SHSU-Botanical Study Final Post-What's Next

I have thoroughly enjoyed this project, because the experience has definitely left me with more reasons to be a proud BearKat.  A rich heritage one should embrace.

Also, my research project has given me a platform, as an artist and lover of history, to showcase some of the many wonderful hidden treasures which make Sam Houston State University and Museum complex one of the best Centers for Higher Education.

As a student and I am like many of the faculty, we are  all busy running from place to place on campus, never taking  time to "smell the roses.". I hope I have given you a reason to slow down and appreciate our campus surroundings.

The bulk of my research is now complete, so I will be moving onto the next phase which includes: art exhibits, lectures, writing a book, and creating a scholarship fund. All parts in my plan, as a future Alumni, to leave a positive footprint where Sam Houston himself once tread.

Until Next Time.

SHSU Botanical Research- ABIII & Farrington Bldg.(SELF-GUIDED TOUR #11 & #12)

SELF-GUIDED TOUR MAP #11 & #12
FITNESS WALKING MAP -  1.5- 1.0 Mile

Once you top the hill and go around ABIII building you will run into the cannon known as Boomer.   There even is a special ROTC group called the Cannon Crew who fires one at special occasions.

Make note that across Bowers Blvd. is the Art Complex, which will be our last part of the Building and Botanical Research Tour.

Now keep walking to our last stop #12 on the Main Campus grounds to the Farrington Building.

If you go just past this sign and look on the left side of the sidewalk you will see these in ground plaques. 

 

 

Dr. Russell Palma who at the time was the Chair of the Physics department and Frank Cooper, had an idea sometime around 1992-93, to create and install stainless steel plaques that accurately represents our Solar System.  

First of the series of plaques

 



 

In the back of Austin Hall, near this statue of Sam Houston is where Pluto, the last of the plaques is located.


 

Time to back track a little, go back to where "Boomer" the cannon is located by ABIII building.  You will be crossing Bower Blvd. and going to the Art Complex located in the metal buildings sitting on the corner.

 

Until Next Time.

 

 

 



 

 

 

SHSU Botanical Research- CHSS Building and Garden with Water Wall (SELF-GUIDED TOUR #9 & #10)

SELF-GUIDED TOUR MAP #9 & #10
FITNESS WALKING MAP -  1.5 Mile



CHSS BUILDING (Back of Building)

This next garden area is a little more hidden.  The Water Wall and gardens are located on the backside of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) building. 


 

According to Scott Dolezal, Grounds Manager, the Water Wall and garden was the vision of retired Dean DeCastro and

 

 

artist, Jesus Moroles.   Funding came from the unused building art budget and donations generated from these engraved granite bricks.

 

CHSS Water Wall and Garden with seating

 

Garden with  Engraved Granite Bricks



 



Also, located in this area is the Earth Day tree. 

This tree was planted, by the Staff Counsel, about a year or more before the Water Wall was under constructed. The tree is a Tulip Popular and the only one of that species presently on the campus.

Very unusual blooms

 

One last stop on the SELF-GUIDED TOUR map.  Head up the hill to #11 and #12.

 

Until Next Time.

 

SHSU Botanical Research- NGL and Education Center (Genevieve H. Brown Garden), Children Sculpture SELF-GUIDED TOUR #6 & #7

SELF-GUIDED TOUR MAP #6 & #7
FITNESS WALKING MAP - Between 1.0 & 1.5 Mile


In between the Newton Gresham Library building and the Garrett Education Center next to the sidewalk leading to the faculty parking areas is this Reflecting Garden dedicated to a former Dean of Education.

 

Dean Genevieve Brown a beloved faculty member of SHSU, who had a long career, 48 years in Education with 28 years at Sam Houston before retiring.

Her reflective, butterfly garden was built with love.

Now coming back up the walkway and heading toward SELF-GUIDED TOUR #8 you will pass this bronze sculpture of children. 

According to the Heritage magazine, on April 1, 1989, this sculpture of a little boy pushing a young girl on a swing was presented as a "tribute to most student's favorite school period, recess and also to a former SHSU first lady", Frances Handley Bowers (1970-1989).  Bowers was a long time resident of Huntsville for over 50 years.  She was a drum major, and graduated from Sam Houston with a bachelor and two master degrees.

The CHSS building is the next stop between SELF-GUIDED TOUR #9 & #10.

Until Next Time.

SHSU Botanical Research- The Mall Area, Alumni Garden, Presidents Tree, Ravens Call Planter SELF-GUIDED TOUR #6

SELF-GUIDED TOUR MAP #6
FITNESS WALKING MAP - Between .05 & 1.0 Mile

The SHSU Mall area is another one of those places on campus that is full of fun exploration.

The Blatchley Bell Tower/Clock are fairly recent additions to the University grounds.  In April 2005, the Garden Clock and Tower were finished.  At noon you can hear the clock chime to the tune of "Hey Jude.". Also wonder why the clock's face has IIII and not IV?


Mall Area Fountain



 

Bell Tower & Clock

 

Next to the Bell Tower is this  memorial marker for

Rachel Pendray

An unfortunate victim of a violent crime

 who was shot and killed.

