BECK HALL

The announcement that Beck Hall is to be sold at auction brings up a line of memories and traditions that are unmistakably associated with Harvard. It means that one of the most colorful buildings of a most colorful epoch must make way for newer developments. But aside from this sentimental attitude that forgets all of the bad plumbing, and the creaking floors, there is a very palpable point which should not be overlooked. With this new sale about to be negotiated, the question is, what is the attitude of the University going to be.

The extensive building campaign that Harvard has been carrying out in the past few years makes it imperative that the University officials secure all of the available property in this vicinity. Construction of one sort or another has been going on in all of the vacant ground in this section of Cambridge with absolutely no attention or attempt to preserving a few open grass plots. The building plans of the college seem to be aiming at creating a closely packed community of buildings. Should such a goal be achieved, and at present there is no reason to doubt its success, the result will be a city college in a highly unattractive background. The lastest rumor is that there are to be two new Freshman dormitories in the Yard. The trend toward congestion is growing by leaps and bounds.

With the opportunity to secure more ground with the sale of Beck Hall, the University might be able to reduce some of the present congestion and give the vicinity of Harvard Square less of the appearance of a factory district. Although the authorities have recently given up opportunities to purchase even more favorable ground, still there is sufficient reason to consider seriously the purchase of that under present consideration. Although regard for landscaping is at present not in vogue, it is more than likely that succeeding generations will not hold the same views and any provisions for this future time must be judicious.