In the April edition of the Björklunden Newsletter, the editors, Eric Simonson and Sue Pappas, shared some of their early memories of Björklunden with the hope of inspiring some of the newsletter’s readers to do the same. Thanks to the three who did!
I thought it was so cool. Lawrence University cross-country Coach Gene Davis scheduled three days of pre-season training at Björklunden prior to my first year orientation. I remember how sparse the facility looked then. Our quarters were similar to a YMCA summer camp, but the nearby trail running was legendary. I remember the trees, the lake, and the seemingly unending paths. In short, it was a great way to kick off my LU years.
Fast forward to the 1990s. My brother and his wife, both LU grads, purchased property and then built their vacation home only two miles away. Family gatherings at their Jacksonport vacation place always included a mandatory run to check on Björklunden' s recent improvements. In the 2000's and beyond, I attended two summer seminars taught by former Lawrentians, Campbell Scott and Terry Moran.
For me, more than buildings and the facility itself, hanging out with my friends and family at Björklunden will resonate most.
Jeffrey Hawley, ‘79
Back in the mid-1990’s my husband and I reserved overnight accommodations at Björklunden for the two of us and our four young children over the New Year’s holiday. Imagine our surprise when we arrived at the main lodge to discover that we would be the only guests during our stay. This meant we had the entire place to ourselves while we were there. Between explorations in the surrounding woods and evenings in front of the massive fireplace in the lodge along with the freedom we felt having the run of the place, it all added up to a memorable experience for the entire family.
Heidi Jacobson Knudsen, C ‘74
In the fall of 1962, I joined a group of Lawrence students for a trip from Appleton up to Björklunden.The agreement between the Boyntons and Lawrence had been signed or was about to be signed. When we got there Winifred Boynton gave a tour of the chapel, and then she led a short religious service. Afterward we adjourned to the Boynton's main house for lunch served in their large two-story main living area. The student group was led by Dean of Men, Ken Vanderbush, and I surmise this was most likely a PR visit to reassure the Boyntons of Lawrence's intention to put the estate to good use.
Fred Voss, ‘65