The Mustang

Issue date: 10/20/05 Section: Front Page

Media Credit: Torey Reese Old Main

An historic photo of the first WNMU building called Old Main was unveiled on October 12 to the School of Education. The 4-foot by 5-foot photo was donated to the School of Ed. by the staff of the Miller library. It had been sitting in the library vault for many years and University librarian Julie Miller said that it was "always in the way there."

The photo was taken to Marley's Frame Shop, on Broadway, to be reframed. It had suffered some minor damage because of its age and was still in the original frame. The WNMU Foundation and the Friends of the Miller library paid for the repairs. With its new framing it is expected to survive hundreds of years.

The photo is thought to have been taken by Jesse Bingaman in the 1950's. He was a former WNMU professor and is the late father of U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman.

There was an exhibit last year featuring Bingaman's work, which included the photo of Old Main. It was at that point that university officials thought the photo should be looked at.

Old Main was the first building of the newly created university and at one time housed the library in the top floor. It consisted of three floors, which according to the WNMU Alumni Office included eight rooms, a basement and assembly hall. Its location atop a hill on College Avenue was positioned so that it overlooked the entire town.

Western started as a school known for its education, so the Miller library staff found it fitting to have it displayed in the School of Education.

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