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!