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.

 

 

 

Red Cedar in Evans Complex-Botanical Study SHSU (Initial Discoveries)

Last week the weather could not have been nicer, lows in the 60's and highs only reaching the upper 80's because of a cold front that came through to welcome in the Fall season.  Love those cold fronts after our Hot, Hot Summers.

Happy to report my initial sketch is coming along nicely, but I have not finished rendering this really beautiful, and amazing tree, but wanted to check in with everyone. 

Stopping to closely examine the trunk and leaves of this large, old tree really was rewarding.  I do not know how many times during two semesters I hurriedly passed by this natural beauty trying to make my 8 o'clock English classes.   Sadly I never really stopped to discover how many interesting twist and turns the trunk make.

This is one of the many reasons I am excited about doing this project. My class days on Sam's campus, like other students and faculty mostly is filled with running from one class to another.  Therefore, I really do not get a full sense of the beauty that surrounds the campus.

Here are a few more pictures showing some of what I saw while sketching last week.

Red Cedar Tree- Wonderful Specimen

Tree Magnificently Towers above the Evans Complex

Just some of the many Knot Holes that wrap around the trunk

Hopefully, my project will inspire you to slow down a little more and enjoy the Art made naturally all around us.

Check in soon, as the next post will include pictures of my sketches of this important tree.  

Until Next Time.

Blessings,

Botanical Study-SHSU (First Sketch Assignment)

The heavy rains today did not dampen my meeting with Scott and Josh. In fact our visit went exceptionally well.  I really appreciate their shared enthusiasm for my ideas.  We were able to strategize and discuss in more detail what should be my next steps.

I have my first tree to sketch.  It is the Red Cedar Tree that lives right in the middle of the Evans Complex building. 

 I had heard the story that the building was built around the tree, but did not know why this was such an important tree, it was our original tree in the oldest University tradition, the "Tree of Light" ceremony.

I hope to begin my sketching sometime this week.  If you see me outside working, be sure to say hello.

Until Next Time.

Blessings,