A) It's true...from 7 to 7:30pm, a bold, brightly beautiful and colorful RAINBOW appeared, low, over the Campus! Was driving home from a workout at the Rec Center, as the rain ended, when the evening skies, before dusk, suddenly cleared and a RAINBOW appeared very low over the old historic downtown, seemingly right above moi. Parked in a Campus lot and ran, with Nikon, to a good advantage position, planning a "shot" with an identifiable landmark. One was Blow Hall...another was the Baptist church across Richmond Road.
B) And then an unbelieveable scene unfolded directly above me...A DOUBLE RAINBOW!! My Nikon was extremely 'cited....
C) The skies back to the south and east were still heavy with rain, provided a neat backdrop to the bright blue and cleared skies above me and to the north.
D) This Philsophy major has always believed in...signs, even though a studied educator. Go figure....
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Friday, September 3, 2010
15- NAME THOSE WILLIAM and MARY CAMPUS WOODS TRAILS?....
A) Y-E-S! It's time to, officially and fairly, figure out a method of having thousands of former and current Alum to choose names for ALL of our Campus trails! Talk it up, please....
B) And THIS school year, before next Spring Break...please!!!!
C) The only one I am familiar with, officially, is 'Matoaka Trail' behind the Rec Center, along Lake Matoaka, to Ukrop Way. Along that trail the name of 'Matoaka Trail' appears on a sign.
D) Just read on a local newspaper line that someone said, in reply to my need for having our W&M trails named, that "we" don't need to name the now 11+ miles of W&M trails....WRONG!!! That person, I believe, has NEVER been on ALL 11+ miles of trails, only a short distance for any one, and does not undersand one iota how unique they all are. That "argument", therefore, is tossed immediately.
E) Point: let's call a family's offspring simply "children", with NO names...no individuality. "Children, let's take a walk...." Better yet, Sarah, Justin and Ron...let's take a walk."
F)
B) And THIS school year, before next Spring Break...please!!!!
C) The only one I am familiar with, officially, is 'Matoaka Trail' behind the Rec Center, along Lake Matoaka, to Ukrop Way. Along that trail the name of 'Matoaka Trail' appears on a sign.
D) Just read on a local newspaper line that someone said, in reply to my need for having our W&M trails named, that "we" don't need to name the now 11+ miles of W&M trails....WRONG!!! That person, I believe, has NEVER been on ALL 11+ miles of trails, only a short distance for any one, and does not undersand one iota how unique they all are. That "argument", therefore, is tossed immediately.
E) Point: let's call a family's offspring simply "children", with NO names...no individuality. "Children, let's take a walk...." Better yet, Sarah, Justin and Ron...let's take a walk."
F)
14- HELP!...HELP!....THE 11+ MILES of CAMPUS TRAILS NEED HELP!!.....
A) The most obvious trouble spot is directly behind the Arts Studio Bldg. by Lake Matoaka. The trail there has vanished on the steep slope and dangerous! Much of that Matoaka Trail that begins directly behind our Rec Center and meanders behind some dorms to Ukrop Way has problems and for years. Also, much of it could use, gingerly, a sprinkling of fine cinders to protect the multitude of roots of all sizes...that's all. PLEASE don't ruin it by tearing up and out the roots that have been left to natrurally grow for many years!
B) The longest main trail, from Compton over to Monticello, needs much help (EROSION) closer to Jamestown Road...wait until you see it! BUT...as you climb up, or down that part of the trail, the erosion from earlier bikes and especially motorcycles has revealed fosils shells dating back to when the Tidewater region, up to the Blue Ridges, was under the sea! Observe closely.
C) The shorter trail, over to the back of the Amphitheatre on Lake Matoaka at 'Squirrel Point', is in relatively decent shape.
D) The 'north trails'....did you know about the scattering of trails in the Campus Woods ACROSS Monticello? The Military Science classes utilize them, and you didn't know about them 'cause there doesn't appear to be any pronounced ingress or egress entrances! On my list of near ADVENTURES is to park in New Town and cross the Ironbound intersetion to the edge of the Woods and do some explorin'!
E) The NEW Compton trail to the new Ed. bldg....will take hundreds of years to wear it down!
F) NAME THOSE 11+ miles of our W&M Campus trails!!!!...please. "WE" need an official organized group to set up the procedure, SOON!...thanks.
