This is a photograph of a rock foundation at Stout’s Point
on Petit Jean Mountain, all that remains of the YMCA’s College Lodge, which was
built in 1928. While fire may have
destroyed the building itself, the firm rock foundation has stood the test of
time and continues to remain a testament to the past history of the
mountain. What I found compelling about
this place was the contrasting elements of the rock work with the light-colored
mortar used to hold them in place. The rough textural component the rock work
gives the image reminds me of the rough life the early settlers of the mountain
had to endure to live there. I love the
sun rays beaming into the lodge through now open space which was once a solid
roof. It leads one’s eyes to the natural
bluff rock upon which structure was built. I have also included a photograph of the
outside of the lodge, which shows another angle of the rock, speaking to the
architectural skills used to incorporate the natural rock foundation into the
man-made structure itself. The fact that
this building was constructed upon such rough terrain and the fact that it has
stood for almost a century, despite fires, winds, rain and snow speaks to not
only the craftsmanship but also to the endurance and durability of the
architects themselves.
