An Open Space in Chester County

An Open Space in Chester County

On Saturday March 10, 2001 at the London Grove Friends Meeting Hall in Chester County,Pennsylvania there was a Memorial Service for Ian Lennox McHarg. Some said that this part of the Chester County landscape was similar in appearance to the rolling hills, towns and forests of Scotland where he once lived before coming to America. If that is so, it's easy to understand where some of Mr. McHarg's inspiration came from.

The location was only exceeded by the quality of the day. Spring was alive in

the trees, shrubs and wildlife despite a chill in the air. The air blew clean, clear and strong on occasion but the sky, more than anything was reason to pause. The day fit the man.

More than two hundred and fifty people attended the gathering. The Friends Minister opened the session with a prayer and a description of how these typesof services are conducted. He said that all of us had the opportunity to pray in silence or speak to the group. The balance of personal meditation and community sharing seemed quite appropriate for a group like ours.

The Hall was a wooden rectangular-shaped building that was oriented with the long-side running east and west. To the north of the room was a modest stage where Mr. McHarg's family and dearest friends were seated facing an audience nestled in wooden pews. Behind the family were three large windows that opened to a bright blue sky and the silhouettes of two old and beautiful deciduous trees--perhaps Elms or Beech. The mid-afternoon light, with the sky, created a stunning backdrop for the dialogue to follow.

A number of Mr. McHarg's relatives, friends and colleagues elected to speak to the audience. Each speaker shared insights about McHarg, often imitating a characteristic or trait of the man they knew so well and loved so dearly. Many of the speakers shared stories that brought easy laughter to the crowd while others simply took our breath away.

"He's probably stating his position on the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to the Lord right now and convincing Him that his point of view is the correct one", said one friend. "He gave me a chance to do something good with my life when no one else would" said a former student. "The area outside his office was filled with dignitaries, government leaders, students and politicans waiting to see him--it was anarchy" said a former student and professor.

"He was unique because he possessed a generosity of spirit" said one of his long-time colleagues. "More than an environmental leader and educator, he as wonderful and he was my Father" said one of his sons. You couldn't help but feel that these tributes could have easily gone on into the night.

The turnout was impressive at many different levels. Ian's immediate family and relatives from Scotland and other locations attended. Some talked of his life and special personal qualities. The stories were both familiar, amusing and offered new insights about a man who made everyone feel like they were his good friend.

All of the family seemed struck by the turnout and the expressions of admiration

from his colleagues. One couldn't help but wonder if this type of admiration for your husband, father or brother could ever be anything but special. Many seemed somewhat stunned by both his absence and his presence.

Professionally the meeting hall was a virtual "who's who" directory of landscape architects and regional planners that represented the fifty years of McHarg's career. Practitioners from government, the private sector, universities and business crowded together listening ever so intently for more information about

Mr. McHarg and his traits, ecological theories, projects and achievements. It seemed like another of his speeches or lectures if you didn't know why everyone came to Union Grove that day.

The service ended and turned into a brief reception before leading to a gathering at the McHarg residence. Although there was as much celebration as sadness, within the big and beautiful old home, it was obviousness to everyone that a space had been created where there was none before. Old friendships seemed to resurface as we sensed a heightened awareness to what we have and what we have lost.

It will take all of us a long time to adjust to this new space in our lives. For some the adjustment will be so much harder than for others. With each daily routine, conversation or reflection we will be reminded and better understand how much Ian McHarg's presence meant.

J. Glenn Eugster
Alexandria, Virginia
March 15, 2001