Our Landmark Library: Battle Hall at 100
Tour
Battle Hall is a typical early twentieth century library building type that features a grand reading room and an adjacent book stack.
This plan shows two of the three floors:
Main or First Floor (originally referred to as Ground floor in plan)
Second Floor (originally referred to as First floor in plan)
Not featured: Ground Floor (basement) plan or other five levels of book stack
Note that room configuration and use varied slightly as built and floor names changed over time. To make it more complicated, the stack room was assembled over time, as funds became available.
Throughout the building, there are character defining features and building technologies that were “state-of-the-art” in 1911. The landscape around the building has also changed over time. See the sections below for more information about the spaces within Battle Hall and the surrounding site.
Character-Defining Features
From its elegant staircase to its c.1911 state-of-the-art building systems, Battle Hall has numerous features that define its historic character. These details are what continue to feed research and scholarship on the building as well as the enjoyment of visitors. Enthusiasts continue to document and share features, such as the elevator, resulting in visitors from around the world.
Although some mechanical components are not in use anymore, like the internal vacuum system or the internal book delivery elevator in the stacks, you still find evidence throughout the building. Take a look around, inside and out, to observe the ornament in the zodiac signs, owls, dragons, cherubs, and other building adornments.
Staircase
One of the most remarkable features of the building is its staircase. Missing in this early construction photo are the intricate wrought iron balustrades and brass handrail.
In 1948, upon preparation of the dedication of the Barker Texas History Center, the original slate stairs were refurbished with new marble steps. The stairs may have worn down as early as 1936, as evidenced by a request for repairs by the Centennial Committee.
Domed "ceiling light"
The service desk, once called the receiving area or delivery hall in the library, is naturally lit through a leaded glass “ceiling light” or glass dome from the major roof top skylight. According to a photograph taken during construction of Battle Hall, the central medallion of the leaded glass dome once contained the seal of Texas, just as it was designed by the architect. The fabricator is not known. Sometime during the history of the building, this part of the dome was removed and replaced with a modest leaded glass pattern. The only plaster ornament in the building occurs in a ring around the leaded glass dome in the rotunda.
Doors, windows and hardware
The original specifications called for use of Red gum wood for all interior doors and window frames. A survey of Battle Hall's doors indicate that many of these extant doors are in good repair, but the windows need work. The only alteration is the addition of vents to some of the doors. Original cast door hardware is found throughout the building. In the Librarian's Office, one of the few remaining ornate door knob and back plate displays the seal of the University of Texas per the architect's design.
Ironwork
The ironwork company of H.B. Milmine of Toledo, Ohio, fabricated the wrought iron balconies on the exterior as well as the wrought iron balustrade that grace the interior staircase of the building. The firm reported one hundred and five employees around 1900. The general specifications allow for up to $800.00 for the wrought iron lanterns on either side of the main door on the east facade.