 

 

Raven's Call is another fairly recent yearly tradition that pays tribute to Lost Bearkats and is held in this area of the Mall.

The Alumni Garden is a area designated to honoring Alumni and a way to raise funds for the University Alumni Association.

 



 

The Presidents Tree  " a beautiful Saucer Magnolia that was planted in 1912 following the construction of the new state residence that the Estill family would occupy. The tree stands as a reminder of the history and legacy of the University."

While continuing to walk down the pathway, you will see a 20 ft. Statue of Sam Houston between the Lowman Student Center and the Smith-Hutton which was a $40,000 gift from Ron Mafrige, and sculpted by artist, David Adickes, who also made the 60 ft. Statue of Sam Houston on the I-45 access road.


Ron Mafrige

The Tour continues between markers #7 & #8.

 

 

Until Next Time.

 

 

 

SHSU Botanical Research- Administration Building (Hydrangeas) SELF-GUIDED TOUR #5

SELF-GUIDED TOUR MAP #5
FITNESS WALKING MAP - Between .05 & 1.0 Mile Presumably you have finished exploring areas around Austin Hall, Old Main, Jewel Garden, and Peabody Memorial Library.  In continuing your walk you will see this bench on the sidewalk leading to the Dan Rather building.

 

Immediately past the Dan Rather Communications building you will arrive at a sidewalk located between this building and the Administration Building.  Before heading on this pathway to the Mall area, make a small detour to look at the stunning Hydrangea bushes growing in front of the Admin. Building.

 

Hydrangeas is a genus of 70-75 species of flowering native plants, that find their origins in eastern Asia and the Americas.  In China, Japan, and Korea is the greatest species diversity.  Their height ranges from 3-5 feet tall, while a few can reach heights of 98 Ft by climbing up trees.  They are either deciduous or evergreen.
Their flowerheads are shaped and  resemble pom-poms.
Also next to the  building where University Presidents office is another bench commemorating former President Gaertner.

 

 

Now use the SELF-GUIDED TOUR map as a guide and walk towards the Mall area, Tour #6, but make a stop at the waterfall.

 

Until Next Time.



SHSU Botanical Research- Peabody Memorial Library, Ghosts Stories & Camellia SELF-GUIDED TOUR #4



SELF-GUIDED TOUR MAP #4
FITNESS WALKING MAP - Between .05 & 1.0 Mile

   

History of Peabody Memorial Library

 

Did you know that our SHSU Archivist, Barbara Klevit-Mason, who at one time officed in this building, has seen a ghost in the Library?

She speculates the woman's spirit may be one of the college's first Professors or Librarians who is wearing a dark outfit resembling fashions from the early 20th century.

                                                         More campus Ghost Stories

 

If you want a see for yourself,

The Library is open on designated days and hours

 Next is SELF-GUIDED TOUR #5, but first take note of the flowering bushes growing along side this building.

 

Wondering what this flower is? A Camellia

 

The most familiar of the camellias is Camellia japonica – often simply called ‘japonica’ – with varieties blooming from early winter through spring. C. japonica has been cultivated in the U.S. since about 1800, initially as tender greenhouse ornamental plants in the north.  It wasn’t until 1819 that C. japonica was introduced into southern U.S. landscapes through a nursery in Charleston.   Today, many large, old camellias grace old plantations and homesteads all across the south, and many fine specimens can be found around Tyler and East Texas



Lovely Camellias that grow along the side of the building

Keep walking down the sidewalk toward the Administration Building-SELF-GUIDED TOUR #5. 

 

Until Next Time.





SHSU Botanical Research- Austin Hall (Flowering Quince Tree & Bruce Fulenwider Hedge Marker) SELF-GUIDED TOUR #4



SELF-GUIDED TOUR MAP #4
FITNESS WALKING MAP - Between .05 & 1.0 Mile

 

 

 

AUSTIN HALL

 

Flowering Quince Tree that may be from the original root stock of the plants growing by the Houston's Woodland home on the Museum complex grounds.

Back Door of Austin Hall







Did you know we at Sam Houston State University have the bragging rights to claim our heritage of this building being the First Law School in Texas. Yes, that is right, the school was established by The Board of Trustees of Austin College, March 1855.  Is someone doubts you, just point them to this plaque by the back door.

If you look just across from the doorway and down into the hedges you can spot this marker.

 

Bruce Fullenwider is now retired as the Grounds Manager at SHSU.  He hired current Grounds Manager, Scott Dolezal 17+ years ago.

 



 Another school tradition, students and lovers carving their initials into the brick wall.



This statue of Sam Houston was part of the Centennial celebration, 1879-1979

Also if you look down at the ground slightly in front of  Sam's statue, you will see another plaque.

It is the plaque representing Pluto.  This is the end of a scaled representation of our Solar System.  The beginning plaque, our Sun, is at SELF-GUIDED TOUR #12 located next to the sidewalk in front of the Farrington Building.

Now would be a good time to visit the Jewel Garden.  Go to the left of this statue.  If you go right; back down the sidewalk, this path will lead to the Peabody Memorial Library.

Until Next Time.