Eastern University

Click Here to Give to the Save Our Waterwheel Campaign!

The Save Our Waterwheel! campaign was inspired by the class of 2009. As their class gift, they decided to add and eco-friendly generator to the waterwheel. This generator will use the power of the wheel to turn-on the lights that illuminate it at night. Before the generator can be installed, the wheel itself needs to be completely restored. The attached pump house also needs work.

This is why we are asking you to partner with the class of 2009 to Save Our Waterwheel!Any donation amount to the campaign will be helpful. However, if you donate $50 or more, you will receive a waterwheel magnet. If you donate $100 or more, your name will be engraved on a plaque that will displayed on a building.

To make a donation online, Click Here to visit our donation page. Please consider helping the Class of 2009 reach their goal and becoming a part of Eastern’s history!

Click Here to track our progress as we move closer to our goal of restoring our waterwheel

Waterwheel Quick Facts:

-First built in 1912
-One of the few working waterwheels in the country
-Originally used to irrigate flower beds and power fountains on the Walton Estate
-Appeared in the 1918 silent film Oh! Johnny!
-The most photographed waterwheel in the U.S.

We already know that all our alumni know about and love our Waterwheel, but the wheel's fame extends far beyond the four walls of Eastern University. The wheel was originally built in 1912 as part of the Walton Estate and was used to help irrigate flower beds and power fountains on the grounds. The iconic wheel made its film debut in the 1918 Western Oh! Johnny!, which was filmed on the estate and also features Walton Hall in several scenes. The Waterwheel was restored in 1972, when it went through several stages of production. The wheel itself is 8 feet in diameter and weighs 825 pounds and is made of Louisiana Cavite Cypress. Since it was built, the Waterwheel has become a recognizable cornerstone to Eastern's campus and has also earned the distinction of being the most photographed waterwheel in the U.S. (not to mention, one of the most popular photo-op spots for families after Eastern's commencement ceremonies each year). It is also one of the few waterwheels in the country that still works. Shortly after the death of Professor Robert Thomas '73 in 2007, accent lighting was added in his honor to showcase the Waterwheel at night. With such a rich history behind it, it would be ashame to see the waterwheel become forgotten and end up in a state of disrepair. It has survived through the elements for 97 years, and now its time to show the Waterwheel some much-needed love. As mentioned above, the wheel itself needs to be completely redone. The building also needs extensive work, including new roof tiles, repairs to the door, and various other cosmetic retouches. The goal is to have the Waterwheel looking like new in time to celebrate its 100th birthday and to start it off on the right foot for its next 100 years!