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Campus Treasures
Monday, June 15, 2015 Wednesday, March 26, 2014
twulasso.com
Photography by Emily Nickles
Enchanted Spaces & Secluded Spots
By Emily Nickles
Photography by Maura Teague
Photography by Emily Nickles
Photography by Maura Teague
When you first arrived on campus for a college visit one of the TWU Ambassadors may have given you a tour around our beautiful campus and now you will be calling these surroundings your home throughout your college experience. At first you may be going from dorm to classroom following a map tattered from overuse and being stuffed in your backpack. Even after you know your way around there may be some hidden treasures on campus that you walked right past. We invite you to linger a while and experience a few of our many enchanted campus spots. The Little Chapel-in-theWoods is one of these gems that most have heard of, but perhaps not paid attention to. Completed in 1939, it was the vision of former TWU President L.H. Hubbard that it would be a place for students to meditate and find peace as they pursued their individual faith. It was designed by renowned architect O’Neil Ford and A.B. Swank, but students created the stained glass windows, candelabras,
This article originally appeared March 26, 2104 and pews as part of the graduate art program and earned their degree through hands-on work. The result is a serene, low-lit environment, creating a majestic awe that requires respect and stillness. As feet slide softly on the stone floors, a swirling metal staircase leads to second-story pews where singing voices are carried along the high ceiling, and the symmetry of the pendant light fixtures and mosaics draw aesthetic shapes. Not more than two or three steps away from the Little Chapelin-the-Woods is the Botanical Garden. Known to most as the “rock” garden, it was first created in 1930 to be used as an outdoor laboratory for Biology students and for the recreational use of students. The garden is a maze of trees, brush, and seasonal flowers. Woodbine sandstone steps and terraces, which were added in 1932, lead the way to areas of peaceful relaxation. Stone benches made of the native sandstone show the signs of age and many seasons; names scrawled into the faces of stone and dirt paths made by many
feet beg you to trod on them and explore. Across the street, nearing the Lowry Woods Community, is the greenhouse. Typical to greenhouses, its structure is curved with acrylic plastic panels lining the walls. Two 20th century lanterns light the doorway at night, giving it a historical aura, as if one were just strolling down the street, umbrella and coin purse in hand. Although native shrubs are the only greenery in sight, the inside of the building reveals round metal tables and chairs perfect for a tea party. Currently, the greenhouse is only used for small luncheons and receptions during the summer and spring seasons. Take time to explore your new home and discover which hidden treasure on campus becomes your favorite place to go.