The reconstruction of Memorial Bell Tower, a landmark that has been absent from PA for nearly a year, will be completed in time for the May Board of Trustees meeting, according to the Office of Physical Plant (OPP). Project Manager for the Bell Tower Reconstruction John Galanis said that the inscription phase of the project is currently in progress. The stones, worn by natural weathering, are being replaced and engraved with the names from the original bell tower’s stones. The early landscaping stages began on April 3, 2006, and should be completed within the next several weeks. The construction of the Memorial Bell Tower included replacement of damaged granite and bricks, along with the addition of a sturdier brick-clad masonry core for extra support. Thirty bells, operated electronically from the tower’s base, have replaced the manual carillon. Reconstruction began in the spring of 2005, with generous gifts from alumni. By January 2005, more than $4.7 million had been raised for the project. Architect Guy Lowell designed the tower, which was based on the steeple of Boston’s historic Old South Meeting House, and dedicated in 1923 to the 85 Andover alumni who died in World War I. Lead gifts were contributed by Trustee Emeritus David M. Underwood ’54 and the Weaver family—David ’61, daughter Christina Weaver Vest ’89 and son Andres ’92. Other generous contributors include, Los Angeles Times owner and publisher Otis Chandler ’46, F. Frederick Jordan Jr. ’43, and Helen Donegan of Laguna Hills, Calif., who has no connection to PA other than her frienship with Jordan and Donald S. Burns ’43. Crosby Kemper ’45 and John Ryan ’45 issued a challenge grant to their classmates, raising money during their 60th reunion last summer.
