Answering questions at Boston College O’Neill Library
One of my helpers had a chat with Maureen Burke in the Dean’s Office (Gasson 103), and she said that while there’s no policy about this, if you want to take out a book, just bring it to the office and she will OK it. However, I should add that the Gasson Commons is currently closed until the 16th.
It’s not a recording, but the ringing has been automated since the 1960s.
My cousin_ the bell tower, in spite of their frequent ringing, is mute on the subject of access. There’s a clue (bit.ly/bells-clue) but it predates renovation. Here’s a bit of a virtual tour: bit.ly/BCM-gasson, and another: bit.ly/burnsblog-gasson. I’ll see what else my assistants can find out & update you if there’s news.
The walls in Gasson aren’t sure. You can report an issue with a BC building by emailing Facilities <facilities@bc.edu> or calling them at 617-552-3048.
Gasson Hall was always a little tight-lipped but got even more so after the renovation in 2007 when its bells were silenced temporarily. Since Gasson isn’t talking, I’ve had my assistants poke around a little. There’s a clue in this Boston College Magazine alumni-submitted story: bit.ly/bells-clue, but as the story predates the renovation, there might not be a door ajar, and you’d probably still have to watch out for the laser-activated alarm. I recommend getting a campus job with facilities. Those folks know everything. But you’ll have to earn their trust before they share.
I sent one of my helpers out to listen for the 1 PM bells. The chimes (bit.ly/ChimesSound) sound before the hour strikes, of course, but the 1 o’clock bell struck at 1:59:47 according to my helper using time.gov. Are you gonna ding them for 13 seconds…?
I cannot tell you how students feel about Gasson, as they have not divulged that information to me, but I can tell you a bit about Gasson and you can perhaps infer its meaning. Gasson was the first building built on this campus, in 1913. It houses many classrooms and department offices and a few very special places as well. One is room 305, the Fulton room (actually an amphitheater) and home to the Fulton Debating Society, with a Gothic arch ceiling adorned with a variety of oratorical quotes. Painted on the walls is the list of all Fulton debate winners, from 1890. Another notable place is the big function room on the first floor: Gasson 100 (aka “the Irish room”) was originally used as an assembly and lecture hall and now hosts everything from concerts to parties to Irish dancing. Just outside this room is the rotunda, with a very large and impressive white marble statue of the Archangel Michael overcoming Lucifer. And, finally, let’s not forget the Gasson Tower and its four bells that chime the passing day. I can hear them here and they certainly remain in my memory!
