| September 11th was a day that no one will
ever forget. The New London Community has been deeply affected despite
its distance from the attack. Two of its residents, Ruth and four-year
old Juliana McCourt were aboard the United Airline flight that struck the
World Trade Center. Several residents of the area lost family
members and Connecticut College suffered greatly losing several alumni
and other members of the Connecticut College family.
Ruth McCourt was an avid gardener.
She and her mother, Paula Clifford Scott, were active members of the New
London Garden Club. Therefore, it is fitting that as a memorial, to Ruth
and Juliana and all the victims from the area, friends, neighbors
and even those who never knew them, choose to create this Memorial Garden.
Envisioned is a contemplative garden, one
that reflects the peace and serenity that was so much a part of Ruth, easily
accessed by New Londoners and visitors alike, suitable for sitting and
reading or meditation - - a space, perhaps with flowing water, a small
bridge, sculpture and benches. Possibly even the re-creation of Mr. McGregor’s
Garden – a children’s vegetable and flower garden that Ruth so lovingly
created with her daughter.
The project will be designed and implemented
by members of the McCourt
Memorial Garden Inc. The design committee is headed by Jeanne Shelburne,
a landscape architect whose work on the Harkness
Memorial Gardens is known throughout the State.
The Garden will be located on the grounds
of the Lyman Allyn Art Museum.
It will encompass several acres. Visitors will be able to enter from
the LAAM parking area, with steps leading down a slope to a natural low
lying area and picturesque bridge. This area of the garden will become
a bird sanctuary and planted with iris, and flowering native shrubs and
lead to a grassy performance area and the terraces leading up to
the historic Deshon Allyn house. Each terrace with have a separate function,
as will the different landscaped areas around the house. For example,
the brick patio on the South side of the house may be used for children’s
tea parties and special functions while another area may house a gold fish
pond or water element. The garden will also incorporate contempletive
areas where visitors may sit quietly and read or reflect. photos
The McCourt
Memorial Garden Inc will oversee the construction and raise the necessary
funds including the establishment of an endowment for maintaining the garden
in perpetuity. There is wide spread community interest in participating
in all aspects of the Garden. Several businesses
have already committed to contributing, and/or providing materials and
expertise. We hope that all design work will be completed by the Spring
2003 and that construction of the Garden will begin shortly thereafter.
It is estimated that the Garden will take two to three years to complete.
Governor and Mrs. Rowland serve as Honorary
Chairpersons for the Memorial Garden. Congressman Rob Simmons, Senator
Melodie Peters, Representatives Andrea Stillman and Wade Hyslop, along
with many other community and civic leaders, have committed to serving
on the Honorary
Committee. The list keeps growing.
The establishment of the McCourt Memorial
Garden in Memory of September 11th Victims of Southeastern Connecticut
on the grounds of the Lyman Allyn Art Museum is a great tribute to not
only Ruth, Juliana but All September 11th victims in Southeastern
Connecticut. A formal ceremony is planned for the second anniversary of
this terrible attack, September 11, 2003. |