G)
B) The longest main trail, from Compton over to Monticello, needs much help (EROSION) closer to Jamestown Road...wait until you see it! BUT...as you climb up, or down that part of the trail, the erosion from earlier bikes and especially motorcycles has revealed fosils shells dating back to when the Tidewater region, up to the Blue Ridges, was under the sea! Observe closely.
C) The shorter trail, over to the back of the Amphitheatre on Lake Matoaka at 'Squirrel Point', is in relatively decent shape.
D) The 'north trails'....did you know about the scattering of trails in the Campus Woods ACROSS Monticello? The Military Science classes utilize them, and you didn't know about them 'cause there doesn't appear to be any pronounced ingress or egress entrances! On my list of near ADVENTURES is to park in New Town and cross the Ironbound intersetion to the edge of the Woods and do some explorin'!
E) The NEW Compton trail to the new Ed. bldg....will take hundreds of years to wear it down!
F) NAME THOSE 11+ miles of our W&M Campus trails!!!!...please. "WE" need an official organized group to set up the procedure, SOON!...thanks.
G)
14- HEY, HAPPY "COLLEGE COLORS DAY"!...September 3rd....
OK, did you 'member today and are you gonna PROUDLY wear those colors?...this guy will have to wear five different sets of COLORS!
Sunday, August 8, 2010
13- The NEW WOODLAND TRAIL On The W&M CAMPUS, FROM COMPTON DR. To The NEW ED. BLDG.!!....
A) I really like our new "Compton Trail!" and know you will, too! BUT, those footbridge planks are PLASTIC, not treated WOOD. And they were NOT cheaper. The planks were produced in Virginia. Someone showed me, this week, how easily they scar when tapped! Also, discovered, when a worker revealed to me, that each PLASTIC plank cost approx. $45.00. WOW! What a letdown for this naturalist-kinda guy. However, the beauty of the "Compton Trail" and usefulness far outweighs ANY plastic planks!...honest.
B) The new trail costs over a million $$ (now I know why someone inside the system tried to ignore my questions back in the spring), and the new trail is relatively short in length in comparison to the other 10+ miles of Campus trails, with some dating back to the '30s, with CCC help.
C) One entrance is clearly visible from Compton Dr. in the Camous woods near the back of the W&M Rec Center. When you're going out to Monticello Ave., it's on your right. That entrance is now clearly visible, with a new sidewalk extending past the Rec Center. If you drive up to the back of the new Ed. Bldg. (old location of town hospital), the other entrance is located at the back area across from from the courtyard area. And is an attractive addition for this new section of the Campus.
D) This new trail WILL, I PREDICT, be THE great positive talk of the Campus and town for some time! Nearly all of it is a raised, 532' (measured it myself, recently...walking trail from Compton Dr. is 397'). Plastic planked footbridge winds and meanders over the natural lay of the rugged woodland terrain. The highest section of the walkway is across the marshy creek area, providing terrific natural scenery, with woods and trees and shade and that tiny 'cre'k.' Most who walk on it will want to take their time to enjoy the serenity and flora. This local educator, researcher, author and photographer HAS taken along my trusty Nikon aready. I predict that, this coming winter, there will be a few SNOWY days this winter, perfect for exhilerating Nature walks.
E) PLEASE check out the new trail. It's completed. I did walk all the way through, especially on the 532' of raised footbridge walkway. WOW! LIKE IT.....
F) A new sidewalk, with lighted posts has been built along Compton behind the Rec Center to support this entrance that leads you through the 'wilderness' woodland over to the new Ed. Bldg. The 397' walkway path leading to the start of the footbridge includes lampposts from beginning to end, all the way through the winding, meandering walkway plus bridge. The W&M 'security stations' are now lighted blue, too! At the Compton entrance end is a new sidewalk, with a special crosswalk for walking across the busy Compton to the "Compton Trail" entrance, and the "new" older "Matoaka Trail" entrance is also there, going in the opposite direction, to Lake Matoaka!
G) AND THE FAUNA? Have, at times, seen deer and a WILD turkey or three on the trails. If you start on the older, longest trail off Compton Dr., behind the Rec Center (2nd one, not the 'Matoaka Trail'/1st one, that trail is long and about halfway through is a dip, with marsh and 'cre'k' but be quiet as you walk, to spot the fauna!
