Considering the Past: Topics in M.C. History

While the addition of a body of water was serendipitous, the dream of an outdoor amphitheater at Meredith College dates from the campus’s relocation from downtown Raleigh in 1926.  Initially, it seems that the preferred location would be in “the grove” – a stand of hardwood trees that once stood where the Jones Chapel is now – and where campus festivities had traditionally taken place. In A History of Meredith College, Mary Lynch Johnson wrote that Ida Poteat, Professor of Art (1899 to 1940) observed that a naturally sloping area of the campus would be a possible location for an future amphitheater. This description suggests its eventual location.

Unfortunately, financial limitations intervened until 1963, when the school’s business manager Howard Belcher, aided by the technical expertise of the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service and the services of landscape architect Richard Bell, announced a plan to create an earth-foundation amphitheater.

Excavation proceeded for an amphitheater that would accommodate up to 1200 viewers. Then – taking advantage of the springs discovered there – a self-feeding, four-acre lake was added to the landscape plan.

Upon completion, the lake took nearly 8 months to fill with rainwater – but was ready to host its first Class Day in 1964.

The Elva Bryan McIver Amphitheater was named for a generous donor to the college. However, its beloved and picturesque companion feature has probably never been formally christened, and is has become known as “Meredith Lake,” or simply “the lake.” The two features are intertwined in photos and memories.

Since 1964, with periodic repairs, “the lake” has become the setting for countless events, including May Day, Class Day, Cornhuskin’, Commencement and musical and theatrical performances   – as well as a needed place for reflection and relaxation.