The Bell Wall Between Missouri Hall and the Quad stands a brick wall housing a row of five bells. This campus landmark, known as the Bell Wall, was added to campus in 1967. Though students, faculty, staff, and alumni regularly pass by the Bell Wall, few know the history behind the five bronze bells. Joe Burdman, a local business man and former mayor of Kirksville, donated the bells to Truman. Originally from Russia, Burdman immigrated to the U.S. on Dec. 14, 1913.
In 1921, Joe, his wife, and their two sons, came to Kirksville where he started his business J. Burdman Auto Parts. Burdman was active in the Kirksville community, where he served as president of the Kirksville Rotary Club, president of the Kirksville Chamber of Commerce, and was elected Mayor of Kirksville in 1960. He was known for being a very determined person who wanted what was best for the community. In 1967, Burdman donated the historic bells, which were collected from abandoned churches, schoolhouses and public buildings throughout Northeastern Missouri. Each bell represents the ideals of liberty, justice, religion and education. The funds to build the wall which houses the bells were provided in large part by contributions from Truman's Class of 1967. |
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The Weathervane In honor of Truman State's previous name "Northeast Missouri State", the weathervane atop the Kirk Memorial Building has permanently placed facing to the Northeast. On July 1st, 1996, the weathervane was welded in place in respect to the 77 years of representing Missouri's Northeast.
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The Sunken Garden All that remains of the first building on the campus that founder Joseph Baldwin first purchased is a small pit left by the original Baldwin Hall. This spot, which sits on the Kirk Memorial Building's south side, is known as the Sunken Garden. During the 1924 fire which destroyed the old Baldwin Hall, Normal Lake was drained to try and put it out. The Quad and Sunken Garden are now all that remains of the former lake. The site of the old Baldwin Hall was turned into a formal garden, which was completed in the Spring of 1927. Over the years, this simple garden has provided enjoyment for many people for a variety of reasons. The Theatre Department often puts on performances within the garden, and classes can sometimes be found there on nice days. The Sunken Garden also provides a perfect setting for weddings, and several couples exchange vows in the garden every Summer. Student Advisor Alex Clemens remembered the old story, "if a couple kissed at midnight in the Sunken Garden during their first week as freshmen, they would eventually marry each other."
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Last edited 4/17/16
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