Takes a different direction
Last week, I visited the Rubenstein Library and stumbled upon a fascinating exhibit about the founding of Duke University. One of the highlights was an architect’s rendering of what they envisioned the university would look like.
If you look near the bottom of the sketch, you’ll notice a lake that James Buchanan had originally planned to build. However, due to the Great Depression and dwindling funds in 1930, the lake had to be removed from the plans.
But, as often happens, things worked out in a different way. Instead of the lake, a garden was envisioned. Sarah Duke, Benjamin’s wife, planted an iris garden in the space where the lake would have been. Later, her daughter, Mary Biddle Duke, honored her mother by continuing to expand the garden. Today, the garden is still growing and has become one of the most enchanting places on campus.
And it can never be built on. It has to always be a garden.
It is interesting how it what was supposed to be a pond is now a beautiful garden. I’m glad the plans for a lake fell through.