A Lesson on Old Main

Old Main is arguably the most recognizable landmark at Penn State. Its bells chime across campus, and a fun fact about them is that if you happen to hear them on the weekend, instead of playing the Westminster Quarters like every other bell tower, Old Main spices it up and plays 'Hail to the Lion'.

While we're on the topic, I'll give you a quick history lesson on Old Main, and if you're not in to that kind of thing, skip down a paragraph or two.

Old Main was completed way back when in 1863 and was constructed of limestone that was mined from the land right in front of it, which is so metal. That's like going into a forest, picking up sticks, and building a 4 story log cabin. One of my favorite stories about its construction is that one of the mules that helped carry the limestone to the building site was affectionately called 'Old Coaly'. He was such a good worker that Penn State actually bought him after the construction was over, and kept him around campus to do odds and ends jobs. Old Coaly was so popular with the students and staff that following his death, his bones were preserved and can still be seen in the HUB today!

Respect your elders

Anyway, the original building survived until the 1920's when it was deemed structurally unsound, razed to the ground, and rebuilt from its own limestone ashes into the building it is today.

In addition to being a beautiful piece of Penn State history, Old Main also has a huge lawn that is a pretty sweet impromptu hang out spot. This week I met up with a small group of friends and played a round of pick up soccer on the lawn. In the two hours we spent there, I saw a hula hooping contest, a dance practice, some guys throwing around a football, and, most importantly, A DOG.

If you're looking for something casual to do on a week night that you won't regret the next morning, go check out Old Main! Every time I've passed by there since playing soccer, I've noticed something going on. There have been random activities like Frisbee, even croquet one time, and those playing have always been super friendly and inviting. It's an awesome way to make new friends and more often than not, there is a dog there just waiting to be petted.

Old Main's lawn is like a build your own experience, I'd even go so far as to say it's an experience just waiting to happen, and for that I give it 7 preserved horse bones out of 10.

Pictures courtesy of Penn State