Lakeside, Ohio is just over an hour from my home, one of only nine Chautauquas remaining today. Lakeside was established in 1874 by two men who believed that education belonged to everyone. By the last decade of the 19th century, the Chautauqua Institution was nationally known as a center for rather earnest, but high-minded, activities that aimed at intellectual, moral self-improvement and civic involvement. There were several hundred Chautauqua communities throughout the United States at their height in the 1920s. The four pillars of the movement remain today at Lakeside: education, cultural arts, religion, and recreation.
I have visited Lakeside since my children were young as a special place where you have the feeling of going back in time to a simpler way of living. I have visited friends, enjoyed picnics, attended book clubs and seminars, walked in the woods, played shuffleboard and mini golf, waded in the lake, gone swimming in the pool, taken teenagers for church retreats, attended church mission schools, and and eaten ice cream, pizza and doughnuts. I’ve visited during the wooden boat show, plein air art shows and the antiques show/sale. I’ve savored walking the beautiful mile to enjoy the lake and the beauty of each season’s flowers. I have hosted women’s retreats both in the fall and the spring.
During the summer Lakeside is a bustling, friendly community that provides educational and recreational opportunities every day. I started offering Stretching Forward retreats in 2017 during the off season when the personality of Lakeside changes from the summer months. Between Labor Day and Memorial Day Lakeside becomes a quiet town of about 100 people who call Lakeside their home year round. Most of the activities cease, the pool closes, many of the stores and restaurants close their doors for the season, and the gates open. What is left is the beauty of nature, solitude, quiet, and serenity. I love the fall and spring at Lakeside when walking in the woods provides time for contemplation.
I returned home this past week from three days at Lakeside near the end of their busy time. It was the best of both worlds. Lakeside is slowing down as their season comes to a close so there were fewer people around but those I encountered were happy and playful. Programs and activities were still going on, the pool was refreshing on a 90 degree day, and I enjoyed the famous ice cream and pizza. I was there to prepare for the September retreat, Embracing Your Life, which I look forward to sharing with the women joining me for three days. I found what I was looking for and returned home joyful.
Where do you go for inspiration?
