Clemson Heritage Gardens
This project, initiated by the Class of 1939. It is probably the most ambitious project begun by any class in Clemson's history. Its purpose is to present, in the garden setting of the South Carolina Botanical Garden, a visual display of some of the important aspects of Clemson's history and traditions. To do so, it was necessary to enlist the support of many groups and organizations, both within and outside the University family.
The plan for the Heritage Gardens contained several discrete elements. It began with the Caboose Garden, which is not only important in the traditions of the Class of '39 but which provides one of the few areas of interest to the thousands of children who visit the Botanical Garden each year. This garden was completed in 1996 with funds and gifts in kind from the class members. The class also provided the funds for the grant entrance to the Heritage Gardens, completed in 1997.
The second major element is the Cadet Life Garden, which presents depictions of those features of Cadet Life, during Clemson's first sixty years, that were different from student life today here and elsewhere. This garden has been funded by three groups; Clemson's Golden Tigers (all those alumni who finished fifty or more years ago), the Class of 1942 with its contribution of a class fund established early in this decade and the Class of '55. Giving as Golden Tigers, members of the Class of '39 gave more than any other class except the two sponsoring classes. This garden was completed in May of 1999.
The third element will be the Founders Garden, honoring Clemson's founder and presenting those major events immediately before and after its founding in 1889. A sponsor for this garden has not yet been found, although promising discussions are underway with a potential sponsor. Already, however, the trellised walkways connecting the first three elements are in place, thanks to two generous Class of '39ers.
Perhaps the centerpiece of the Heritage Gardens is the President’s Gardens - an initial group of 13 interconnected gardens honoring each of Clemson's presidents and presenting the important events that took place during each of their regencies. Thus a stroll through these additions will keep that history current.
Further in the future will be the addition of a small amphitheater and the upgrading of the picnic grounds that are adjacent to the Heritage Gardens. All of these elements are and will be located in an approximately ten-acre tract in the Botanical Gardens. When complete, the Heritage Garden will be a unique part of the campus scene and an attraction for visitors from far and wide. And through these gardens, the memory of the Great Class of 1939 will remain alive.