H) An added thought about our Campus trails? There are at least 10+ miles of woodland trails, dating back to the '30s, on Campus. Some portions of the trails are in dire need of restoration! Like other research commenteries, a PAPER has been composed and written, always a one-pager, on our W&M Campus trails andhas been shared with many, with anyone welcome to receive a copy.
H) One trail spot is gone, in dire trouble, and is on the older 'Matoaka Trail' (around the lake) directly behind the Art Studio Bldg. And that problem spot on the trail is DANGEROUS to navigate, being quite STEEP!
I) Get invoved, please, and speak out and up, often, about the need to restore our Campus trails for joggers' and hikers' safety, especially this small portion of the Matoaka Trail aroud the Lake. This particular trail, all the way through, is a bit rough to hike. It begins on Compton Dr., behind the Rec Center, and meanders by the Lake all the way over to the restored Amphitheatre by Lake Matoaka. Some of us remember, for years, how this amphitheatre was forgotten, in ruins. But today, with the help of a bold alumnus, the restoration is complete and NOW an active, bucolic setting!
I) ....more coming.....
B) The new trail costs over a million $$ (now I know why someone inside the system tried to ignore my questions back in the spring), and the new trail is relatively short in length in comparison to the other 10+ miles of Campus trails, with some dating back to the '30s, with CCC help.
C) One entrance is clearly visible from Compton Dr. in the Camous woods near the back of the W&M Rec Center. When you're going out to Monticello Ave., it's on your right. That entrance is now clearly visible, with a new sidewalk extending past the Rec Center. If you drive up to the back of the new Ed. Bldg. (old location of town hospital), the other entrance is located at the back area across from from the courtyard area. And is an attractive addition for this new section of the Campus.
D) This new trail WILL, I PREDICT, be THE great positive talk of the Campus and town for some time! Nearly all of it is a raised, 532' (measured it myself, recently...walking trail from Compton Dr. is 397'). Plastic planked footbridge winds and meanders over the natural lay of the rugged woodland terrain. The highest section of the walkway is across the marshy creek area, providing terrific natural scenery, with woods and trees and shade and that tiny 'cre'k.' Most who walk on it will want to take their time to enjoy the serenity and flora. This local educator, researcher, author and photographer HAS taken along my trusty Nikon aready. I predict that, this coming winter, there will be a few SNOWY days this winter, perfect for exhilerating Nature walks.
E) PLEASE check out the new trail. It's completed. I did walk all the way through, especially on the 532' of raised footbridge walkway. WOW! LIKE IT.....
F) A new sidewalk, with lighted posts has been built along Compton behind the Rec Center to support this entrance that leads you through the 'wilderness' woodland over to the new Ed. Bldg. The 397' walkway path leading to the start of the footbridge includes lampposts from beginning to end, all the way through the winding, meandering walkway plus bridge. The W&M 'security stations' are now lighted blue, too! At the Compton entrance end is a new sidewalk, with a special crosswalk for walking across the busy Compton to the "Compton Trail" entrance, and the "new" older "Matoaka Trail" entrance is also there, going in the opposite direction, to Lake Matoaka!
G) AND THE FAUNA? Have, at times, seen deer and a WILD turkey or three on the trails. If you start on the older, longest trail off Compton Dr., behind the Rec Center (2nd one, not the 'Matoaka Trail'/1st one, that trail is long and about halfway through is a dip, with marsh and 'cre'k' but be quiet as you walk, to spot the fauna!
H) An added thought about our Campus trails? There are at least 10+ miles of woodland trails, dating back to the '30s, on Campus. Some portions of the trails are in dire need of restoration! Like other research commenteries, a PAPER has been composed and written, always a one-pager, on our W&M Campus trails andhas been shared with many, with anyone welcome to receive a copy.
H) One trail spot is gone, in dire trouble, and is on the older 'Matoaka Trail' (around the lake) directly behind the Art Studio Bldg. And that problem spot on the trail is DANGEROUS to navigate, being quite STEEP!
I) Get invoved, please, and speak out and up, often, about the need to restore our Campus trails for joggers' and hikers' safety, especially this small portion of the Matoaka Trail aroud the Lake. This particular trail, all the way through, is a bit rough to hike. It begins on Compton Dr., behind the Rec Center, and meanders by the Lake all the way over to the restored Amphitheatre by Lake Matoaka. Some of us remember, for years, how this amphitheatre was forgotten, in ruins. But today, with the help of a bold alumnus, the restoration is complete and NOW an active, bucolic setting!
