By Mark Breseman '78
Director of Björklunden
Reprinted from the Boynton Society Newsletter, a publication for supporters of Björklunden vid Sjön.
I had a decision to make: either return to suburban Chicago to spend my summer cleaning offices or apply to work at an as yet unseen, purportedly idyllic Door County estate newly acquired by Lawrence University. The year was 1975, and I was nearing the end of my first year at Lawrence when I noticed an innocuous looking position description on the Job Board in Brokaw Hall. Even though I had never been to Door County and certainly had never seen this new place, I was anxious to head lakeside for the summer.
My first opportunity to see my summer residence came on May 17, 1975, the day Lawrence dedicated the property to the memory of Donald and Winifred Boynton. I talked my way onto the catering crew for the event and, as the truck entered the arched entryway of the estate, I knew I had made the right decision. The birch and cedar forests and the beautiful buildings, set against the backdrop of Lake Michigan, were a city kid's Shangri-la. I don't recall any of the Dedication Day programming, but I do know that I couldn't wait for my summer job to begin.
I slogged through my final exams and returned to Björklunden in my dad's beloved '68 Mercury. Even though I unloaded the car in a steady rain, my enthusiasm was not dampened. I moved into the servant's quarters of the main lodge and felt immediately at home.
After stowing my gear, I wandered. The lodge and studio were wonderfully rustic, fully furnished as if the Boyntons were going to show up any time for their annual summer stay. As I was opening doors and poking my head in cupboards, I discovered boxes of Winifred's drawings, sketches, and illustrations. I stretched out on the wicker couch on the screened-in porch and listened to the rain drum on the roof and the waves lap against the shore.
I grabbed the large, ornate chapel key off its hook and dodged raindrops to the chapel entryway. After turning the key and slowly creaking the door open, I stared in awe of all Winifred had accomplished. It was the first of many magical moments spent in that chapel soaking up the quiet aura that she had so artfully created.
Over the course of the first week, I also had the opportunity to explore the 325 acres and mile-plus of shoreline that makes up Björklunden. One memorable evening, clad only in T-shirt and shorts, without flashlight, I found myself off-trail at the south end of the estate about a mile from home, with darkness settling in. I got to know every downed tree and head-high branch on the property as I groped my way back.
Under more manageable conditions, I often strolled along the trail that passes through dense cedar forest dotted with an occasional majestic birch tree and also traverses the beech-maple forest that covers much of Björklunden. All the while, it hugs the shoreline, so one can have the waves as constant companions.
Even if it seems I spent my time wandering and discovering the fascinating past at Björklunden, some actual work was accomplished that first summer. Under the direction of Norb Vonck, recently retired from the Lawrence University physical plant department and now Björklunden's resident caretaker, I painted, cleaned, mowed, groomed, trimmed, chopped, and cut as we tried to restore the buildings and grounds after nearly ten years of neglect.
I also gave chapel tours. For the first time since Donald Boynton died in 1966 and Winifred stopped coming to Björklunden, the chapel was open to the public, and they certainly took advantage. I recall finishing a tour for a packed house and stepping outside the chapel to find the waiting line stretching back to the driveway.
Obviously, I have no regrets about the decision I made nearly 30 years ago to spend a summer at Björklunden. This magnificent place certainly had a hand in shaping an impressionable college freshman, something it continues to do to this very day.