football captains have placed their footprints
and handprints in cement. Names that you might recognize on the Walk of Fame
include Lee Roy Jordan, Joe Namath, Ray Perkins, Kenny Stabler, Danny Ford,
Johnny Musso, Ozzie Newsome, Cornelius Bennett, Derrick Thomas, Shaun Alexander
and many, many more.
In the end, visit this site next Wednesday to learn about
another historical marker. I’m also taking suggestions from the reading
audience, so if you know of an interesting historical marker that you’d like me
to feature, let me know in the comments section below.
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