Jones Hall: What Lies Beneath?

The University of Puget Sound was established in 1888 in downtown Tacoma after a heated debate of whether or not it should be located in Port Townsend or Tacoma. When the campus moved to its current north end location in 1921, Jones Hall was the first building erected. Now it houses many of our business offices. Walk up the stairs of our main grand entrance, with Jones Circle rapping around the glisten of our fountain, and admire the grand entrance of the main floor. The hall to the left welcomes all visitors for admission tours and overnight stays. Off to the right one can find the Alumni Relations office where President Ronald Thomas may often make guest appearances. While the building does house a few academic departments and overflow classes, what lies beneath? This entry will unpack the mystery of the basement of Jones Hall. 

Ever walked from Collins Memorial Library toward McIntyre Hall and passed those two mysterious side doors of Jones Hall? Well hidden behind those doors, beneath the grand entrance of Jones lies the theatrical centre of Norton Clapp Theatre. Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of the first door on your right. Open it and enter into the hustle and bustle of the Costume Shop. Boxes labeled by color and theme line the walls, vibrant spools of thread weave their way across the room. Sewing machines center the tables, as Puget Sound students work laboriously to design and create the next masterpiece.

A back hallway from the Costume Shop leads to one of the dressing rooms. Glittering, spherical bulbs frame the mirrors anticipating the next actress’ make up session. Empty costume racks stand solidly waiting for the weight of the next opening night. 

Cross the hallway and find yourself in a seemingly mundane lounge room, with nothing but an empty refrigerator and musty green couch. But this room is key to the success of a show. A place for students to gather, this green room comes alive with the energy and nerves of an anxious cast.

Next time you are strolling past the mysterious doors of Jones Hall, go unpack these mysteries for yourself! 

Discovering Harned Hall's "Science on Display"

Maybe you’ve noticed the mammoth sized gray whale skeleton hung from the ceiling, or the vibrant mosaics wrapping the walls, but have you ever wondered about the stories behind these pieces? The theme of Harned Hall is “Science on Display,” and this entry is going to help you unpack the origins our beloved science department.

These colorful 4-inch square tiles weave together creating a demonstration of the orbits of the planets of our solar system. The piece locates us, as it is centered around our campus and the Puget Sound region. Follow the thick steel cables to track each planet’s orbit around the sun.

Hanging watch all hours of the day is Puget Sound’s immature Gray Whale skeleton. This fellow was only 14 months old, measuring 27 feel long and weighing around 6 tons when he was found dead in 1973. He and 4 others washed up on the beaches in WA in 1973 after attempting to make the longest mammal migration known to man. In October, Gray Whales start their 2-3 month trip south, beginning in Bering and Chukchi Seas (AK). They travel along the coast of Canada, US and Mexico, and end in lagoons of Mexico’s Baja peninsula and Southern Gulf of CA, averaging about 75 miles a day. This whale either died in the northward migration or never actually made it to Baja. So next time you visit Harned, pay some respect to our whale, who made a gallant effort at the greatest mammal migration, of 12,000 miles.

Memorial Fieldhouse unpacked: action in every corner

The energy of the loggers in the crowd in the final countdown of a basketball game, the sweet smell of fresh pineapple at the annual Puget Sound Luau, the steam fogging the mirrors of the overcrowded weight room, and the flashes of cameras capturing Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ crowd surfing and beat boxing: these are the familiar experiences of Puget Sound students with the Memorial Fieldhouse. But those are just the main court experiences. What action can be had in every corner or hallway, every classroom or mini court?

Memorial Fieldhouse hosts over 15 ASUPS clubs throughout the week. Upstairs, above the fitness center, one can find the dance studios. Weekday mornings, beginning yoga and step aerobics classes are taught. Come about 3pm, a number of martial arts clubs, as well as the ping-pong, and circus clubs practice and meet. In the evenings, the stereo systems and live drumming can be heard as Luau and RDG rehearse for their final performances. 

Just across the hall from the dance studios, one can learn the art and science of rock climbing. The wall is changed frequently by students to ensure a variety of routes and challenges. The climbing club offers learning opportunities for all levels as well as competitive events for those who are more advanced. So next time you are looking for some physical activity, no need to put up with the musty smell of the workout equipment in the weight room, check out all that the Fieldhouse has to offer! 

Untouched Study Spots: a Room with a View

It may have been sold to you on your campus tour as a prospective student, “Collins Memorial Library has 5 levels!” Or you may have heard of its infamous reputation from Playboy magazine back in the 90s, but how many of you have actually made the climb to the 4^th floor of Collins Memorial Library? Tucked just under the roof of our magnificent library, are a few secluded spots of study. Don’t be fooled by the caged storage of maintenance supplies centered at the top of the stairs, take a stroll to the right or left, and seat yourself in a few untouched, plush couches, not yet sunken by the visits of others. Or spread your books on the graffiti-free tables in the back left corners. This place ensures some undisturbed study sessions. So, next time you’ve hit crunch mode and can’t afford the unwanted visits of your peers, pace yourself up the stairs to the 4^th floor of Collins Memorial Library, and let your eyes follow Commencement Walk through the cluster of Douglas Firs stealing a glimpse of Mt Rainer. 

Illuminating the most unique, quirky, overlooked spots on the Puget Sound campus!