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- Jewel Garden's Magnolia Tulip Trees (-SELF GUIDED TOUR #3)

SELF-GUIDED TOUR MAP #3
FITNESS WALKING MAP - 1.0 Mile

Walking down the side street that originates with the Faculty parking by the Visitors Center, you will pass by the Student Union.

Next will be the Margaret Lea Houston Building.

If you look up atop the hill 

for a much too short period of time in early spring, you will see a row of Tulip trees blooming within the Jewel Garden, tucked in a little area just west of Austin Hall. 

              

                                          

   What a viewer can expect this greatly admired sight in early Spring.



Trees Dormant in Winter

The Senior Class of 1948 presented the garden.  Grace Longino assisted with the beautification of what was originally a dangerous mud slope.  The original fountain is no longer working, but the various precious stones which lead up to the statue give the garden its' name.  The serene statue of a young, tranquil, curly headed woman was modeled after a student cheerleader, Ruth Whisenhant.



Jewel Garden precious stones and statue

This Jewel Garden bench allows one to enjoy the meditative aspects of this garden which is surrounded by Camellias, Azaleas, and Magnolia Tulip trees.

Now continue on around the corner and up the hill to SELF-GUIDED TOUR#4.

Old Main & Austin Hall.  You will be able to catch your breath shortly, after visiting these two sites.

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.