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More elevator memories

Photo by Kevin Pauly, Comm '10

The infamous Johnston Hall elevator is finally being replaced, but students, faculty and alumni won't forget some of its more memorable rides. Dr. Bill Thorn, chair of the Department of Journalism, shares a few favorite stories from years past.

After he stepped down as dean of the then-College of Journalism, George Reedy continued to teach several courses, including the very popular Media and Politics. As the press secretary for Pres. Lyndon Johnson, Reedy brought his experiences into classes and discussions.

Because of foot problems, Reedy always took the elevator. On his way to class one afternoon, he was trapped in the elevator with several of his students when the elevator stalled between the second and third floors.  

When Public Safety (officers) arrived, they were able to open the elevator doors on the third floor and the inner door of the elevator carriage. The space between the top of the carriage and the third floor was large enough for students to climb out.

Reedy, however, decided to wait for the elevator mechanics to raise the carriage level with the third floor. Thus for nearly a half hour, Reedy entertained those gathered around the elevator door with stories from his years with Lyndon Johnson.

The first time I was trapped in the elevator, I was on my way to my third-floor office with my mail and the New York Times. Between the second and third floors it shuddered to a halt, so I rang the alarm bell. The position of the carriage did not allow escape, so I sat on the floor and read both my mail and the day's copy of the New York Times before the elevator serviceman arrived and raised the carriage enough for me to step off.

A much more unusual incident occurred as I was on my way up to the fourth floor for a 2 p.m. class. With my notes, the textbook and a cup of coffee, I was a bit surprised when the elevator passed the fourth floor on its way up, but prepared to get out at the fifth floor and take the stairs. But the elevator stopped on the fifth floor and immediately began to descend. It continued descending until it reached the basement, then immediately began ascending. As the elevator continued to rise to the fifth floor then return to the basement several times in succession, I used the internal phone to call Public Safety.

The officer assured me she would send help, and I asked her to contact the college office to have them inform students I might be a few minutes late for class. Then I sat on the floor, drinking coffee and reviewing my class notes. Within 10 minutes I heard Public Safety officers calling out as I passed from one floor to another. I heard them again on the return trip, then silence.

After 20 minutes of riding the runaway elevator, I called Public Safety again. The operator was shocked that I was still in the elevator, because the officers had not heard from me and decided I had managed to escape.

After 45 minutes of nonstop travel, the elevator stopped in the basement and the doors finally opened.

Other elevator incidents, such as doors not wanting to close, gave every ride on the elevator the possibility of a new and different adventure.

Do you have a funny story about the Johnston Hall elevator? Share it in the comments box below.