Rock steady?

Vast stretches of the Lake Michigan shore are lined with rocks and concrete in an effort to protect the shoreline from the constant pounding of wind and waves. The shoreline in Evanston, Illinois, just off the campus of Northwestern University is no different except for one thing. The rocks that were intended to preserve the shoreline also preserve the memories of the students who have attended Northwestern.

For decades, students have adorned the rocks in an attempt to immortalize themselves, groups of friends, dorm mates and significant others during their time at NU. My son, who attends Northwestern, adorned one rock with his and his girlfriend’s initials as a sign of undying love about six months before they broke up.

One enterprising young man crafted an elaborate marriage proposal on one of the slabs of concrete. A big red “Yes” was painted onto an adjacent rock. I wonder if that marriage stood the test of time, or if the paint job lasted longer than the relationship.

Click on picture to enlarge. Photograph © 2005 James Jordan.