The new Harvard Union will be open today for the first time, for the inspection of visitors, from 12 to 5 o'clock. It will also be open on commencement Day from 12 to 1, and from 3 to 6 o'clock. The work of the builders is now practically completed, and a few finishing touches are all that are necessary to make the Union ready for occupancy.
One of the last portions to be finished is the large living room, which takes up the entire southern front, and is three stories high. The walls are wainscoted with oak, and memorial tablets are to be placed in some of the panels. Twenty-four memorial panels have already been set up, and the others will be put in as soon as they are decided upon. At each end of the room is a large fireplace. Over the eastern fireplace three national emblems have been carved in the stonework, and a bust of Washington has been placed on the mantel. Under the bust is the following motto:
"Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair"--Washington.
Over the western fireplace are carved the seal of Harvard College, of Cambridge University, and of John Harvard's college--Emmanuel--at Cambridge. A bust of John Harvard is on the mantel, and under it are these words:
"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour than silver and gold."
The floor of the room is surrounded by a stone border, and all of the middle is covered by a large rug. The furniture consists of settles, easy chairs, large and small tables, and writing desks.
The western wing on the ground floor is taken up by three large reading rooms, finished in red, which contain a number of chairs and small tables. The two end rooms will be used also for games while the middle on will serve as a periodical reading room, and will probably contain the trophy cases.
A large grill room finished in oak takes up the whole southern part of the east wing, and is intended for visitors and odd meals, but not for regular boarders. Next to the grill room is a pantry, connected by dumb-waiters with the kitchen beneath, and beyond this is a smaller dining room for private dinners.
The room to the right, as on enters the Union by the main door is intended for the book-keeper, and all minor business matters connected with members will be settled here. On the left of the entrance are a small visitors' room, two coat rooms, and two telephones.
A little to the east of the main entrance is a smaller entrance intended for the use of members accompanied by ladies. A private staircase leads from this entrance to the second floor.
The left wing on this floor is occupied by several large rooms opening into each other, which can be used for a variety of purposes. One will probably be a ladies dining room, and next to it is a good sized pantry. The other two rooms will be for committee College clubs. When desired, however, these rooms can be used for a dance or a reception. A private room for ladies is situated at the top of the side stairs; and lavatories for general use have been placed on every floor.
The western wing contains three large library rooms. These rooms are furnished with oak book shelves running out into Directly over the main entrance is the Freshman billiard room. This room is about 30x44 feet, and is lighted by five large windows. On this floor there is also a balcony which allows one to look down on the living room. The balcony, which is exactly over the Washington mantel, contains a loft for an organ or piano, but as yet none has been put in. The two wings on the third floor are taken up by a number of bed rooms. About six of these are intended for the use of graduates or members who wish to spend the night at the Union. A room is also provided for the steward; and a larger one for some of the servants. In the middle of this floor are situated the offices of the Advocate and the Monthly, which are as yet unfinished. Read more in News