Heemstra Hall and the Lost Memories

The Northwestern College Alumni magazine was delivered to my apartment today and I found that Heemstra Hall was honored through an article that made an interesting discovery.  Apparently, as the NWC maintenance department was working through the demolition stages of the condemned dormitory, a time capsule was discovered amongst the rubble.  Only problem was, most of it's contents were destroyed.  The building was so old that it could no longer sustain much of the water damage due to the extensive amounts of snow and water Heemstra Hall had to endure for over half a century.  The capsule was unable to shield itself enough from water leakage and most of the documents suffered from sticky pages and smudged ink.

the contents of the capsule, for the most part, were luckily archived in the library's files as well so not much loss was taken.  But one document was a letter from former President Jacob Heemstra (who the dorm was named after) did not have a clone waiting in the library.  Sad to know we'll never know what he said exactly, but it is cool to hear a letter from Mr. Heemstra himself was waiting to be found by a future generation.

One book however, A Guide For Conduct, was found reminding everyone of the dorm's femininity.  Yes, for those who don't know, Heemstra Hall used to be a female dormitory, and the Guide for Conduct illustrates just what type of restrictions and freedoms the women of NWC had in the early to mid 1900's...

"In the Guide for Conduct, one learns women were required to be in their dorm by 7:30 on weeknights. They had to sign in and out, giving their destination and name of escort, and when leaving town, were given a card to return with the signature of their host or parent. Rooms were to be clean and ready for inspection anytime after 8 a.m."

I think any who lived in Heemstra Hall in it's last decade will never deny that the Dorm was to meet it's end at some point, what with the lack of fire escapes and it's rinkity building structure, but I don't think anyone could have prepared for the impact it had when the announcement was made that Heemstra Hall was condemned.  It truly was home for us who embraced the lifestyle and become apart of it's many oddities and unique features that made it stick out like a sore thumb.  When the image of it's first demolition stages finally hit Facebook, comments  were thrown out a dime a dozen....


"Hey look, there's still dishes and trash in the 3rd floor prayer room! :)"
"Was this before or after they demoed it? Seems about how I remember it."
"You can see the pee stains on the walls from when I was too lazy to walk to the bathroom."
"Oh the plethora of memories of D's and P's flocking around the halls."
"No more Nasketball! I'm sad and happy about this at the same time."

OK, ok, these comments seem to be on the satirical side, but make no mistake, the dorm's destruction came as a drastic blow to the junk for all who lived there.

Out of all the memories lingering up in this old noggin' of mine, Heemstra Hall will be one of the fondest memories of my lifetime.  "Nudity builds community" is the motto I can always live my life by.  I know what you're probably thinking, but don't take it the wrong way...at least for the most part.  Sure, we had our many, MANY de-clothed activities, such as the Freshman Shared Experience, Nasketball, community showers, Soapman, and Hi-Dic, (Yes, I broke the first rule, sorry guys) but the motto extends further than just the physical act of being naked.  It represents coming into the real world as yourself, not holding back because society dictates it or peer pressure demands it, just coming as yourself and allowing your imagination and diligence flow out to nourish the world.  To not leave this institute of education with a mere academic knowledge geared to get you a job, but to have obtained an education to better yourself and the world around you.  Thanks Heemstra, you guys made my educational experience that much better.

In honor of the now deceased Dorm, here is a picture parade for you're enjoyment.  Don't get TOO weirded out, ok?