The interior of Beaumont Tower is not open to the public. Interior plaques are not generally accessible.
This act granted lands for the endowment of colleges to provide for “liberal and practical education --- in the several pursuits and professions in life.” "Michigan Historical Commission Registered Site No. 1"
A gift from John W. and Alice B. Beaumont, the tower was dedicated in 1929 when MSU President McPherson’s grandfather Melville was on the Michigan State College governing board. John Beaumont, a Michigan State alumnus, was a professor at the Detroit College of Law in the late 1800’s. John Donaldson was the architect and Lee Lawrie the sculptor of the original tower.
The restoration project included renovation of the carillon mechanism, replacement of 20 of the 47 bells to match the shape and tonal quality of the originals, partial automation of the bottom 27 bells, and renovation of the clock, the Westminster chimes, and the tower structure.
With this restoration, the bells of Beaumont again serve as a source of inspiration and unity to the MSU community for generations to come."
A gift from John W. and Alice B. Beaumont, the tower was dedicated in 1929 when MSU President McPherson’s grandfather Melville was on the Michigan State College governing board. John Beaumont, a Michigan State alumnus, was a professor at the Detroit College of Law in the late 1800’s. John Donaldson was the architect and Lee Lawrie the sculptor of the original tower.
The restoration project included renovation of the carillon mechanism, replacement of 20 of the 47 bells to match the shape and tonal quality of the originals, partial automation of the bottom 27 bells, and renovation of the clock, the Westminster chimes, and the tower structure.
With this restoration, the bells of Beaumont again serve as a source of inspiration and unity to the MSU community for generations to come."
Dedication plaque (tower interior) - “Gift of John W. and Alice B. Beaumont. John M. Donaldson Architect. Lee Lawrie Sculptor. 1929. ‘For who, to dumb forgetfulness a prey. This pleasing anxious being e’er resigned. Left the warm precincts of the cheerful day. Nor cast one longing-lingering look behind?’ Erected on the site of Old College Hall.
Bell Stand with original bell and with two plaques honoring Wendall Westcott and Milton Muelder, (tower interior) -
Text for Wendall Westcott plaque - "Wendell James Westcott 1911-2010 For more than four decades, from 1941-1987, Wendell Westcott was University Carillonneur. Widely admired for his romantic playing style and his arrangements of popular music, he set an international standard of excellence. After receiving degrees from Michigan State University, he studied at the Royal Carillon School in Mechelen, Belgium, graduating “With Greatest Distinction,” the highest honor ever bestowed by the school. He was a talented performer and devoted teacher who continued playing the Beaumont carillon until he was 96."
Text for Milton Muelder plaque - Milton Epke Muelter 1908-2010 Milt Muelder served Michigan State University for more than 55 years as a teacher, administrator, and benefactor. He joined the faculty in 1935 as an instructor of history and later served as department chairperson, dean, vice president for research development, and dean of the Graduate School. He became the first executive director of the MSU Foundation in 1974. Many of his generous gifts to the university reflected his love of the arts, especially music. In 1996 he established the Muelder International Summer Carillon Recital Series, which brings carillon artists from around the world to the MSU campus.
Original bell with the words "A.D. 1952 Donated by M.S.C. Alumni" mounted on wooden stand.