University of Wisconsin - Madison

Carillon Tower at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

Links to Carillon Inventories
GCNA	Tower Bells	Bok Tower Gardens

A fire in 1916 destroyed the dome on Bascom Hall and classes from 1917 through 1926 contributed their senior gifts that totaled $28,542 towards rebuilding the dome, but it became clear that that was not possible for the funds available. It was then proposed (not sure by whom) to build a free-standing tower to hold a carillon. This was approved and s federal public work grant of $11,800 was awarded for the project in 1934. Construction began in 1934 and a contract with the Gillett and Johnston Bell Foundry in Croyden, England for 25 bells was awarded in 1935 after competitive bids were received.

The bells were first played on March 15, 1936 by Norris Wentworth '24, who had been chairman of the carillon committee. A series of concerts was held before the formal dedication on June 20, 1936 by Ira Schroeder.

Five additional bells were added in 1937 and the carillon was expanded to 51 bells in 1963. Five large bells were added in 1973 bringing the total to 56 bells.

References
1932 "Plan Campanile Housing 26 Bells on U.W. Campus," The Wisconsin State Journal, December 20, 1932, Page 2.

1933 "U.W. Bell Tower Plans Ready: To Ask Bids on Construction," The Capital Times, February 19, 1933, Page 3.

1934 "Grant Speeds Tower Plans," Wisconsin State Journal, July 1, 1934, Page 8.
Carillon Shaft to Rise Soon, Belief. A public work grant of $11,800 for the University of Wisconsin's long-hoped-for bell tower should start construction soon.

1934 "Regent Body O.K.'s Low Bid on Bell Tower," The Capital Times, September 23, 1934, Page 3.

1935 "University Bell Tower In An 'Ideal Setting'," The Oshkosh Northwestern, June 3, 1925, Page 18.
According to Cyril Johnston of a famous Croyden, England, bell casting firm.

1935 "English Contract on Carillon Bells Gets Regent O.K.," Wisconsin State Journal, June 23, 1935, Page 7.
Gillett & Johnston, Ltd., of Croydon, Eng., to furnish 25 bells and equipment. The total cost completely installed, and including duty, will be $10,720.
A protest against purchase of the bells from an English firm was lodged with Pres. Roosevelt last week by John C. Deagan, Inc., a Chicago firm, which submitted a bid. The Chicago company declared the chimes should be purchased in the United States, since federal funds were used In construction of the Carillon tower.

1936 "Strains of 'On Wisconsin' Won't Be Unfamiliar to Carillon Bells," The Capital Times, January 26, 1936, Page 5.
Rev., Mrs. Nelson Tested 23 Bells at Foundry in England.

1936 "Long Awaited U.W. Carillon Bells Arrive," The LaCrosse Tribune, February 14, 1936, Page 5.

1936 "Carillon at Wisconsin to Be In Operation Soon," Green Bay Press-Gazette, February 24, 1936 Page 7.

1936 "'Ring Out Bells!' They Will Today," The Capital Times, March 15, 1936, Page 1 | Part 2 |
U.W. Carillon Tower Is Formally Opened Today. Concert is at Noon; Public Inspection from 2-4.

1936 "To Dedicate Carillon at University," Portage Daily Register-Democrat, June 20, 1936, Page 1.

2017 The Carillon Returns! May 26, 2017

Carillon Tower near the Social Sciences Building