The Rosemary D. Blankley ’57 Gatehouse Arch and Walkway

The moongate arch rendering for a new construction project.

Progress in the Making: Rosemary D. Blankley ’57 Gatehouse Arch and Walkway

Sunlight filters through a pink blossoming tree as construction begins on the Rosemary D. Blankley ’57 Gatehouse Arch and Walkway near the Alumni House.

Construction Begins

April 14: A new gateway begins.

On a perfect spring day, construction kicks off on the Rosemary D. Blankley ’57 Gatehouse Arch and Walkway near The Alumni House at Blankley Hall—reimagining a key campus entry point as a place where community and Arcadia history come together.

What this means for Arcadia alumni: a more welcoming arrival, clearer pathways, and a space designed to reflect the character and legacy of Arcadia University from the moment you step on campus.

Follow along with weekly updates to see the transformation take shape and track progress every step of the way.

Construction materials, including planks, rods, plywood, and fencing, are arranged around the Rosemary D. Blankley ’57 Gatehouse Arch and Walkway near the Alumni House, indicating ongoing work in progress.

Restructuring and Foundation Work

April 24: Rebar placement begins to shape the future arch.

Exciting progress at The Alumni House at Blankley Hall! Today marks the start of rebar installation, laying the foundation for a strong and enduring rebuild of the Rosemary D. Blankley ’57 Gatehouse Arch and Walkway.

Stay tuned as this meaningful space takes shape once again.

During week four, construction shows progress for rebar phase of The Rosemary D. Blankley ’57 Gatehouse Arch and Walkway.

Restructuring Continues

May 18: Concrete and Reinforcement Work Advances.

Construction on the Rosemary D. Blankley ’57 Gatehouse Arch and Walkway has continued. Rebar is carefully being placed to then be reinforced by poured concrete to make the structure stronger than ever! Stay tuned for the next steps of the rebuild.

Rebuilding the Gatehouse Arch: Celebrating Generosity and Community

Beaver College Foundation is proud to join the Arcadia community in celebrating a $1M gift from Life Trustee Rosemary D. Blankley ’57, ’06H, designated to restore the University’s iconic Gatehouse Arch, with construction now underway. The arch and its pathway, located perpendicular to The Alumni House at Blankley Hall, will be known as The Rosemary D. Blankley ’57 Gatehouse Arch and Walkway.

Thank You to Our Donors

Rosemary D. Blankley ’57, ’06H
Ken Samen ’92 and Melissa Samen ’93
Michael Berger
Barbara Breeden ’69
Elizabeth Warshawsky ’62
Susan C. Saxer ’71

As married alumni who met during our time at the school, we recognize the Gateway Arch’s vital significance for both the historical and future aspects of the property and the University–it is worthy of our financial support to be rebuilt. Initially built as an entrance to the William Walsh Harrison estate, the arch guided visitors along a tree-lined lane to Rosedale Hall. Although plans changed when Rosedale Hall was destroyed by fire, its successor, Grey Towers, offered a more majestic vision for those visiting the estate. After then-Beaver College acquired the property, the arch became a beacon of safety and higher learning, motivating students to pursue their aspirations. We eagerly anticipate the day when observers peering through the arch will witness the boundless opportunities Arcadia University offers.”

Melissa ‘93 and Ken ‘92 Samen

Arcadia University’s “Gatehouse Arch”

History

The Gatehouse Arch has been part of Arcadia’s grounds since the construction of the Harrison Estate in the 1890s. Having graced campus for 129 years, it was removed in 2020 owing to concerns over structural instability.

Arcadia University obtained the necessary authorization to dismantle the Arch, and subsequently the projected restoration expenditure is approximately $1M. In accordance with preservation principles, efforts have been made to salvage and repurpose as much of the original materials as feasible, thereby safeguarding the architectural integrity and historical weight of the monument.

Significance

The Gatehouse Arch has a significant iconic place at the University. It served as an entry point for students of Beaver College and Arcadia University. It remains an important part of the legacy of Beaver College and had been a visual symbol of our community identity—a landmark for Glenside and the surrounding communities.

Today, the Alumni House at Blankley Hall, which originally serves as a welcome point for visitors, will be complete with the return of The Gatehouse Arch.

Three students walk out of the Blankley Hall Moon Gate. The Blankley Alumni House is visible through the arch.

The upper half of the Blankley Hall Moon Gate at Arcadia University. The top of the arch has begun to turn teal.

A close-up of the top of the Blankley Hall Moon Gate arch at Arcadia. The arch is labeled

A close-up of the Blankley Hall Moon Gate. The exterior of the tunnel is labeled

Four students walk in front of Moon Gate arch in front of Blankley Hall. The entrance's exterior is labeled

A black-and-white photo of the Blankley Hall Moon Gate from 1962. The outside of the arch is labeled

A black-and-white photo of the Blankley Hall Moon Gate in 1959. The Blankley Alumni house can be seen behind the arch.

A black-and-white photo of the tunnel of the Blankley Hall Moon Gate from 1957. Two metal gargoyles are attached to the sides of the tunnel. Easton Road is visible on the other side of the tunnel.

A black-and-white photo of the Blankley Hall Moon Gate from 1910. Blankley Hall can be seen behind the arch.

A vintage photo of a gargoyle on Blankley Hall’s former Moongate with an ivy-covered brick wall.

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The Easton Road Arch circa. 1962.

The Easton Road Arch circa. 1959.

The Easton Road Arch circa. 1957.

The Easton Road Arch, circa. 1910.

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