Jean’s Garden

A Poem by M. R. Louthan, Jr.

There’s a rose that grew in God’s garden
A rose that had beauty to spare
She planned and planted her garden
With God’s direction and care
Her garden of ferns and of flowers
Her children and grandchildren there
With pride and joy she showed them
To grow with love they could share
God’s called His rose from the garden
Still...we’re left with beauty to spare
For we who’ve been touched by her garden
Have been cultivated with care
Now we are the pallet of colors
Her family and friends so dear
Let’s quietly honor Jean’s garden

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The main office of the Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics is perhaps the only office on campus with its own stained glass window, entitled, "A View from the Garden" by Ellen Hermann.

The window was commissioned by Richard P. McNitt, now Department Head Emeritus, in memory of his wife, Jean.

The design was drawn and executed by Ellen Hermann in conjunction with the McNitt family. Kenneth Plattner built the reinforcement providing structural support and guided installation. Bill Grove created the steel fram that surrounds it. Additional help in several stages of construction of this approximately 2,050-piece stained glass window came from Cindy Doliana, Judith Bradford, and Jim Hermann.

The Artwork by Ellen Hermann

This design in stained glass was created around the elements of nature that are meaningful to the McNitt family. It highlights flowers found in the family garden and natural things found locally in central Pennsylvania. The combinations of flora, fauna and wildlife stimulate the imagination and promote feelings of peace.

Looking through the canopy of one hundred dogwood blossoms, the mountain ridge sits under a bold sky. A stream comes off the mountain from the gap, running around the rocks until it flows over the waterfalls. Branching off to the right, and below the Jack-in-the-Pulpit, it continues into places only the imagination can see.

Venturing from behind the rhododendron are two deer; one stopped to enjoy a drink from the gentle stream. Looking past the deer across a field, you’ll find a dirt road leading to yet another place tucked in the foothills. It might be a meadow, or it might lead to a small pond.

The rock wall on the left, with shrubbery at its base, is very old. Below it the fields lead to the garden of iris and echinacea. Trillium, gooseneck, loosestrife, and fern surround a ruby-throated hummingbird as it sips nectar from one of the red poppies.

Nature provided Sparrow Rock, a short distance upstream from the waterfall. And sitting below the cluster of lilies, a geode reflects their colors. The moss covering the lowest rocks contributes a feeling of comfort. The entire design is intended to take your imagination to a restful place.

As a tribute to Jean (Mrs. Richard) McNitt, it reflects her deep appreciation of nature and love of life.