#47 Garrett Hall Ceiling (Batten School)

#47 Garrett Hall Ceiling (Batten School)

This ornate ceiling—made of plaster of Paris on a burlap backing and suspended from the rafters by burlap straps—dates to the construction of Garrett Hall. Dedicated in 1908 and called the Commons, this space served as a dining hall designed to create camaraderie among students. The University also hoped it might be cheaper than having hotelkeepers feed the students. In 1958, the dining hall was moved to Newcomb and in the years since, the building has served first as home to the bursar's office—it is named for Alexander Garrett, the University's first bursar—and now to the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy.