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Going up: Retiring the Johnston Hall elevator

By Tim Cigelske, Comm '04 | Photo by Kevin Pauly, Comm '10

The Johnston Hall elevator: Ride at your own risk.

It's safe to say not many will mourn the Johnston Hall elevator when it's finally replaced later this school year. Over the years, the notorious lift reached legendary status for Johnston Hall denizens.

"There was a rumor going around that the Johnston elevator was so old it needed to be repaired with submarine parts," says Kaitie Kovach, Comm '10.

"Got stuck in that elevator on Friday the 13th with five other people," said Suzanne Sando, Comm '07. "Not fun!"

"The elevator once opened for me late at night right before I pushed the call button," says Public Safety Officer Andrew Fleck. "No one inside."

"The haunted elevator in Johnston? It sounded like anguished souls of the departed were trying to claw their way in," says Otto Heck, Arts '04.

The old elevator, first installed in 1938, has caused problems for Diederich College of Communication students, faculty and staff as far back as anyone can remember. Over the years, the building's residents have learned to live with the elevator's well-known quirks. Sometimes, for example, the door repeatedly stutters open and shut, but the elevator won't move. The elevator also rumbles as it reaches the basement.

The elevator's reputation is one reason that Herb Lowe, Jour  '84 and a professional in residence in the college, often takes the stairs.

"My primary rule upon entering an elevator," he jokes, "is looking to see who else gets in the elevator with me and quickly deciding whether I want to get stuck with this person."

Dr. James Scotton had the dubious distinction of riding in the elevator's inaugural journey after its 1982 renovation, when he was dean of the old College of Journalism. For that occasion, Scotton and about eight or nine others brought champagne with them to toast the trip. Then they all got stuck between the fourth and fifth floors.  

They called Public Safety for help. After awhile, a voice called out and said it would take some time before the group could be freed.  

Students started getting hot and nervous. Scotton tried to lighten the atmosphere with humor by calling Rev. Dick McGarrity, S.J., assistant to the then-academic vice president and a personal friend.

"Have we paid for that renovated elevator in Johnston Hall yet?" Scotton asked him.

"Well, I don't think so," replied a baffled McGarrity.

"Then hold the check," Scotton said.  

If anyone wants to risk such an adventure and take the elevator for a ride for old time's sake, there's still some time before the new elevator is slated for completion in January 2011.

Dr. Bill Thorn, chair of the Department of Journalism, has had his share of memorable run-ins with the Johnston Hall elevator. Read a few of his favorite stories.