SHSU Botanical Research-McLeod Tree & Thomason Bldg.-SELF GUIDED TOUR #2

SELF-GUIDED TOUR MAP #2
FITNESS WALKING MAP -Between 1.0 & 1.5 Mile

Coming from the Evans Complex and admiring the Red Cedar that seems to be hugged by a building, the next place on the Self-Guided Tour map is the Thomason Building.


Memorial Plaque inside entryway

The Building is named after SHNI graduate, John W. Thomason, Jr.  He was a celebrated author and illustrator.  A wonderful collection of his work can be found in the Newton Gresham Library, Thomason Room; List of Special Collections

A Wonderful memorial to Professor of Biology,
Claude A. McLeod





This day the leaves seem to shimmer
with leftover Fall foliage





This wonderful Red Oak tree is planted on the lawn just outside the Thomason Building's Entryway.  It is in memory of Professor of Biology, Claude A. McLeod.  This particular variety, a common type of Oak, is one of the trees found in the Big Thicket Preserve which was an important part of his life's work.

His work included the book, "The Big Thicket Forest of East Texas (1967), and can be requested from the Newton Gresham Library.  McLeod's work and was an important part of the development of the Big Thicket National Preserve.

Professor McLeod is also acknowledged for his contributions in one of my husband's favorite books, "Nature Lover's Guide to the Big Thicket," by Howard Peacock.  Peacock writes, "McLeod devoted his brilliant scientific rationale to provide and publish a territorial definition of the Big Thicket."

McLeod Scholarship

As you leave this site, make your way back to the street side of the Thomason Building.  Continue onto SELF-GUIDED TOUR #3


Until Next Time.

SHSU Botanical Study- Evans Complex & Red Cedar Tree (Tree of Lights) Part 2 of 2 SELF GUIDED MAP #2

SELF-GUIDED TOUR MAP #2
FITNESS WALKING MAP -  Past 1.0 Mile



 

This Red Cedar tree is located in the Evans Complex.  It was known as the "Tree of Lights."

According to an article in "The Huntsville Item, October 9, 1989, page 1," the original plans in 1959 drawn up by the architect would have taken this tree down permanently.  Instead it was spared, but severely trimmed. 

Originally early in the 1900's  the landscape looked quite different than it does now in 2015.  The Evans Complex was bare except for the Agricultural Building at the north end and a cluster of large trees.  The only tree to survive was the Red Cedar that still stands proudly in the middle of the courtyard.

Red Cedar proudly stands

There has been discussion over the years as to the age of this majestic tree.  Back in 1989 when this article was published, a retired SHSU Biology professor, Claude McLeod believed the cedar was about 100 years old or even older.  So next time you enter the building for a class, just think you are passing by a tree that is at least 126 years old.

"'In the 1930's and 40's it was so magnificent a tree that it was lighted each Christmas season, and students and administrators enjoyed a Christmas carol program around it', Tyson said."

Reportedly the tree had a perfect Christmas tree shape.  Also, townspeople could see the lighted tree where the gazebo is located on Avenue O and 19th street.

In 1938, Harry F. Estill, President of SHSU was quoted as saying," Most other trees on campus shed their leaves when the cold frosts of winter com, and their naked branches now stretch cheerlessly and bare toward the winter sky.  This tree, defying the storms of winter, steadfastly and bravely maintains its beauty throughout the year-a lesson of unweaving courage in the face of discouragement, of cheerfulness that never frowns."



A view through Skylights of the Red Cedar
 

Many people still continue to enjoy seeing the cedar from the classrooms and offices located in the Evans Complex. 





The saving of this tree was compared to the preservation of the Dallas pageant tree on Oak Lawn, and the "Treaty Oak," in Austin.

The Tree of Lights ceremony moved from this location to Old Main from 1966-1982, until Old Main burned down.  Then during the construction of the bell tower in 2004, the ceremony was moved to the AB1 mall area in front of the LSC.  2005 brought the first lighted artificial tree decorated with ornaments created by different student organizations, This yearly tradition shares: hot chocolate, wassail, gingerbread cookies, and donated food items needed by local organizations.

Until Next Time.

SHSU Botanical Study-Evans Complex (Tree of Lights) Part 1 of 2. Self-Guided Tour #2

SELF-GUIDED TOUR #2
FITNESS WALKING ROUTE -Between 1.0 & 1.5 Mile

I love discovering the rich history our campus.  One of my favorites is the story connected to the SHSU "Tree of Lights".

 

When entering The Evans Complex, did you ever wonder why the building seems to wrap around the huge Red Cedar Tree?  It is because our 1st campus Christmas tree is that very same tree. 

Building designed around the Red Cedar Tree



 

  According to the "Sam Houston Normal Institute" Newsletter, December 21, 1921, vol. 1 we had our first campus Christmas Tree celebration.

 



Tree of Lights
Photo 1930 Alcalde (SHSU yearbook)

At 5:30 p.m. the Training School, as Sam Houston State was known at the time, celebrated with the community.  The University invited local school children to make ornaments for this tree.  Then at the ceremony, where these same children and their families attended and performed carols, also exchanged gifts with the child whose name they had previously drawn from a box.

 

The tree stayed decorated and lighted each night.  The campus was following New York City's tradition for several years previously, and Houston's newly formed tradition that was just two years old.

 

Aerial View of Tree of Lights
1940


 

The article stated that Houston, "is not so fortunate as to have a growing tree, which may be used, but a large tree is placed on Main street and every night throughout the holidays is lighted." 

 

The Tree of Lights traditions and locations have changed over the many years since its' inception.  I will be addressing the progression of changes in the next blog.

 

Until Next Time.

 

 

 

SHSU Botanical Research-Headed to the Main Campus Grounds (Self-Guided Tour #1)

SELF-GUIDED TOUR #1

FITNESS WALKING ROUTE Between 1.0 & 1.5 Mile

 

There are several great ways to explore the campus and see the sites and botanicals mentioned in my research posts.  I will mainly be referencing the same designated numbers on the SELF-GUIDED TOUR map, but will make a loose reference to the FITNESS WALKING ROUTE MAP. 

 

I found that the Self-Guided Tour map was better suited for my research, but you could combine the two Maps and get extra exercise and see more of our beautiful campus and museum grounds.    

 

There are eager helpers at the Visitors Information Center where you can request a SELF-GUIDED CAMPUS TOUR map, or another option is to follow the designated signs on campus or print off a FITNESS WALKING ROUTE MAP.

 

 

 

 DIRECTIONS RAGSDALE VISITORS INFORMATION CENTER
PICK UP A SELF-GUIDED CAMPUS TOUR MAP

Don't Forget to Enjoy the Earth Kind Roses
Lining the entryway of the Visitor Center

 

 

 

SHSU FITNESS WALKING ROUTE

PRINT OFF THE 1.5 MILE ROUTE MAP

 

 

 

Many students, faculty, and visitors may know of and have used the available Campus Tour maps to navigate around campus, but a surprising numbers of us who are not aware of the 1.5 mile walking route markers.

 

The Fitness Route all began, with a University Wellness Committee that was formed in 2007-2008, in an effort to provide opportunities for employees to be more active and make use of their "release time" given to them by the University for personal workouts.

 

Mrs. Nancy Gaertner, former First Lady of SHSU, and Mindy Oden, Lecturer and Coordinator for KINE 2115, served on this committee.  They measured and marked off the distances and walking paths that would be the safest for pedestrians.  Also, for future uses in 5K runs held on the SHSU campus. 

 

Go grab a map, walking shoes, camera, sketchbook, whatever you like and discover more about Sam Houston State University and the Museum grounds.

 

Until Next Time.