- Dec 2017
-
engagements2017-18.as.virginia.edu engagements2017-18.as.virginia.edu
-
The advantages of this plan are, greater security against fire & infection; tranquillity & comfort to the Professors, and their families thus insulated; retirement to the Students
This line stuck out to me because living in the 21st century, these are not prominent issues that come to mind when constructing new buildings. However, in 1819 when UVa was being constructed, these were major concerns to consider. They did not have the same infrastructure, fire safety programs, or health programs and institutions that we have today. Before reading this section, I assumed that Jefferson's main intentions of this plan was to create a living space where professors and students are interconnected. The considerations mentioned here really put this entire document into perspective.
-
The Commissioners for the University of Virginia having met, as by law required at the tavern in Rockfish gap on the blue ridge, on the 1st. day of August of this present year 181
I find it very interesting that a hotel tavern was used as the location to discuss this matter. Furthermore, it is strange that the meeting that was held in this peculiar location was required by law. It seems like a rather informal setting for a formal and legally required meeting. This leads me to wonder if the development in the region was a contributing factor to this choice. Was a hotel tavern the most formal setting available to the commissioners?
-