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A Bit of History
In 1994, Bay View entered into a bridge building effort with North Central Michigan College (NCMC) in Petoskey to offer Elderhostel in this region. With a committee comprised of persons representing both institutions, the cooperative launch of this joint effort was exciting, exhilirating, and challenging for all involved. During that initial Elderhostel week in June 1995, housing and meals were provided on the campus of NCMC, with classes held in both Petoskey and Bay View. It was a special event that laid the foundation for future programs.
The following year, the Elderhostel State Director indicated that both NCMC and Bay View were qualified and capable of offering separate program weeks, so both moved in that direction and continued for several years. Subsequently, NCMC became involved in development of both their physical facilities and education curricula, and eventually dedicated greater effort to those expansions. Bay View remained committed to providing one seasonal Elderhostel, and currently offers two Elderhostels each summer. "Experiencing Chautauqua" continues to be featured during our June program, along with two other interesting classes focusing on the works of C.S. Lewis, and Emerging Trends in Gardening. If you enroll you will be our guests for outstanding music, receptions, walking and riding tours of the community, and enjoying the "Land of the Million Dollar Sunset." You will also be invited to meet some of our summer residents during an evening of the ever-popular "cottage visits."
Our August program features the writings and early years of Ernest Hemingway and the art work of the Hemingway women; basic fly fishing and fly tying; and politics (taught by the Michigan League of Women Voters). Two special activities are a trolley tour of Hemingway Haunts, and attending Bay View's widely recognized Handbell Concert.
You can read detailed daily itineraries for both weeks below. We hope you will be encouraged by our attention to creature comforts, especially providing you a pleasant stay and wonderful food at The Terrace Inn. We invite you to enjoy the outstanding natural beauty of the area, to be stimulated by seasoned instructors, and to join us for a quality learning experience in our Victorian National Historic Landmark.
Some Daily Class Details forBay View Elderhostel - June 15-20, 2008
Monday Morning, June 16Chautauqua: We begin with an overview of the global Chautauqua movement that ultimately swept our nation during the 19th century. Your Instructor brings an amazing researched and personal knowledge of Chautauqua which she will present through pictures and descriptions of various locations. During the week, we hope it will become evident that Bay View has remained true to many of the original traditions. A second focus during this session will be on education, one of the four pillars of Chautauqua. Our co-directors share some history along with the current program. Print materials will be distributed and discussed.
Gardening: Our resident master gardener instructor and graduate horticulturalist will begin to share his vast knowledge of gardening. This first session will be a discussion of Victorian Gardens and English-style borders. Bay View includes many such installations, complimenting our historic Victorian architecture. Today we will visit some of them.
We will also distribute and discuss an extensive bibliography of periodicals and fascinating books, as well as garden catalogs and internet resources.
Monday Afternoon, June 16C.S. Lewis: What are the "Chronicles of Narnia" REALLY about? They’re often thought of as Biblical allegories, but four out of the seven books seem to have no obvious Biblical parallels. Lewis scholars have been troubled by this lack of uniformity and have gone looking for themes: the seven deadly sins, for example, or the seven sacraments. Our scholar/author stumbled across the actual answer four years ago and has since then written a major new study of the "Chronicles" for Oxford University Press ("Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C.S. Lewis," published January 2008). The real theme comes from Lewis’s professional work as an expert in medieval literature and, in particular, from his love of the seven heavens of the medieval cosmos, which give us the names of the days of the week. In today’s session we will deal with an outline of the secret theme, discuss why Lewis kept it secret, and why it went unnoticed for so long. We will then turn to the first and most famous of the "Chronicles," "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." "That Hideous Strength" will also be discussed in today’s session.
Monday Evening, June 16 This evening we will see the first full length television documentary produced in America on the life and work of C.S. Lewis. You may have seen “The Magic Never Ends” aired on PBS. It is narrated by Academy Award winning actor Sir Ben Kingsley, and features Lewis scholars, family, and Debra Winger, the actress who starred in “Shadowlands.” This documentary chronicles the entire story, and spans from Lewis’ early days in Ireland, through his acclaimed academic career at Britian’s prestigious Oxford University, his friendship with J.R.R. Tolkein, and the legendary love between Lewis and Joy Gresham. The producer will discuss his personal experiences, and the challenges involved, in creating and bringing this (double) Emmy nominated work to the public.
