Thank you for your patience while we continue to make progress – where and when we can – with the effort to preserve Eliestoun. At this time, Principia’s administration is continuing to work to reach an agreement with Friends of Eliestoun. Meanwhile, Principia remains responsible for emergency repairs. And we still expect that the effort to renovate Eliestoun will move forward.
There is progress of a different sort that we are happy to report to you. A selfless and generous donor, who cares deeply for Eliestoun, has agreed to fund rehabilitation of the Japanese maple tree. This historic and majestic tree, familiar to many Principia alumni and friends, is noted for its longevity and stunning color. We contacted the Missouri Botanical Garden and had some experts examine the tree and assess issues that these trees face. Work will include pruning to remove dead wood, and installation of supports for several main branches. We are grateful to the donor and look forward to enjoying this lovely tree for many years to come.
This summer, two severe storms passed through this area, the last of which caused a great deal of damage to trees on the Eliestoun property, even closing the road to vehicle and foot traffic for a month. But we are happy to report that the buildings suffered no serious damage. And none of the historic and notable trees appeared damaged. Also, a large group of Principia School students helped to clear the debris.
The photo above is the Japanese maple tree in bloom a few years ago. The photo below shows the same tree today, and its proximity to Eliestoun.
We look forward to sharing updates about the main project when possible. In the meantime, we appreciate your continued prayerful support for the project.
Friends of Eliestoun
Love inspires, illumines, designates, and leads the way. Right motives give pinions to thought, and strength and freedom to speech and action. Love is priestess at the altar of Truth. Wait patiently for divine Love to move upon the waters of mortal mind, and form the perfect concept. Patience must “have her perfect work.”
Back in the early 50’s, as a student, I would bike to Eliestoun for exercise, nature observing, and an escape from conformity. The road & sense of space was important to me. I wonder if any student has this particular perspective today. I wonder if the building has a function in fact, today. The cost of rebuilding & maintenance often exceeds a new construction. And perhaps the old Eliestoun could be reborn as a new building, closer to campus center, with architectural details intact, but with contemporary materials, and built to-purpose.