On Saturday, I had the pleasure to go on a tour to investigate the hidden places around West Campus.  Although I already knew about the ‘secret’ places in Noyes, the War Memorial Room and tunnel between Becker and Rose was fascinating to learn about.

The tour started in Rose Main Lounge with a history lesson about Cornell. I am a history major and I do plan on taking the Cornell History course at some point, but Professor Blalock’s brief history was very interesting.

My favorite part of the tour was the War Memorial Room. Not only is the room located a meer two floors down from my room in Lyon Hall, but I am also extremely eager to learn more about either of the Great Wars. I find that history fascinating. The inside of the room exudes an air of remembrance and the tour was appropriately solemn as we entered. Inside was a list of the names of Cornell graduates and students that fell victim to Europe’s political games in World War I – a tragic waste of young lives. We did not receive as much time as I would have liked to explore the room, but the University offers tours a few times a year which I plan on attending. The folded flag, which is meant as a tribute to the country and armed forces, was the perfect touch. Below are a few photos of the list of World War I victims and a copy of the letter written by the President Hoover.

The tour was a touching experience and I look forward to the next tour of the War Memorial room, where I’ll hopefully learn even more about Cornell’s rich history.