Historic stone gate to be relocated, time capsule discovered

September 28, 2015

Memorial Gateway, the landmark stone entrance to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater that has stood for more than 80 years, is being relocated as part of a traffic intersection improvement project.

Work is underway to move the stone gates 75 feet north of their current location near Main Street. Experts in masonry construction and historical preservation are helping to ensure the structural and aesthetic integrity of the gateway. Each individual stone is being carefully removed, cleaned and catalogued.

"The contractor is taking a multitude of photos that show where every stone is located relative to the monument," said Jeff Klamik, campus facilities engineer. "They're even analyzing samples of the mortar blend to match it as closely as possible."

Constructed in 1934 as a gift from the graduating classes of 1928 through 1935, the stone gates were built as an entrance to the driveway that led to Old Main.

Over the years, the widening of Main Street and subsequent improvements to the intersection - traffic lights, sidewalks, curb cuts and crosswalks - have made the gateway a visual barrier. The relocation will mean a safer intersection for pedestrians and drivers alike.

Earlier this month, as they removed the westernmost pillar, workers discovered a time capsule embedded in the stones and mortar.

"They noticed some corrosion on it, and placed it in a freezer as a precaution to prevent any further damage to the documents inside," said Karen Weston, university archivist.

Weston said plans are underway to open time capsule later this fall. Information will be communicated with the campus community about the event on a later date.