Description Update [1-May 2016]:
Bowles Hall is entering a new era. At this writing, it is undergoing a major restoration, and is scheduled to reopen in August, 2016 as a co-ed Residential College.
Original Description [February, 2013]:
Built in 1928, UC Berkeley's Bowles Hall is the first (hence oldest) state-owned residence hall in California. It is an all-male dormitory with a medieval castle appearance. In 1988, Bowles Hall became listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Bowles Hall is known for the camaraderie among its residents as well as its traditions.
Three and a half decades ago, your humble cache owner moved into this hall as an incoming college freshman. I, along with most of my fellow new residents, came here simply because this was where we were assigned. Being here, though, was a high point of my college experience.
Because the Hall is an active residence, the cache is hidden a short distance away in a neutral area just off a parking lot that sits between the Hall and Memorial Stadium. Make sure to go to the north end of the parking lot to get a good view of the castle. Tree cover may interfere with GPS, so be careful not to wander into or across the street next to the parking lot.
Speaking of Memorial Stadium, cache searches might be tricky just before or just after a Cal Bears home football game. If you happen to be there just after a game, though, stick around as the Cal Band parades out of the stadium through the parking lot. The band makes a stop in front of Bowles Hall, faces the building and plays the Bowles Hall drinking song. The Bowlesmen stand on their lawn facing the band and sing the words. Very fun!.