Century-old FitzRandolph Gate undergoes its first restoration

FitzRandolph Gate, the historic main entrance to campus, is undergoing its first restoration since its construction in 1905. The restoration will be completed in time for the gate's 100th anniversary this winter, said Louis Dursi, associate director of grounds and buildings maintenance.

The restoration project, funded through the University's major maintenance program, will precisely replicate the design and materials of the original gates.

"The structural members, hinges and bearings, ornamental pieces and lighting, together with all missing parts, will be duplicated and restored," Dursi said.

Due to its poor condition and to provide a prototype for subsequent work on FitzRandolph Gate and the western gates, the University's eastern gate was rebuilt in 1998.

"The schedule of remaining work was a matter of the condition of the gates, funding and the timing of other work associated with north campus," Dursi explained.

The metal work from the main and western gates was removed in July and shipped to the Van Noorden Historical Restoration contracting service in Massachusetts, while Springfield Fence Company in Vermont is forging the gate's ornate pieces.

"All new and restored parts, which will be constructed from authentic wrought iron from England, will be hand forged using traditional blacksmithing methods and tools," said Dursi.

Altogether, more than 230 pieces of cast metal are being replaced. The stone columns, including the two center ones with eagles on top, will remain during the restoration and passage through the gates is still possible, according to the University website.

Incoming freshmen marched through the gateless gate during the first annual Pre-Rade on Sunday.

The main entrance to campus "does not have quite the same panache," President Tilghman said. "But if you look straight ahead at Nassau Hall, the beautiful effect is still the same."

FitzRandolph Gate was a gift from Augustus van Wickle in memory of his ancestor Nathaniel FitzRandolph, who donated the plot of land on which Nassau Hall was built.

Prior to 1970, University tradition held that the gates were to be opened only on special occasions such as reunions and commencement, according to the website.

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At the request of the Class of 1970, the gates were permanently opened to "symbolize the generosity of the FitzRandolph family and the portal between Princeton and the world at large," said J.T. Miller '70, a member of the Princetoniana Committee, which is responsible for documenting and preserving the history of the University.

"The FitzRandolph gate is one of Princeton's most cherished icons and needs to be properly cared for," Miller added.

The University's major maintenance program is required periodically to replace or restore each part of campus to its best condition, Director of Physical Planning Jon Hlafter '61 said.

"In the case of our front entrance, there is no question that it should be restored to its 1905 appearance as authentically as possible," Hlafter added.

The gates are scheduled to return to campus and be reinstalled before the end of November.

President Tilghman said that the University will celebrate the gate's 100th birthday sometime in the winter of 2005.

"This is an important renewal for Princeton, especially the Class of 1970. We ought to have a real fun party involving both the campus community and the town," said Miller.