Professors emeriti Wally and Diane Pretzer argue for preserving Hanna Hall & Gish Film Theater.
Is history important? We think that it is. The current BGSU administration, headed by President Mary Ellen Mazey, apparently does not think so. Some of us objected,a few years ago, to the demolition of the unique house on the corner of East Wooster and South College, built from a Montgomery Ward kit, which had served the Department of Popular Culture for a number of years. President Mazey takes great pride in the Health Center now located there; it could have been constructed elsewhere on campus. But, when the current administration dictates, the Board of Trustees falls into submission.
Progress is, of course, important; however, when it thoughtlessly pushes history aside, one can become discouraged. What has, we think, become an egregious dismissal of history is the eventual planned demolition of a gem — namely the Gish Film Theater in Hanna Hall. This gem encompasses not only the theater itself (formerly 105 Hanna Hall) but also the accompanying gallery of memorabilia honoring the Gish sisters’ achievements, and the Ralph Wolfe Viewing Center. It is certainly possible that Dean Ray Braun of the College of Business Administration, which is scheduled to take over a remodeled Hanna Hall, could approve of keeping the Gish complex in its current location as a treasure in shared space. It is also possible that the College of Business Administration could happily occupy a building elsewhere on campus, leaving the most traditional BGSU buildings, Hanna, University, and Moseley Halls, retaining their focus on the arts and sciences. The current university administration’s focus is clearly only on business; might President Mazey want neon lights along East Wooster to point out the relocated College of Business Administration, thus diminishing the importance of the arts and sciences?
It would be helpful, we hope, if others would speak for and write about preserving the Gish Film Theater and its related aspects in their present location. Make an appointment to talk with President Mazey and/or Provost Rodney Rogers, or send an e-mail, or write a letter in support of this preservation.
Wally and Diane Pretzer
Bowling Green
