A Personification of the Front Gate

Have you ever looked closely at The Avenue entrance to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods and noticed that the remaining gate has door attachments?

The gate has viewed so many versions of automobiles, individuals and stories. For more than 100 years, from 1855 to 1958, the gate was across from the railroad, this includes the tracks and the station. It saw people come and go, styles change with time, as well as the road itself being what it is today.

A photograph featuring the railroad tracks in front of The Avenue and gate.

For some time, the gate was attached to fencing that surrounded the campus. Students would enter through the side doors when they returned from trips away. Waving to their friends who would drop them off from town or continuing their night by talking through the fence. Today, evidence of the original can still be found if you look close enough.

A Gift

Where a fence post was at one time, connecting a fence around campus to the gate.

Looking back at the few photos we have is a gift; to receive a glimpse of what the landscaping used to look like, one may still imagine when they think of this beautiful campus.

Consider an instance of the gateway view before the fountain existed, the sight was exclusively Foley Hall, originally the Academy building. Its grand structure was impossible to miss. Once the famous fountain came to life, its mark was made permanent as an unforgettable fabric of The Avenue.

A phrase I often find myself thinking about when I learn new information our history has to office through preservation is, “If these walls could talk.” In this case, if the entrance gates could, I imagine they would have fascinating stories to share.

Would it mention the conversations held, the embracement of Sisters and students as they arrived home or as they were leaving for break? The ever-changing scenery throughout time? The possibilities are endless.

Voice and Feelings

What voice would it have? Would it speak multiple languages? Would it have a combined dialect of modern terminology as well as phrases of the past? Would it only be kind, as it is so welcoming to go through whether it is a daily occurrence or a rarity?

An early photograph of The Avenue and gate, including the fencing around campus.

Or would it be solemn: Serious in tone, mindful that many will come and many will go, portraying a brave face as to not show its true nature?

What feelings would it communicate? Would it hide its sadness on such influential structures that no longer exist, or would it reminisce happily for anyone who stops to listen? Would it question the world, the actions and policies in place; or ask where is a specific person they favored crossing through its door?

Individuals of all ages welcome themselves to these Woods. Before local school dances, teenagers huddle with their friends and family, putting on smiling faces in front of a fountain that dates back to 1914, or The Grotto Bridge that has experienced changes of its own.

Remembering Moments

These beloved spots are descriptors in visitors’ minds as they commemorate their love for each other. Engagement photos, family photos, or friends joining together, you name it, it has been inscribed here.

A photograph of The Avenue and gate at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Visitors both near and far choose to remember moments at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods where their memories become extra special. Some will be aware of the history that surrounds them, while others are blind to it.

We shall only hope they take the time to connect with all that is to offer, as well as making their own marks shine, in any way they feel called to do so.

Although the entrance we see today has gone through numerous changes, I would like to imagine its memories have never aged and will outlast us all. It will continue to learn and be present for anecdotes we can only dream about.