Aug. 10, 2006

1928 cornerstone box uncovered from old nursing education building

Share this story

By Malorie Burkett

Fayez Dajani, a VCU construction project manager, works on opening the cornerstone. Photo courtesy of Tompkins-McCaw Library
Fayez Dajani, a VCU construction project manager, works on opening the cornerstone. Photo courtesy of Tompkins-McCaw Library

A cornerstone box dating back to 1928 recently was uncovered from Virginia Commonwealth University’s former Nursing Education Building.

When facilities management officials began demolition of the building, they located the cornerstone box which contained various documents including a copy of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, several newsletters and various photographs.

“The contents of the cornerstone were in pristine condition and it is one of the better cornerstones I’ve seen over the years,” said Jodi Koste, an archivist with VCU’s Tompkins-McCaw Library.

According to Koste, it was common in that time period to lay cornerstones in buildings. This one was laid Jan. 20, 1928, into what originally was Cabaniss Hall, a dormitory named for Sadie Heath Cabaniss, a pioneer nurse.

Though the cornerstone was laid in 1928, most of its contents managed to remain protected. Photo courtesy of Tompkins-McCaw Library
Though the cornerstone was laid in 1928, most of its contents managed to remain protected. Photo courtesy of Tompkins-McCaw Library

The building dedication for Cabaniss Hall took place later that year in September, which included Medical College of Virginia officials such as President William T. Sanger.

“It’s very exciting to know that someone as influential as President Sanger was involved in the dedication ceremony of the building, and that he possibly touched the contents of the cornerstone,” said Koste.

Cabaniss Hall was renovated for teaching purposes and renamed the Nursing Education Building In the 1960’s when a new high-rise women’s dormitory with quarters for 432 students was opened and named Cabaniss Hall.

For now, the cornerstone and its contents will remain at Tompkins-McCaw Library. 

Some of the various items retrieved from the cornerstone include newspapers, newsletters and photographs. Photo courtesy of Tompkins-McCaw Library
Some of the various items retrieved from the cornerstone include newspapers, newsletters and photographs. Photo courtesy of Tompkins-McCaw Library