By Dave borrowed a key and spent some time this weekend photographing Kenyon Hall on the former College of Emporia Campus.
Unfortunately, vandals have found their way into the building and have left their cruel marks.
His photos are on Prairie Dust.
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Are there two pictures of inside Kenyon Hall? The ceiling and the piano room?
Great pictures. That building looks like a marvel. Is someone going to save it? It’s historic, should not be torn down.
The site’s been on the brink of demoliton for years, but current plans are to renovate it into living spaces. I received permission to photograph the interior over the weekend. Mostly I wanted to capture the light through the huge stained glass covered walls. I wasn’t prepared for the extent of damage from vandalism. It’s heart-breaking. But it’s in excellent hands now, and will once again stand proud among the city’s historic landmarks.
I’ll be sorting out photos for awhile, and haven’t decided what to do with them. Some are too sad to post, but keep an eye on Prairie Dust because many images will find their way over the next week. And the building is full of surprises.
Hope you have some little theater shots. I haven’t been in there since 1972. 1972 for the auditorium at spring commencement. The auditorium is where WAW’s funeral was held. Here is a LIFE Magazine shot of the interior in 1944. http://images.google.com/hosted/life/f?q=white+emporia+source:life&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dwhite%2Bemporia%2Bsource:life%26hl%3Den&imgurl=70c8fc4c683fa95c
Was the little theater on the 4th floor? I do have photos of that one. Finding that was a fun discovery.
It was in the tower at the top.
Okey dokey… I posted a couple photos of the theater. I’m sure you have better memories than the current state of the room. But it’s still a great room. Wouldn’t it make a great studio, or study? http://www.prairiepathways.com/PrairieDust/index.php?showimage=673
Now see? That’s why I want to be a billionaire. I’d buy that building (they say everything’s for sale if you have enough money,) and I’d refurbish it and live in it. And do good works with it somehow, for people.
Ah well, dream on…….
What a beautiful room. Like something out of a wonderful old movie or book.
Years & years since I had been in the building—— & the condition today is heart breaking!!!!!!!!!!!! Just totally heart breaking!!!!
What happened to people’s morals & values & ethics to do this vandalism to this building & Peter Pan Park-etc.etc.etc & other places in Emporia??? So heart breaking——-that there are people who live in that small country town of Emporia that have no respect for them selves or anything else to do this type of vandalism!!!
How DID you get a photo of the roofline? Your photographs are just incredibly beautiful and terrific and amazing!