Marking history on The Green

4:16 p.m., June 14, 2005--Walking down The Green is a stroll through UD history, thanks to historical markers outside major buildings. The project, begun last year, continues with a second group of markers recently installed.

New markers have been installed outside Alison, Cannon, Harter, Sharp, Squire, Sypherd, Kent, New Castle and Sussex halls, as well as Lammot du Pont and Brown laboratories and the Morris Library.

Last year, markers were installed at Hullihen, Memorial, Gore, Mitchell, Wolf, Du Pont and Evans halls and Sharp Laboratory.

The names of the buildings celebrate individuals in UD’s history. Alison Hall, honors the Rev. Dr. Francis Alison (1705-79) the founder of the Academy of Newark to which UD traces its origin. Rev. Alison’s first class included three signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Du Pont Hall, named after Pierre S. du Pont (1870-1954), and Sharp Laboratory and Sharp Hall, named after his brother-in-law, Hugh Rodney Sharp (1880-1968), honor two men who were instrumental in the growth and development of UD.

Gore Hall, completed in 1998, pays tribute to members of the family, Robert, Sally and the late Genevieve Gore, who generously gave the classroom building to the University.

Morris Library, the academic center of the University, is named after Hugh Martin Morris (1878-1966), a distinguished jurist and a member of the Board of Trustees for 30 years, who also was a generous benefactor of the University.

Cannon Hall honors noted astronomer Annie Jump Cannon, a native Delawarean, who served as curator of the Harvard College Observatory.

Building names also pay homage to the state of Delaware with residence halls named after the three counties--New Castle, Kent and Sussex.

The markers consist of low brick columns topped by bronze plaques, designed by Thomas Taylor, UD’s award-winning landscape engineer.

Article by Sue Moncure
Photo by Tyler Jacobson

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