Friday, October 05, 2007

Continuing Tour of Stanford---Encina Hall

Looking back at my blog, I see we were at the Quad. There are some things I left out about that historic place. It was the heart of the university. The Opening Ceremonies took place at the East Arch. How they hung the black velvet curtain up and the picture of Leland, Jr. I will never know. But they did it. Courting or queening as they called it in those days took place in the circular planters. Couples had a hard time making out. There were few private places. For goodness sake, the cactus garden. How romantic can you get? Sam MacDonald had a story when he was living in Cedro Cottage; he heard a couple making the sounds of love. He made his presence known and he was sure they thought he was a ghost. Roble Bridge was another spot, across the creek. As you know and I know, couples can be very creative when they want to, irregardless of Mrs. Stanford's wishes.

Back to Encina Hall. It's an easy walk from the Quad. Still there in all its glory. I walked into the lobby and walked around but that is about as far as you can get. The details behind the double doors were dug up from my memories of being there circa 1952. My first year was at Stanford Village, now the municipal center of Menlo Park, but that is another story that someone should write.

Encina was the most imposing building on the campus. Because of that, all the posed pictures you will see that were taken at that time (1891-1901) were taken on the steps or in front of the building.

Another thing to remember is that all the boys, men, professors, and even some visitors were housed there. Because of that broader friendship could be formed and more mischief could be conceived on a grand scale---the flatcar prank is a good example of that.

Going into the lobby will give you a feel for the place. You can see where the dining room was, dead ahead. I particularly like to remember how the Roble girls swept into the place and the Encina boys were hanging like monkies  from the bannisters.  

I lived on the western side, toward Mayfield. I could look out my window and see what was going on that side of the building. One incident sticks in my head. A Stanford Rough was proudly showing his mother around the place where, I guess, he lived. They wandered a little too close and a water bag rained on his mother's head. The rough made a fist at the bank of windows. In response, a high-pitched laugh rang out. I have heard that laugh described in other situations and can only think it is another Stanford tradition. Who am I to say? Enough for now. Will probably think of more, later. Otherwise, on to David Starr Jordan's residence----Escontite Cottage.

 

 

 

 

Posted by Jerry at 17:25:42 | Permanent Link | Comments (1) |