After a decent night’s sleep at the English Inn in Charlottesville, Leslie, Mike and I headed out to explore the University of VA. UVA has played a significant roll in our family’s education. Not only did my parents meet, date and marry while attending UVA, but a number of my family members have received degrees from here too.
Walking around the campus was an incredible experience. One immediately feels the respect and dignity that only a school so steeped in our country’s heritage can command. Thomas Jefferson’s original design of the Rotunda and Pavilions enforced his concept that shared learning should infuse daily life. At UVA, the importance of education stands above everything else.
Mike in front of the house he rented while doing his internship and residency at the University of VA Medical Center. He said the house had changed very little.
Framing the famous Lawn, behind the Rotunda, are the Pavilions. The Pavilions were initially built to house students and faculty on the top floor and classrooms on the bottom floor. The Pavilions now house distinguished faculty and the top students in the various University departments. Edgar Allen Poe once lived in the second floor apartments on the far right of the picture.
The Rotunda is the most recognizable symbol of UVA. This building was designed by Thomas Jefferson to be the heart of his academic community and is a scaled back model of the Pantheon in Rome. Built between 1822-1826, it served as the University’s library for years.
“The Lawn” looking south at Old Cabell Hall, which houses part of the School of Music (the Rotunda is on the north side of The Lawn). “The Lawn” not only serves as the grounds for graduation, but it is a fine place to play outside on a summer afternoon.
Me in front of Cabell Hall. Not sure whose toe I am grasping but, unlike the rest of the statue, the toe is gold from many hands touching and polishing the surface.
The University amphitheater is on the east side of The Lawn. Until the University grew too large, this was the sight of graduation festivities. As a matter of fact, as a young man, my father stood on the stage of the amphitheater to receive his PhD. A nice piece of history for me!
This is the street side of the Rotunda…very stately.
Known as “The Corner”, this area has been a University student-faculty gathering place since the late 1800’s. Lots of shops for window shopping and restaurants for refreshing drinks on a very hot July morning.
Mother put in long hours at this UVA hospital while attending the UVA School of Nursing. This building was built in the 1930’s but another, very modern hospital has been built across the street.
