Morrill Hall Motif

Retailer Wheelock (American, 1860 - 1922)

MediumCeramic.

Dimensions1 x 5 x 3 3/4 in. (2.5 x 12.7 x 9.5 cm)

ClassificationsDecorative Arts, Ceramics

Credit LineGift of Ethel Margaret Bohan. In the Permanent Collection, Brunnier Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

Object numberUM2008.454

Status

On view

Collections

Decorative Arts

CultureGerman / American

Label TextAs the second-oldest building still standing on campus, surpassed only by the Farm House, Morrill Hall has a long and storied history. Named for Vermont Representative Justin Smith Morrill, sponsor of the 1862 Morrill Land-Grant Act, the building was completed in 1891 to serve as a new library, chapel, and museum, as well as quickly becoming the home of numerous departments including geology, zoology, and entomology. Although it was originally intended to relieve the strain placed on Main, Morrill Hall quickly faced issues of its own. As departments expanded in the early twentieth century, many relocated to better equipped facilities. This gradual exodus continued into the late twentieth century and ended in 1998, when the Agricultural Extension Office moved to Curtiss Hall. Despite this exodus, Morrill Hall has remained an architectural and cultural icon of Iowa State University, inspiring the creation of many campus souvenirs over the years. Today, the building continues its legacy of education as the home of the Christian Petersen Art Museum, which opened in 2007 within the renovated building. https://historicexhibits.lib.iastate.edu/Morrill/history.html https://www.museums.iastate.edu/visit/christian-petersen-art-museum

MarkingsOn back is a stamp: "WHEELOCK / MADE IN GERMANY FOR / (boxed) J.B. KOOSER & CO., / AMES, IOWA / (beneath box)

Locations