Repository: UIHistories Project: Dedication - Harker Hall [PAGE 12]

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n August 16, 1896, a fire destroyed the roof and much of the interior of the Chemical Laboratory. President Draper's report to the Board of Trustees indicates that the fire was believed to be caused by lightning. Charred joists can still be seen in the attic today. ** Kicker's colleague in the architecture department, James M. White, was placed in charge of the repairs. White chose to replace the nansara rooi wnn a hip roof, supported by wood trusses with metal tension rods. The trusses were a quick method of enclosing the structure. Because the trusses were supported by the exterior walls, they allowed flexibility in planning the interior repairs. **- The new roof reduced the old fourth floor to an attic. Other changes included the removal of the original exterior stairs, and the reconfiguration of the north and west entrances. T h e Chemical Laboratory Turns To Law. In 1902, the University's destiny for greatness led the chemistry department to move on to newer facilities, while the College of Law took over the old Chemical Laboratory, converting it to classrooms and a library, ** Later, the Law Building was renamed Harker Ha in honor of Judge Oliver A. Harker, a former trustee who served as Dean of the College of Law from 1903 until 1916. ** Harker Hall served the College of Law until 1927. Since then, it has filled a variety of uses to meet the University's destinv for ureatnes?