The New Björk Times Winter 2011 - Lawrence University

This new e-newsletter is an abbreviated version of The Boynton Society Newsletter sent to Boynton Society members — those who donate $250 or more to Björklunden annually. For more information on The New Björk Times and The Boynton Society, please contact Carrie at carrie.a.garczynski@lawrence.edu. Visit the The New Björk Times homepage for other issues and to sign up to receive updates when new issues are available.

Memories of Our Boynton Grandparents Part three of three By Marge Meyers Graham, granddaughter Last winter, Marge Meyers Graham conducted a series of interviews with her siblings and cousins about their unique grandparents, Winifred and Donald Stuart Boynton (DSB). While growing up they often enjoyed the holidays at the Boynton’s home in Highland Park, IL, fondly referred to as “608,” and special times at Björklunden, the family’s summer home. In the final installment of a three-part series, we read in their own words, the childhood memories of Robert “Ernie” Meyers, Zanne “BZ” Meyers and Marge Meyers Graham, the children of Suzanne Boynton Meyers, Donald’s youngest child. Click to read Part One or Part Two.

Ernie Meyers (age 55) I remember getting all duded up in a coat and tie and going up to their big house for Christmas. One year DSB gave all the young kids a cool replica of a two-tiered gas station with ramps, cars and gas pumps; it was the coolest thing you’d ever seen. It was all very formal. Claude, the chauffeur, brought apples to our house in Winnetka. I was only 10 when Grandpa died in 1966, but I felt that they were nice, cheerful but proper, and not mean to us kids.
BZ Meyers (age 59) In fifth grade, our family went to Björklunden and I stayed in the bunkroom. We all played cards downstairs by the fireplace, where the huge dog lay. Grandma received the King of Norway’s St. Olav award at the Norwegian Consulate in Chicago, and I was asked to wear the traditional Norwegian outfit of jumper and matching cap of embroidered wool, white blouse and pin. I was honored to stand next to her for the news photo. When I was in junior high, Grandpa called me, which was unusual, and said, “Your birthday is coming. What would you like?” I knew immediately what to say, “A Wilson A2000		Seated: Donna Boynton, Winifred Boynton, and BZ Meyers; Standing: Marge Meyers Graham
baseball mitt and make sure it goes on my right hand because I’m a lefty.” On my birthday he arrived in person at our door with a big grin on his face; he’d found exactly the right mitt!
Marge Meyers Graham (age 65) My earliest memory of Björklunden is BZ’s baptism in the chapel when I was nine. We visited again when I was in eighth grade and I got to know Grandma and Grandpa better. It was peaceful and beautiful, and we could talk better there, compared to the big noisy family gatherings in Highland Park. I loved the end-of-dinner ritual when Grandma and Grandpa would together blow out the candles of the candelabra, beginning on opposite sides and working to the middle, blowing out the last candle simultaneously, and ending with a kiss. They truly adored one another and showed us all a loving, supportive marriage. On holidays in Highland Park, I remember Grandpa’s smile and twinkly blue eyes, and his colorful whimsical necktie with playing cards dancing all over it. I loved the fancy appetizers passed by smiling Sophie, and the official dinner bell summoning all to dinner. Mom had prepped us, but it was a bit daunting as a child to be served individually by the maid; I fumbled with the big silver spoons, careful to not drop or spill. It strained a kid’s patience to wait until everyone was served, and only when Grandma took her first bite could we begin. We were clearly being schooled in our manners. Grandma Boynton was like a lovely, elderly queen to me, always smiling and elegant in her long evening gowns. I told her that my confirmation class had visited the Baha’i Temple in Wilmette and she explained to me their belief that all religions are equal, which I loved learning. She was such an inspiring spiritual presence to me. I wish I had read her book, “Faith Builds a Chapel,” before it was too late to discuss it with her, but in it her voice still speaks strongly to me. Grandpa would call or write to congratulate me on some success, such as a good report card, or winning some election. Expectations were high, but it made me proud to be recognized by them, and helped me to take my education more seriously. When I heard that Björklunden was to be left to Lawrence, I was upset and called Grandpa, drove up to 608, and made a special plea that they add something to the will specifying that Boynton grandchildren and great grandchildren would be allowed to be married in the chapel. When I was engaged, Grandma, Mom and I went to Chicago to choose a china pattern, followed by lunch at the Cape Cod Room in the Drake Hotel. My bridal trousseau had to include a special formal gown, because “a lady must always be ready to meet the Queen!” My wedding in 1966 was the last time I saw both Grandma and Grandpa.

The Future of Wind Energy at Björklunden By Jason D. Brozek Lawrence University Assistant Professor of Government and Stephen E. Scarff Professor of International Affairs In fall 2009, Lawrence’s Green Roots campus sustainability committee began to explore the feasibility of a wind turbine at Björklunden. This project represents a unique opportunity for Lawrence to explore energy production, realize substantial cost savings, integrate educational opportunities, and make a public commitment to sustainability. We can begin to achieve our environmental goals by starting with a wind turbine at Björklunden.
A moderately-sized 50-kilowatt turbine could provide nearly 50% of Björklunden energy demands. The pay-back period for a turbine this size would be about ten years. In September 2009, an assessor recommended a site north of Boynton Lane, approximately 1,000 feet from the lodge. This location would display a commitment to renewable energy to thousands of travelers on Highway 57 without being obtrusive to visitors staying at the lodge.
Based on initial assessments, the wind turbine will not be audible from the lodge, the blades will have a minimal visual impact, and the risk to birds is not much greater than the risk posed by passing automobiles or aircraft. As an educational institution, Lawrence views this turbine as a learning opportunity. From its inception, the project has involved students, and the proposed installation will create data that can be used in the classroom. Education of the broader public is also possible with a brochure that describes the wind project, the energy produced, and the environmental benefits. Although there are substantial hurdles left to clear, we’re optimistic about the possibilities for wind power production at Björklunden and eager to make a public commitment to environmental sustainability.

A Vacation with a Focus A vacation with a focus….that is how the Björklunden seminars are described. Well, the 2011 seminars are here! In this 15th year, we are excited to offer you a unique selection of learning opportunities and adventures in knowledge and enjoyment. Each seminar is five days of thought-provoking, conversation- enticing classes filled with people eager to expand their world. Check out the new 2011 seminars at www.lawrence.edu/dept/bjork/bjorkseminars or contact Sam Szynskie at samantha.a.szynskie@lawrence.edu for more information. The summer seminar program is one source of the funds needed to maintain the lodge and grounds, as well as provide the weekend student program at no cost to the students. Another way to support Björklunden is with a tax-deductible donation! Boynton Society membership begins with a donation to Björklunden of $250 and offers special benefits such as the Boynton Society Newsletter with more stories and information about Björklunden, early notification of the summer seminar program offerings, and an invitation to the annual Boynton Society Gala held at Björklunden. Boynton Society membership is recognized by fiscal year, July 1 through June 30. Gifts at all levels are appreciated and needed.

To learn more about Boynton Society membership, please contact Carrie at carrie.a.garczynski@lawrence.edu or 920-832-6536 Visit us online: www.lawrence.edu/dept/bjork/ Or stop by: 7590 Boynton Lane, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202 920-839-2216

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