By Grazia Romano
Although Yale's campus is beautiful, you may find that you need to escape from the same day-to-day scenery, which offers little space to exercise your imagination. If your soul is restless and your room is too messy to walk into, a little adventure might be in order. Contrary to popular belief, New Haven is home to some scenic locations worthy of a visit before winter really sets in.
For those of you who enjoy walking, Edgerton Park is the place to go. Originally belonging to Eli Whitney, the 22-acre strip of land that is now the park was sold in 1906 to Frederick Brewster, the patriarch of a wealthy New Haven family. Brewster willed that his estate be donated to the New Haven after his wife's death. The park was established in 1965 and the family mansion was demolished in accordance with the terms of Mr. Brewster's last will. However, you will find the original greenhouses, bridge, gatehouse, stables, and the remnants of an English atmosphere within the estate's original stone wall. Edgerton Park is located on the Hamden-New Haven border, about 30 minutes north on Whitney Avenue from TD. The entrance of the park is located at the corner of Cliff Street and Whitney Avenue, across from Saint Thomas Episcopalian Church. The Tudor-style walls that surround the park are easily recognizable.
While you are heading in that direction, you might also want to check out East Rock Park. You can visit this peaceful setting simply by turning right onto East Rock Street from Whitney Avenue and walking two blocks. You will find yourself at the foot of the cliff. Go in the direction opposite the "Summit" sign (turn right while facing the rock). To the side of the road, you will find a trail along a river bank which will lead you past a baseball field. Climb the first set of steps on your left, cross the road, jump over the red "do not enter" gate, and follow the giant steps. This is the most direct route to the summit, a 15- minute hike equivalent to mild Stairmaster workout. But if you prefer, you can simply follow the main road which spirals to the summit. You will be rewarded with a refreshingly different view of New Haven.
If for some reason you are directionally-impaired and confuse Whitney Avenue with Prospect Street, you will find yourself standing in front of Yale's Divinity School. Although a part of campus, most students know little about this branch of Yale University. The Sterling Divinity Quadrangle was erected upon the bequest of John B. Sterling. The courtyard's cozy atmosphere is the ideal spot to relax on a Friday afternoon. The Divinity School has other facilities that undergraduates can take advantage of, such as the library and Marquand Chapel's daily services. The library welcomes undergraduates Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
On the way back to main campus, you can visit Farnham Park. Although not as impressive as Edgerton Park, Farnham offers a clear view of East Rock and a secluded place to escape from classes. This is an especially convenient location if you are taking classes on Science Hill or if you are a Sillimander or a TDer.
If you do not feel like walking too far and are in the mood for a an alternative experience, then there is a fascinating place for you to visit: the New Haven Burial Ground on Grove Street. Here you will find some of Yale's most celebrated figures (who all happen to be male), including some of the eponymous heroes of the residential colleges. Among the most notable individuals are Eli Whitney, Noah Webster, Charles Goodyear, both Benjamin Sillimans, Jedediah Morse, both Timothy Dwights, Ezra Stiles, and Josiah Gibbs. The cemetery was established in 1796 and was one of the first American burial grounds featuring a grid-style layout. One of the intriguing features of the cemetery is the massive Egyptian Revival pylon that guards its entrance. The architect who designed the gate, Henry Austin, is also buried in this cemetery.
These are a few suggestions for brief excursions throughout the New Haven area. Although some of these places take a little effort to get to, you can simply take the CTTransit bus from the Green for 95 cents. The J-bus will take you Edgerton Park, and the A- and E-buses go to East Rock. So gather your friends, get some food, and give yourself a mini-vacation.
Copyright 1995, The Yale Herald, Inc. All rights reserved.
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