Gazabo to become center
of new * Alumni Green ’
A gazebo honoring an alumna is under construction on the west side of McDowell
Columns.
The gazebo recognizes the loyalty and support of Susan Parker Kerr of Indian
Lakes, Florida, who made a major commitment to the Mission Excellence Campaign,
President Bruce E. Whitaker announced.
Mrs. Kerr said she is happy that Chowan’s students will be provided a place where
they can visit with friends, relax or study in an outdoor setting. She suggested the
gazebo could also be used for special occasions such as speakers and entertainment.
According to Jack Hassell, director of physical plant, the gazebo is 20 feet across
and will seat about 40 people. The roof is made of cedar shakes (wooden shingles) and
the eight fluted columns match the columns on the McDowell building.
It will be equipped with electrical lights and outlets. At night, the gazebo will be
lighted by two floodhghts.
Honors All Alumni
Landscaping around the gazebo will be called the Alumni Green to honor all of
Chowan’s alumni. It will include shrubs, flowers and greenery. An irrigation system
will be installed. Sidewalks lead to the gazebo and garden to encircle the structure. An
18-inch brick wall will be built in front of the gazebo in line with McDowell Columns.
A 600-pound brass bell has been installed in the center of the roof. It was originally
located in a bell tower on the east side of McDowell Columns from 1851 until I960.
For the next four years, it was housed in McDowell Columns before being replaced by
an electronic bell system.
Inclement weather has delayed the completion of the gazebo, but the project will be
finished in early summer , according to Hassell.
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The date of 1849
is visible in
the solid brass
bell, which was
housed in McDowell
Columns ’ cupola
for many years.
gBrntf«iMntr
A large crane was required to remove the college bell from atop McDowell Columns and lift
into place in the gazebo.
i
A member of the maintenance department secures the bell in the brackets.
Heavy, braced joists were necessary to carry the weight of the historic bell,
which will be rung on special occasions.
PAGE FOUR—TTk- Chowanian, May-June, 1989