I) ....more coming.....
Thursday, August 5, 2010
12- H-E-L-P!...ANYONE WHO ATTENDED W&M During 1960-1979..AND REMEMBERS ANYTHING ABOUT THIS JAMESTOWN ROAD PEDESTRIAN TUNNEL!.....
*****For my expanded research on our underground Jamestown Road pedestrian passageway, open from fall 1960 to the late 1970s, PLEASE share any experience! Thanx!!
rsquire1@cox.net
My introductory description begins with the preceding blog!...#11.
rsquire1@cox.net
My introductory description begins with the preceding blog!...#11.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
11- WHERE is MY FAVE ART MUSEUM On The CAMPUS of WILLIAM and MARY?.....
A) It's there, but you cannot see it, entombed UNDER Jamestown Road!*****FLASH!!...my Va. Gazette essay describing this unique W&M "art museum" was published (August 11, 2010)!!
B) My research on this fabulous ART MUSEUM now hidden underground the Campus of William & Mary and Jamestown Road is NOW being shared by everyone, publicly, in America's oldest newspaper! And is dedicated to and for all of those unknown "graffiti artists" who, over the years, contributed to every inch of the subterranean, unique, one-of-a-kind, underground passageway tunnel under one of our most traveled streets! YES!...I dare say that very few of you have ever or even now know about this "graffiti ART MUSEUM."
It's nearly 50' in length...8'-2" by 8'-2" by 8'-2", with every square inch of the two walls covered with many COLORFUL drawings and even a message or nine for students for posterity.
This researcher would be 'cited to listen to handsful of W&M students from the '60s into the '70s who experienced this underground passageway(rsquire1@cox.net) Also, send an e-mail, mailing address, and will send you a "hard copy" of VG essay!
B) "Please respect our art!" This plea, on the pedestrian tunnel wall in a vivid BLUE, from 15 to 20 years ago, is still there down in my FAVE "graffiti ART MUSEUM!" Just wait until you read and see the research on this tunnel story and graffiti artwork that has been saved on film for that all-important posterity...history!
C) The underground walkway was built and opened without fanfare during the 1960 fall term, and is under Jamestown Road. The walkway allowed student foot traffic from the Historic Campus (near Wren Bldg.) over to the then new Campus Center.
Problems quickly developed with seepage of water through the walls of the pedestrian tunnel. Water would settle inside on the floor, even with a floor grate originally built to take away any water that accumulated. Also, the two entrances were built in such a way as to unknowingly channel rainwater down the 24 steps and curve into each tunnel entrance!
D) The walkway was finally closed in the '70s! I have searched in the local newspaper archives and in the Flat Hat (original W&M newspaper) looking for ANY articles on the tunnel...and found only a few mentions. Nothing, so far, on that exact closing date! Was told recently, by someone coming to town in 1973, with it open then, that they remember going thru the underground passageway as late as 1978(?)...will continue searching!
E) The "art museum", uncovered below in the undergroud walkway when the gate barriers were removed last year 2010), is under the very busy Jamestown Road. And this "grafitti art", covering every inch of the nearly 50' of walls on both sides of the tunnel, is what this summer alum and local historian considers THE local art treasure for our historic town!
F) Of my now 180+ V.G. essays composed and published over the years in America's first newspaper, THIS one is absolutely my fave, with colorful pics! This historian is fascinated with what is "down below" and right smackdab in the middle of the heavily traveled main street up above it!
G) Problem, though, with tiny tears, it HAS BEEN CLOSE off for good, squeezed for tunnel space with large water pipes connecting the across-the-street Campus Center area with the Historic Campus around Wren and the Sunken Garden area. AND COVERED OVER, FOREVER, ENTOMBED!! All of those grand graffiti student artworks ARE forever sealed, but NOT painted over on the walls, but portals sealed, filled with huge pipes using the passageway to traverse from one side of the old campus to the "old Campus"!
H) To be honest, the "OLD Campus" needed serious heating and water updating and for the "common good of the entire Campus." I admit that.
