Josh graduated with degrees in Trumpet Performance, Music History, and Italian studies. He worked for a year as an Admissions Counselor at UW. He then applied for graduate school. He was accepted at Yale University. Monica, his girlfriend, was accepted at Harvard. So, last August, they set off for a cross country car trip to New Haven, CT and Cambridge, MA. They car camped at National and State Parks. They had a wonderful time getting to their new homes. Each of them will be working on their Ph.D for 5-6 years.
Justin graduated from UW with degrees in Physics and Astronomy He then applied to the Peace Corps and moved home with us while he prepared to depart for Mozambique where he would live for 27 months.
This is how we came to this adventure. We left bright and early so that we could fly to New York City. We landed at JFK airport. We took the sky train to Jamaica station and then the subway to Time Square. We walked through Time Square with four suitcases. I think that I was the only who enjoyed that part. We then took a train from Grand Central Station to New Haven, CT. It was a lovely two hour train ride.
Yale University
New Haven is the picturesque town in which Yale University is located. Josh took us on a walking tour of the campus of Yale University. Yale was founded in 1701 as a "collegiate school." It is the third oldest institution of higher education in the United States. It was renamed as Yale College in 1718 because of a donation by Elihu Yale, a Welsh merchant. He donated the proceeds from the sale of nine bales of goods together with 417 books and a portrait of King George I. http://www.yale.edu
Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library
Yale's Beinecke Library is one of the world's largest repositories for rare books and manuscripts. It was designed by Gordon Bunshaft. The "windows" are 1 1/4 thick marble and are framed by granite. The marble panels filter the light so that rare manuscripts can be viewed safely. http://beinecke.library.yale.edu/about/about-building
When it was built, people thought that it looked like a book of S&H green stamps. The Beinecke family owned the Sperry & Hutchinson company which distributed the green stamps as a part of a rewards program. The green stamps were extremely popular in the 1960s when the library was built.
The Beinecke Library houses two volumes of the Gutenberg Bible. These bibles are on permanent display. The library is free and open to the public. It is quite an "awe"some experience looking at the Gutenberg Bible. History….almost in your own hands.
The restoration of the beautiful Sterling Memorial Library is now complete. The nave is exceptionally exquisite. The library is now open to the public and very worth visiting! When we were there, they were still working on the renovations. We saw bits and pieces - but can't wait to go back to see everything.
Yale University is a beautiful campus. The buildings are architecturally captivating. You can almost believe that you are on the campus of "Hogwarts" at times. It is an easy campus to walk - you do not need a car. Take the train to New Haven and then walk until you drop! Oh…and look for our son, Josh. If you see him, say hi for The Gaileys!
Our next posting will continue the great journey through New Haven and will include East Rock Park, Frank Pepe's Pizza, and Sleeping Giant State Park!
Our musical pairing comes from the Yale Glee Club! This is a medley of Yale Fight Songs! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhcInoTe63U
I love this continuation of your travel saga. I grew up "lickin' and stickin'" green stamps (and then Blue Chip stamps) for my Mom... it was a part of 50's and 60's culture. There is something special about the Ivy League schools and the academe that they represent. I went to Berkeley and the Hebrew University ... but there was something special about visiting Harvard. I have visited Stanford and its rare books library. I have not been to Yale and so very much enjoyed your description. I have traveled much in that area and swear by the LIRR ... fun, fun and relaxing. I hope one day Hannah follows in the footsteps of your boys. She has a good start. Thanks again.
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