Gallery  |  People  |  Charles B. Wing

Charles B. Wing

Charles B. Wing was professor in engineering and served on Stanford's Commission of Engineers, charged with reconstructing the University after the 1906 quake.

From June 1906 until December 1908, the commission submitted periodic reports detailing the rebuilding process. Unexpected problems, the need for more involved repairs, and the lack of specialized workmen and supplies were recurring themes in the reports. When repairs requested by the Board of Trustees had been completed, the commission issued its final report, including the total funds expended. The difference between the consultant’s estimate and the actual expense can be attributed to postponing reconstruction of the church and dismantling the new library and gymnasium. Those three buildings alone accounted for $955,000 of earthquake-related costs on the campus. The library and gym were never rebuilt as originally sited and designed, but the repair and strengthening of Memorial Church began in 1908 and was completed in 1917.