The Material
Letter from Dr. Dodge to Bliss dated January 8, 1901:
"There is a very nice grade of sand stone which we can get from South of Sidon, even though it is brought from so far it will be cheaper than the hard stone, chiefly because it is so much cheaper to dress and quarry".
"Your sample of stone will be of "value" to the Trustees".
Archives and Special Collections, AUB Libraries, Archival Collection, Correspondence Dodge and Bliss, 1901
Soft polished stone was used to pave the middle passage way, where the horses and carriages went in: nowadays, over a hundred years later, we can see how these polished stones aged beautifully. The middle passageway was intended for horses and carriages, and placed at street level for ease of access, whereas the two sidewalks framing the central alley which were used by pedestrians were slightly elevated.
Letter from Dodge to President Bliss, February 12, 1901
"[...] Have a pair of lighter iron gates in front of the other gates for constant use. I am sure it will prove an improvement. Please go ahead and construct it and let me know the cost. "
Archives and Special Collections, AUB Libraries, Archival Collection, Correspondence Dodge and Bliss, 1901
One of the master local blacksmiths, "haddad" of Ras Beirut was called in to work on the gates, and according to his grandson, Mukhtar Michel Bekhazi, the choice fell on Mr. Elias Jirji Bekhazi (1851-1942) who had a famous wrought iron workshop right behind Mukhtar Rebeiz’s house on Makhoul Street. Elias Jirji Bekhazi did the work, in collaboration with his assistant, Mr. Sidani, on the Main Gate, as well as on the Capuchin Church gate, giving both gates his very best, and adorning them with fine intricate rosettes. As a “proof” that it was his grandfather who worked on the iron gates of the Main Gate building, Michel Bekhazi pointed to the rosette-like medallions on the piece in the photo next to his grandfather and those same rosettes on the Main Gate! (Thank you, Mr. Bikhazi; Thank you Ms. Maria Abu Nasr)
In a letter to Bliss dated Dec 10 th 1901, Dodge writes:
"…..I am also glad to hear that the Administration Gate is likely to look well. I want to have the structure itself fully completed and the surroundings –We will need gas lamp-posts outside and also light in the passage ways and gas and water in the rooms-( a closet with suitable plumbing-work should be arranged near the wall at the side for the officers)[...]".
Archives and Special Collections, AUB Libraries, Archival Collection, Correspondence Dodge and Bliss, 1901
For the roof, and the internal staircase leading to the top floor, some of the nicest wood was chosen: dark "qutran" wood, or beach wood, probably because of its elegant deep dark color, as well as its ability to withstand Beirut's humid climate, to repel insects, and for its fragrance, which must have added a nice touch.
In another letter dated August 13, 1901, Dodge goes on: "Your good letter of July 22nd came yesterday. I am glad you found stone for the Gate house of such attractive color, quality and adeptness. The effect with yellow trimmings will be soft and rich, yet solid and in keeping with our other varieties and material of Buildings. What profitable delay in getting the plans is another of the useful lessons we have so often noticed and with gratitude."
Archives and Special Collections, AUB Libraries, Archival Collection, Correspondence Dodge and Bliss, 1901
Wrought iron work, and iron gates with Arabesque like motifs nicely complement the feel of majesty and grandeur that the entire building emanates.