Topping out ceremony, East Tower, Barret Library, Rhodes College

Abstract

This is a photo from the Topping out ceremony of the Barrett Library on the Rhodes College campus February 26,2004. The “topping out” is an ancient tradition in the construction trades worldwide. The custum came with immigrants to the United States and marks the stage in the building process of when the last major piece of steel is added to the building. The ceremony brings together those who have been involved in the project and they may sign a steel beam that is be placed in the infrastructure. The beam is usually decorated with a small tree and an American flag.