Commemoration of the Gates
On June 11, 1955 a small crowd gathered for the dedication ceremony of the iron gates. Upon the conclusion of the Round-Up Luncheon hosted by the University Alumni Association, the small ceremony commenced with Carillion music and a brief overview of the work of the Iron Gates Committee. Professor Richard D. Moritz spoke at the ceremony, reminiscing about his younger years at the University and his memories of the fence. [10]
Adelloyd Williams gave a speech that showed just how meaningful the gates were to the University and especially the alumni. She expressed fond remembrances of the gates as she referred to them as "literally the gateway to the campus." [1] She described the work of the Iron Gates Committee with a strong sense of purpose and pride along with gratitude for Ralph Mueller. The importance and lasting legacy of the gates are understood most with the last lines of Williams' speech: "These gates are the last link between the old and new University. May they serve as a memorial to the past and a gateway to the future." [1]
With the restoration and dedication ceremony of the gates finished, there was only one piece left to the completion of this project. It would be almost a year until the two plaques commemorating the gates would arrive to be secured on the gates. The plaques arrived in late January, 1956 and were dedicated during the 1956 Round-Up Luncheon from June 8-11, 1956. [15, 16]
The words engraved on the plaque are based off of the last few lines of Adelloyd William's speech she gave the previous year at the old iron gates dedication ceremony.
Plaque one:
"Through These Gates Between the Years 1892-1926 Passed both students and faculty members of the University of Nebraska when they stood as entrances to the original campus. The restoration of these gates, on June 11, 1955, was made possible through the generosity of Ralph Mueller, '98."
Plaque two:
"These Gates 1892-1926 Are the last link between the old and the new University. May they serve as a memorial to the past and a gateway to the future. The restoration of these gates, on June 11, 1955, was made possible through the generosity of Ralph Mueller, '98."
These gates bring the alumni and students of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln back to the time when U Hall in 1892 was the center of university life. These gates serve as a lasting connection to the origins of this campus and will serve to future generations as something to look back on to recognize how much this University has grown and accomplished.