Disoriented

Here’s an image so unusual it left me momentarily disoriented:

Quad long view from future site of fondren 1930s

At first glance I thought it was the front of Lovett Hall, but where’s the parking lot? In fact it’s the back side but taken from a really unusual spot–all the way across the quad where Fondren now sits. I can’t recall ever having seen such an image before. I’d guess it was taken sometime in the early to mid-1930s. Here’s a 1933 aerial shot of the quad in which you can clearly see the trees from above. Their position and size seem to be about the same:Aerial 1933 11th Photo Sec ac Tx Nat Guard

I’m struck by the way they used trees to create a quad without buildings. They surely knew that those trees would eventually have to go. It’s hard for me to imagine planting trees intending to cut them down, but I suppose an institution that built its original buildings with lumber money wouldn’t be overly sentimental about such things.

Update: On second thought, I don’t think Willie is there. This makes it pre-1929.

Update Number Two from the Comments: Yeah, he’s there, just hard to see against the building.

Bonus: Wall with a fence around it 2013

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4 Responses to Disoriented

  1. almadenmike says:

    Willie appears to be there. Look at the bottom of the left side of the Sallyport.

  2. Let’s be precise here. _Willie_ is on his tour bus on his way to his next gig. _Willy_ is on his plinth lookin’ at Lovett Hall.

  3. marmer01 says:

    A little dinking around with contrast and exposure reveals a tiny glint off Willy’s finish. He’s there. http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r108/marmer01/quad-long-view-from-future-site-of-fondren-1930s_zpseba42e34.jpg

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