It opened with a flourish, a sylvan setting for commencements, May Day celebrations, concerts, plays, and the rituals of campus life. But nature had its way with the Mary Washington amphitheater, chipping at its Greek-style columns and graceful character as a century slid by.
Even in its darkest hour, with words like “decrepit,” “dilapidated,” and “dangerous” hurled its way, this refuge off Campus Walk drew visitors. The birches and oaks that enclose the amphitheater keep their secrets – of private thoughts, late-night trysts, promises spoken.
Now a major makeover is planned for this iconic campus spot. Thanks to a $1 million gift from Robert S. and Alice Andrews Jepson ’64, and two other significant alumni donations, nearly half of the estimated $3 million cost of renovations has been raised.
Architects, consulting with historic preservationists, plan restored and replaced elements, weather-resilient seating for 600 rising into spruced-up woods, and handicap accessibility. The project will modernize the amphitheater but preserve its character – with columns and pergolas – leaving it looking much as it did in the early 1950s.
“Everybody seems to have a special spot for the amphitheater,” said Mary Washington’s final May Queen, Sally Monroe Kelly ’68. She hadn’t expected such excitement from students and alumni over plans to repair and renovate the space. “Maybe we all spent some alone-time there. It’s hard to put your finger on it.”
Read more alumni memories of the amphitheater:
Curious, Burns walked down and took a seat at the very back. “Glenna said things I had been unaware of, things going on in Southeast Asia that did not sound like my country,” Burns said. Of the Bullet photo of that discussion, she added, “You can see in these faces how she evoked our concern and got us to think.”
Burns walked back to Mason Hall that night knowing she had to learn more about this war in Vietnam. “It was one of the most pivotal moments of my life,” she said.
“We spent numerous days and nightsthroughout our four years sitting in theamphitheater getting to know each other – talking,sharing, laughing, crying, and even sitting in thesilence, hand in hand, soaking in the beauty andserenity of the amphitheater. The first time he toldme he loved me we were sitting alone in that veryamphitheater. Eleven years later, we have childrenand a bounty of memories between us, yet thatamphitheater will always hold a very special placein our hearts. I am so thankful UMW is takingthe time and resources to allow other students theopportunity we had to experience what we feel isone of UMW’s most precious hidden gems.”
