Years ago, I fell in love with this photo at first sight.
The date and event are not known for certain. The crowd is gathered on top of the hill -- you can see them in silhouettes -- and wraps around to the lower ground. The crowd faces the stairs, or probably someone speaking from the original stairs that led from Carnegie to Recitation.
Those stairs were a gift from the Class of 1909. In the center of the picture, behind the crowd, is the original memorial sundial donated by the Class of 1912, wrapped in a bouquet. It is the dead center of the photo and no doubt the photographer's intended subject. Most likely, this is a ceremony dedicating that sundial in September 1912, with the speakers in the shade of the trees. The men men in straw boaters and the women in long dresses would suggest that era.
But the fascination lies in the little girl to the right, who has wandered away from the crowd, turned her back to the ceremony, and focused her attention on the camera. And in so doing, she has stolen the photograph.
And we have no idea who she is.
About The Project
With Wittenberg now celebrating its 175th year, and the University unable to hold regular in-person classes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Professor of History Thomas T. Taylor has started circulating several pieces on Wittenberg's history. Some originated in earlier series, either This Month in Wittenberg History or Happy Birthday Wittenberg. Others have their origin in the Wittenberg History Project or in some other, miscellaneous project. Sincerest thanks to Professor Taylor for connecting alumni, faculty, staff, and students through a historic lens.