Do you recognize this rooftop?
If you’re a Disney fan, you might. It’s rumored to have been the setting for the rooftop scene in one of their most famous movies. I doubt it really was but that’s the rumor.
It’s actually the roof of the oldest building on the campus of UC Berkeley, South Hall which was built in 1879. There used to be a corresponding North Hall but it is now the site of an ultra modern undergraduate library.
.Can you guess what field of interest this building houses? Perhaps philosophy or English? Some archaic field, no doubt. (I guess it depends on your way of thinking.)
It had been at least twenty years since I’d visited my Alma Mater but it is only fifteen minutes from my house. And so when out-of-town visitors wanted a tour, I stepped up to the challenge. I opted for a walking tour of the older part of the campus which is flatter by far than the rest and also passes this iconic landmark.
We were lucky because the tower was open and, for a small fee, we could climb up to the top.
Behind these two lovelies you can see the skyline of San Francisco, the Bay and just barely the Marin Headlands. From the tower we could also see the entire campus – north, south, east and west – which negated the need for further walking. I could just point out landmarks and other notable buildings giving us time for a visit to Yogurt Park.
The eight year old was happy because we’d arrived at precisely three o’clock and got to witness (and hear) the ringing of the bells.
Oh what a thrill. Afterward he staggered around pretending to have been deafened by the sound.
Any guesses on the famous Disney movie which contains a roof-top scene? How about the secrets of South Hall?
Saying nothing in particular 
I’ll go with Mary Poppins. The chimney sweep scene.
That’s right!
I want one of those special umbrellas.
I heard ICE raided MacArthur Park this morning and scared a bunch of kids … MacArthur Park = what were they hoping to find – the cake before it’s left out the rain and all that sweet cream frosting comes rolling down? Jiminy Cricket this country has gone mad.
About South Hall, I’ll say, engineering.
It did house the first physics lab in the country but now it is the School of Information. When I was there, the library of Librarianship was in the basement. It was a trippy place. Very Harry Potterish as I remember. Closed unfortunately when we were there.
Afternoon. You’ve made me nostalgic for the Bay Area. And for other parts of northern California. I always enjoyed them a whole lot. I hope I’ll get back some day.
I enjoyed the ride up 101 very much and Berkeley is always a trip
A trip down memory lane. What fun!
It was!
Was Mary Poppins a Disney movie?
Yup!
I am not a big Disney fan, but I was going to guess Mary Poppins too, so YAY me! Everyone who would know is now gone, but I kind of think my mom knew one of the people who jumped from the Campanile. If nothing else, she was a student there at the time (early 60s).
Funny how places are right in our backyard, but we don’t go visit until someone comes from out of town.
You’re right – there are so many places in the Bay Area that deserve more than the odd visit !
Thx!
No guesses today but a lovely post 💜💜💜
We’re often quick to believe the bad things. I choose to believe this rumor. Just because.
It is a building that piques the imagination that’s for sure!
I don’t know my Disney movies well enough to make a guess. It looks like a beautiful building and the smiles in the photo are spectacular. Cool place to go to college.
I enjoyed it but I was an older student and so didn’t stress not always getting As!
Nice images. The suicide barrier, is it a new thing now?
It’s been there at least twenty years I think.
I thought of Mary Poppins too. I’ve only been on the campus of UCLA but not UC Berkeley. What a view in spite of the barriers!
Amazing how many people recognized the rooftop! UCLA is a similar campus but larger in area I think.
From the campanile by the Strawberry Creek to one of the cafes behind Center Street used to be a nice walk when you needed to have a break
Ha I was there last week too. Took the grandkids and took the same photos in the same spots! 😉 My grandchildren were visiting…. and I admired that old building as well.
PS If you look toward the stadium from the campanile you can see the trace of the mighty Hayward Fault… or rather how it practically decapitated Strawberry Creek. It comes more or less straight down the hill behind the stadium and then does a 90 degree dogleg where it is offset by the fault before continuing west again towards SF Bay. (The stadium was also offset and required major repairs!)
I didn’t notice that but then I don’t have your expertise! I went to Cal for 4 years and during the time the tower was close – too many jumpers!
Thanks for the tour, Jan. It was great.
How cool that you attended UC Berkeley? Very cool!
As I scrolled down to make a comment, I saw the Mary Poppins answer. Yes, I see it!
Neat post, Jan.
I had a blast at Berkeley but I was a transfer student and so didn’t to take all the required classes. And I was older and could have cared less about my GPA – I was just there to learn!
Well, it sounds great, Jan. It was an edgy place to learn, and is still regarded in progressive circles.