From the Archives: The Chautauqua Institution
“Of the nine Elderhostel programs my husband and I attended, Chautauqua, New York, tops my list. We have had some excellent experiences such as exploring a kaolin mine in Georgia, collecting fossils in Arizona and dissecting squid in Alabama, but Chautauqua ranks best because of its lovely setting. We stayed at the historic Athenaeum Hotel and enjoyed long walks in the October air through this Victorian village along the lake.
250 participants, divided into five groups of fifty each, made this week unique. We all ate together in the large dining room where Bob and I met friendly and interesting people. Our group had morning classes in music, art appreciation, world religions, economics and improving our memory — a fun class with riddles and tips.
Introduction to the Symphony with Lee Spears was down to earth and helpful for a novice like me. In fact, as I write, it is snowing outside and listening to tapes is bringing me pleasure all over again.
Afternoons were filled with lectures, jazz piano and a capella voices for those who wanted to attend in the new, acoustically designed listening center. We also had an organ recital in the amphitheater followed by an examination of this restored instrument’s pipes.
Elderhostel has brought so many wonderful memories. The people we met and the enrichment we received goes on and on. Thank you.”
—Rosalie A. Corcoran
Holden, Massachusetts
This story is excerpted from Elderhostel Odyssey, published in 2005.