Forming
a historical connection. May
people continue to feel
connected to Mount
Holyoke and its long history, even
years after they live on, or visit
the campus. Mount Holyoke’s high regard
for tradition - both formal and informal- strengthen
these
strong personal ties with the campus.
Enforcing these ties are interaction
and experience with the landscape.The
memory of experiences leads to a
feeling of ownership over some aspect of
the landscape – each student remembers
her own Mount Holyoke a little differently.
Placing importance on the continuation
of tradition also fosters
appreciation for memory, and history.
In this regard, all those who take part in
any sort of tradition, or interact with the
landscape develop a sense of authorship over
the landscape.
Authorship
and Ownership.The idea of
authorship in landscape can be looked
at in many different ways. The idea
of authors in landscape has been explored,
but has previously focused on those who create
or build landscapes.(2). While building a physical
landscape is one way to become a landscape
author, one must consider an alternative landscape:
the one that exists in the “mind’s
eye”(3) – one’s own interpretation
and experience of that landscape. Landscape
makes impressions on each of us, and the
ritual of tradition allow us to
make impressions as well as expressions on
the landscape. Sites where Mount Holyoke’s
traditions are celebrated are especially memorable,
because the tradition creates memories that
are based around that particular site.
Memory
and Tradition. When one thinks
of Founders Day, one will remember
Mary Lyon’s grave, decked in
fall foliage and early morning sunshine. When
one thinks of May Day celebrations and May
Queens, she remembers watching Lower Lake sparkle
in the light of the setting sun, while feeling
green grass between her toes.(4). Similarly,
sites that have been lost will be immortalized
by memories, and by traditions held around
them.
Experience.
The most vivid of memories come from experiences.
One is more likely to remember
Upper Lake if she took canoeing, or zoology.
In our memories, we exist as we were, and landscapes
exist as they once were. This again leads back
to the idea of authorship, and the importance
of remembering these specific places.
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