Letters to the Illinois State editor for August 2011:
TREE LOVE
To the Editor,
I am so proud of my university being awarded for its love and care of trees and environmental stewardship. I remember a science class I was in where we toured the campus and learned about the trees in the arboretum.
Carol Peterson ’76
OLD MAIN MEMORIES
To the Editor,
I remember Old Main well during my four years at ISNU (“Artifacts & Memories,” May 2011). I had several classes in Old Main—an ancient history class and an educational psychology class that I can remember. I may have had more, but that was several years ago.
I believe there were covered walkways going from the old Laboratory School to Old Main and from Old Main to Capen Auditorium. Those were the days, and I will cherish them!
I haven’t been back to any alumni relations events, but drive through Normal and notice how the campus has changed since I was there. Thanks for all the wonderful memories.
Kenneth R. Myler ’58, M.S. ’66
OLD MAIN POEM
To the Editor,
While reading the article about Old Main (“Artifacts & Memories,” May 2011), I remembered that I had written a poem about Old Main while I was listening to music during a music appreciation class in the summer of 1955.
I had several classes in Old Main but I especially remember during a contemporary civilization class the wind blowing through the windows caused the lights, which hung from a chain, to sway back and forth.
Thanks for the article.
George T. Hulvey ’62, M.S. ’64
Old Main
Poem by George T. Hulvey ’62, M.S. ’64
Old Main is still a standing
after a hundred years have past.
Its life was rough and rugged
and has stood many a wintry blast.
Its stories were three in number
not so many years ago
but it had to lose its top one
with the dome and clocks, you know.
Its stairs are old and creaking
but they still withstand the strain
of the many students footsteps
as they trod up and down again.
The halls are still dark and dreary
as they have been for many a year
and they meet at four corners
where messages are bright and clear.
The rooms are hot and sultry
in the summer time you know
and the windows in the winter time
don’t stop the wintry winds that blow.
The bridges on the east and west
have just two jobs to do.
They hold the building upright
and keep it from falling into.
The building is a nesting place
for the pigeons of the town
and when you walk out either door
your umbrella better not be down.
The bushes which surround the place
are green as they can be
and the bricks which compose its walls
soon may fall very fast and free.
Some students are still a wondering
why it is still standing there
since it is so old and crumbling
from the years of wear and tear.
