ASL Goes Home!
On Wednesday afternoon, April 28, 2004, flames raged through Blair Hall, destroying Eastern Illinois University's third oldest building. The roof collapsed onto the building's third story, where stone arches were the only architecture visible through the fire, smoke, and water. Despite the extreme damage, no injuries or fatalities occurred. "ASL National Office Building Ravaged by Fire" Spring 2004
Shirley Melton settles into her new
ASL office in Blair Hall
For several years, Blair Hall had been the home base for the ASL National Office. Now, not only ASL, but many faculty and staff would be moved throughout campus and the community as decisions were made about the future of Blair Hall. The ASL office was one that was relocated off campus. Nearly two years later, they returned home to Blair Hall, renovated and restored.
Contractors worked hard to maintain the original historic structure of the building. Marble stairwells that were not damaged were cleaned up as well as original tiling on the main floors. Not part of the original structure, the previous one-level mezzanine add-on was remodeled to give both the first and second floors additional office space.
Shirley Melton, ASL National Office manager reports that the new offices are "exquisite and roomy." She adds that she, as well as the other ASL individuals are glad "to be home."
Melton is joined in the new offices by National Executive Director Kaye Woodward, Membership Development Chairman William C. Hine, and Director of Conferences
Pamela Collins. EIU's ASL Epsilon Xi chapter also calls Blair Hall home.