When William H. Beardshear became president of Iowa Agricultural College in 1891, he persuaded the railroads throughout Iowa to offer special excursion rates for peple to come to Ames to spend a day on campus. From that program, the VEISHEA tradition developed, starting in 1922.  The campanile is in the center background and the Dinkey tracks are seen in the foreground. Over the top of the trees on the left can be seen the tent used during the Excursion Day festival. This photo was taken from Agricultural Hall. (Farwell T. Brown Photographic Archive)

The 1904 Festival would feature a speech by college president Storms and a ceremony for the laying of the cornerstone for the new Central Building.  Included is an architectural rendering of the proposed structure, which would later be known as Beardshear Hall.  Upon completion in 1906, it would differ slightly from the festival program drawing.

This half-tone of the 1908 Excursion Day celebration was captured from the top of the newly constructed Central Hall.  Agriculture Hall and the Campanile flank the Excursion Day tent.