HILL AUDITORIUM'S HERITAGE

Hill Auditorium achieves its historic significance through several criteria recognized by the National Register of Historic Places, and it was officially recognized by listing on the register in 1978. Architecturally, it is important because of its association with renowned Detroit architect Albert Kahn. It is also a fine example of an architectural type—an auditorium designed to provide a large seating capacity while creating the superb acoustical environment crucial for fine musical performances, lectures, and other social events. To the University and the community, Hill Auditorium is synonymous with the best in the performing arts and therefore is an important part of the cultural heritage of thousands of people.

Arthur Hill's vision, love of Michigan and the arts, and his generous gift are the true cornerstones of Hill Auditorium. He helped the University satisfy the need for a world-class auditorium for musical performances and orators.

Born in 1847, Arthur Hill grew up in Saginaw and worked in his father's sawmill. A teacher recognized his potential and convinced his dad to send him to college. At the U-M, Arthur Hill earned a degree in civil engineering (Class of 1865). He also studied procedures of law at Michigan.

Worked for seven years as a "land looker," walked every county in Michigan carrying a 70-pound backpack to locate and estimate timber quantities for the state and federal governments.

He went into the lumber business with his brother, the first of many business successes. Served as mayor of Saginaw and, in 1901, was appointed to a vacant seat on the U-M Board of Regents.

Hill Auditorium can trace its history to the shortcomings of an earlier assembly building known as University Hall, a building criticized for its structural and aesthetic design. After the first May Festival was held there in 1894, U-M leaders started talking about the possibilities of a new auditorium and an architect prepared sketches. No funds were forthcoming, and the original plans have since disappeared.

In the course of unsuccessfully trying to convince others to invest in a new auditorium, Regent Hill became personally interested. He amended his will in 1904 to bequeath $200,000 to construct an auditorium. Arthur Hill suffered a stroke Dec. 3, 1909, and died three days later, at age 63. It was only then that the University learned of Arthur Hill's generous, unsolicited gift.

The Regents continued to look into a new auditorium, which President Angell had identified as the University's highest priority.

The University staged its first major event, the 20th annual May Festival, on May 14, 1913, to a full and enthusiastic house.

The program featured the Choral Union and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. A new choral work was offered as a testimonial of gratitude to Arthur Hill.

On June 25, 1913, Hill Auditorium was formally dedicated. U.S. Senator Charles Townsend (Class of '77-'78) gave the dedicatory address. President Emeritus James Angell presented Hill Auditorium to the University, saying, "Long may it endure as the gathering place of the many friends of the University on great festival days and as the memorial of one of her most generous and devoted sons."