Summer 2008 Adventurous Scholar
 The Adventurous Scholar in
Fifteen CSC alumnae and guests spent an August weekend at the "northern campus" of Lawrence University at Baileys Harbor in Door County. The facility,Björklunden, was on the shore of Lake Michigan and provided a wonderful setting for learning, socializing and individual reflection, with meals in the lodge's "great room". Members of our group had a morning seminar given by noted Door County naturalist Roy Lukes on "The Seasons of Door County". (Roy is in the plaid shirt and is visiting with folks before the seminar). An unexpected treat was a tour of the chapel on the grounds. The chapel was built by the family at the start of World War II and dedicated to peace. We also had a opportunity for a narrated trolley ride that ended with a Door County sunset. Alumnae and guests came from Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan for this Lifelong Learning trip. -- See photographic highlights of the trip below. For more information on Björklunden and the rest of Door County for future trips, scroll further down.
 
 
 
 
 
Lodgings at Björklunden, Part of the Lawrence University Campus
 
Björklunden vid Sjön, which translates as "Birch Forest by the Water" and is pronounced "Bee-york'-lun-den," is a 425-acre estate on the Lake Michigan shore just south of Baileys Harbor in picturesque Door County. A place of great beauty and serenity, the property includes meadows, woods, and more than a mile of unspoiled waterfront. The northern campus of Lawrence University, Björklunden has a magnificent two-story, 37,000-square-foot lodge and features guest rooms, dining and seminar space, lakeside decks, computer lab. Guest rooms have private bathrooms and sleep 1-2 per room in twin beds.
Educational Class Offerings
Join alumnae and friends joined us for one, two, or all programs listed below.
 The Beauty of the Baileys Harbor Area
with Naturalist Roy Lukes
Saturday, August 23, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Lukes is a local historian who worked at the Ridges Sanctuary as chief manager and naturalist. His presentation will focus on Ridges Sanctuary and Toft Point State Natural Area. Lukes is the author of five books, writes nature columns for several newspapers, teaches nature courses, and with
his wife, Charlotte, is among the county’s leading environmental voices.
 Tour of Chapel Dedicated to Peace
This Norweigian stavkirke was modeled after one in Lillehammer, Norway. During the nine-year construction process, the Boyton family discovered how fortuitous was the site they chose -- directly under the place for the foundation lay natural fissures in the dolomite bedrock that formed a perfect cross.
In keeping with Norweigen folk tradition, Winifred Boyton, who was inspired to build the chapel, wanted dragon heads to be carved at the end of each of the 52 joists to keep out evil. All members of the Boyton family, the six children and the parents, Winifred and Donald, helped in the woodcarving. The elaborate baptismal font, which presents all twelve apostles, Winifred and Donald five years to complete and was considered their masterpiece. Winifred did the researching and designing of all of the varied figures, roughing out the initial carving, and Don meticulously finished them. After completing the carving on the wooden pews, the Boytons invited over dinner guests and handed each woolen golf socks and some sour cream to buff a pew into a soft and satiny patina. In addition, two guardian bears watch over the chapel entrance and Angel of Peace resides on an altar cross.
  
The chapel has numerous paintings, with the four corner panels adorned by images of the four Evangelists and eight panels in between them featuring the virtues of Love, Strength, Wisdom, Faith, Charity, Light, Spiritual Food, and Trust painted in a style of Swedish allegorical painting. To tall panels present St. paul holding the Written Word and St. Peter holding the Keys to the Kingdom. Another panel highlights the symbols of the world's mayor religions to remind us that unity and world peace will come only through the love of the one God all worship. Winifred was adament that the Chapel of Peace welcome people of all faiths. These are only a sample of the many amazing aspects of this small chapel, created in love, and donated to the university so that all can worship in this maginificent cradle of God's creation. Each morning, the sun rises over Lake Michigan and shines gloriously through the stained glass window, delicately lighting the chapel's amazing interior.
Narrated Trolley Tour of Door County, ending with a Door County sunset!
With this “Old Time” Trolley ride, we saw breathtaking vistas from Door County's scenic bluffs overlooking the islands. As we traversed the land, we shared the legend and lore unique to each area. This entertaining trolley tour of Door County examined its history, scenic spots, and points of interest. The cushioned seats and in-trolley speaker system made it easy to hear and absorb the information, with plenty of photo ops!
  
Nearby Baileys Harbor -- Filled with shopping opportunities!
Praised by travel writers and visitors from around the world, Wisconsin’s Door Peninsula is home to five state parks, ten lighthouses, and over 300 miles of shoreline. This 75-mile long county combines pristine scenery with acclaimed performing arts, renowned galleries and shops and delightful dining choicesthroughout its many quaint villages and towns. Small wonder Money Magazine named it one of the top ten vacation destinations in North America.
If you have questions, contact Christine Klejbuk '71: 651-690-6063
College of St. Catherine Alumnae Association
Mail #F-33
2004 Randolph Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55105
 Björklunden History
Björklunden was bequeathed to Lawrence University in 1963 by Donald and Winifred Boynton of Highland Park, Illinois. The Boyntons made the gift with the understanding that Björklunden would be preserved in a way that would ensure its legacy as a place of peace and contemplation. Winifred Boynton captured the enduring spirit of Björklunden when she said of her beloved summer home: "Far removed from confusion and aggression, it offers a sanctuary for all."
The two-story Björklunden lodge is a magnificent 17,190 square-foot structure containing the Great Room, seminar and dining rooms, and a kitchen, as well as 14 guest rooms that can sleep 24 to 54 guests. In addition to the main building, the Björklunden estate also includes a small wooden chapel built in a late 12-century Norwegian stave church (stavkirke) style, handcrafted by the Boyntons between 1939 and 1947.
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