What Happened to the Stine Lake Gazebo?
The gazebo was prominently located in winter and spring (Photo courtesy of Gettysburg College)
By Benjamin Pontz, Managing News Editor
No, your mind is not deceiving you. The gazebo that once anchored the point where sidewalks converged between Penn Hall, Glatfelter, Plank Gym and Musselman Library is no longer there … and it has been absent all semester.
The gazebo was removed from its former spot in May as construction began for the College Union Building’s renovations.
“During the construction this summer all vehicle access routes were closed off from Lincoln Avenue, preventing delivery and service vehicles from accessing the Library, Paul Hall and Stine Hall,” explained James Biesecker, Director of Facilities Planning & Management. “The sidewalk coming from Constitution parking lot was used for college and construction vehicle access to the center of the campus. This pathway needs to remain open through next summer, as there are still times when the drive from Lincoln Avenue could be closed down to support construction.”
The gazebo is presently in storage, Biesecker said, and the college has not yet decided whether it will return after construction is complete.
“It is presently in need of repairs before it could be used again,” he said.
Biesecker did not respond to a follow-up email inquiring what kind of repairs it would need; as of last spring, it was still in use as a spot for photos taken by the Communications and Marketing staff, among others.
The gazebo first came to campus prior to the 2008 election cycle, during which it was used as a hub for voter registration efforts by students in the political science department. Since then, it has been used as a point of congregation for students, a location for photos both by members of the campus community and wedding parties who have photos taken at the college, and a landmark in the center of campus.
Students appear to have mixed views on the gazebo.
“Now there’s no more awkward splitting up between your walking mates,” said Skyler Ehly ‘18.
However, Cole Watson ‘19 had a different take.
“I miss it,” he said. “I enjoyed walking around campus seeing people chatting and laughing. It gave off a feeling of community.”