I) The entrance down to the tunnel portals on the Campus Center is now gone, covered over with a "roof" last (2010) summer. However, my fave "Graffiti Tunnel Art Museum" students' art remains SEALED, for good...FOREVER. This historian is making sure that this small historic segment of W&M's and Williamsburg's histories will live on with this photo essay and composition. Also, my collection of photos just on this Jamestown Road pedestrian tunnel "art museum" numbers more far than shown in the VG essay. Soon, will post a bunch up on a special website. As usual, like all of my many other PHOTO essays and researches on the W&M Campus, early historic town of Williamsburg and my native Virginia, will be a contribution to...local history and anyone who likes and honestly appreciates REAL HIStory!!
J)
B) My research on this fabulous ART MUSEUM now hidden underground the Campus of William & Mary and Jamestown Road is NOW being shared by everyone, publicly, in America's oldest newspaper! And is dedicated to and for all of those unknown "graffiti artists" who, over the years, contributed to every inch of the subterranean, unique, one-of-a-kind, underground passageway tunnel under one of our most traveled streets! YES!...I dare say that very few of you have ever or even now know about this "graffiti ART MUSEUM."
It's nearly 50' in length...8'-2" by 8'-2" by 8'-2", with every square inch of the two walls covered with many COLORFUL drawings and even a message or nine for students for posterity.
This researcher would be 'cited to listen to handsful of W&M students from the '60s into the '70s who experienced this underground passageway(rsquire1@cox.net) Also, send an e-mail, mailing address, and will send you a "hard copy" of VG essay!
B) "Please respect our art!" This plea, on the pedestrian tunnel wall in a vivid BLUE, from 15 to 20 years ago, is still there down in my FAVE "graffiti ART MUSEUM!" Just wait until you read and see the research on this tunnel story and graffiti artwork that has been saved on film for that all-important posterity...history!
C) The underground walkway was built and opened without fanfare during the 1960 fall term, and is under Jamestown Road. The walkway allowed student foot traffic from the Historic Campus (near Wren Bldg.) over to the then new Campus Center.
Problems quickly developed with seepage of water through the walls of the pedestrian tunnel. Water would settle inside on the floor, even with a floor grate originally built to take away any water that accumulated. Also, the two entrances were built in such a way as to unknowingly channel rainwater down the 24 steps and curve into each tunnel entrance!
D) The walkway was finally closed in the '70s! I have searched in the local newspaper archives and in the Flat Hat (original W&M newspaper) looking for ANY articles on the tunnel...and found only a few mentions. Nothing, so far, on that exact closing date! Was told recently, by someone coming to town in 1973, with it open then, that they remember going thru the underground passageway as late as 1978(?)...will continue searching!
E) The "art museum", uncovered below in the undergroud walkway when the gate barriers were removed last year 2010), is under the very busy Jamestown Road. And this "grafitti art", covering every inch of the nearly 50' of walls on both sides of the tunnel, is what this summer alum and local historian considers THE local art treasure for our historic town!
F) Of my now 180+ V.G. essays composed and published over the years in America's first newspaper, THIS one is absolutely my fave, with colorful pics! This historian is fascinated with what is "down below" and right smackdab in the middle of the heavily traveled main street up above it!
G) Problem, though, with tiny tears, it HAS BEEN CLOSE off for good, squeezed for tunnel space with large water pipes connecting the across-the-street Campus Center area with the Historic Campus around Wren and the Sunken Garden area. AND COVERED OVER, FOREVER, ENTOMBED!! All of those grand graffiti student artworks ARE forever sealed, but NOT painted over on the walls, but portals sealed, filled with huge pipes using the passageway to traverse from one side of the old campus to the "old Campus"!
H) To be honest, the "OLD Campus" needed serious heating and water updating and for the "common good of the entire Campus." I admit that.
I) The entrance down to the tunnel portals on the Campus Center is now gone, covered over with a "roof" last (2010) summer. However, my fave "Graffiti Tunnel Art Museum" students' art remains SEALED, for good...FOREVER. This historian is making sure that this small historic segment of W&M's and Williamsburg's histories will live on with this photo essay and composition. Also, my collection of photos just on this Jamestown Road pedestrian tunnel "art museum" numbers more far than shown in the VG essay. Soon, will post a bunch up on a special website. As usual, like all of my many other PHOTO essays and researches on the W&M Campus, early historic town of Williamsburg and my native Virginia, will be a contribution to...local history and anyone who likes and honestly appreciates REAL HIStory!!
J)
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