Tuesday Morning, June 17Chautauqua: Examples of outstanding Victorian Architecture are abundant in Bay View, and today’s focus will be on 'gingerbread' in various forms and colors. Our resident (retired) architect and instructor will have you examining structures, roofs, slopes and trims from a whole new perspective. You’ll view pictures with explanations, followed by seeing some of the actual buildings with specific features during a brief walk-about (weather permitting).
Gardening: Some of the emerging trends will be explored, including the popular master gardening programs, life long gardening, organic gardening, and integrated pest management. There are examples of each to see today as we stroll the length of Bay View (less than a mile), stopping at various gardens along the way.
Tuesday Afternoon, June 17CSLewis: Today we examine Lewis’s understanding of the ethics of war. He fought in World War I, and addressed the troops in World War II, and consequently had thought a good deal about the rights and wrongs of conflict. Suggested books for today are "Prince Caspian" and "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader." Advanced reading and handouts will contribute to a lively discussion, with adequate time for questions (along with some possible answers). Be prepared to consider your personal “war ethic.”
Tuesday Evening, June 17“Cottage Visits” have become a very popular Elderhostel event in Bay View. Your host family will pick you up at the hotel and take you on a driving tour of the community to see the uniqueness of this National Historic Landmark. This often includes driving to the nearby Little Traverse Bay communities of Harbor Springs, Wequetonsing, Petoskey and Bay Harbor. The evening usually concludes with light refreshments and porch conversation at their cottages as our residents share their experiences in this Chautauqua we call Bay View. It is a special time for both Elderhostelers and our cottagers.
Wednesday Morning, June 18Chautauqua: Today you will begin to gain an understanding of the tasks involved in restoration and preservation of valuable and beautiful Victorian structures. Our classroom building is an example of very fine qualities of Steamboat architecture in the Queen Anne tradition. Your first instructor during this session has chaired the committee effort to restore Evelyn Hall as authentically as possible. You will get the details. We will also step to the next building to visit the Bay View Archives where many valuable documents and historical artifacts are cataloged and preserved for this community. Ours is a working archival office where dedicated volunteers care for those things that symbolize much of Bay View’s heritage.
Gardening: Our focus today is on emerging environmental problems and possibilities. Xeriscape and mesiscape plantings will be discussed as well as rain gardens, roof plantings, and the use of native plants. A short walk in the Bay View woods will enable us to experience the beauty and challenges of the beech/maple climax forest. The forest borders extensive development in neighboring Petoskey, presenting some major problems, and it also borders a large number of cottages, posing the grim possibility of forest fire when drought conditions prevail. The Bay View woods are considered to be a sacred treasure and we want you to experience this gem.
Free Afternoon, June 18There is vast opportunity to see and do many things in this beautiful resort destination. A list will be provided, and suggestions are readily available from cottagers, the hotel or staff.
Wednesday Evening, June 18The Bay View Festival Concert this evening will feature a very special composition commissioned by the C.S. Lewis Festival, based in Petoskey. The Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra and Bay View artists will join together to bring this beautiful and unusual piece of music to our stage in Hall Auditorium.
Thursday Morning, June 19Chautauqua: Two more pillars of Chauatuqua are Worship and Recreation. Today we hear from the directors of those two programs, who will share their current and future ideas. As this is C.S. Lewis week in Bay View, you will learn more about inter-departmental collaboration. Our authorsScholar is providing lectures each morning for the Bay View community, while our recreation department is having “Narnia-like” activities in the woods for those registered in the first week of Boys’ and Girls’ Club. This is Bay View’s example of an exciting intergenerational effort.
Gardening: The fourth session will continue the environmental subject with a look at water. How does global warming affect our water supply and what will be our response to water shortages? The fertilizing of lawns, gardens, golf courses and farms is a major factor, affecting the entire Great Lakes system. We’ll walk to the water’s edge and take a thoughtful look at our pristine Little Traverse Bay and some invasive species that pose serious threats.
Thursday Afternoon, June 19C.S.Lewis: "The Silver Chair," "The Last Battle," and "A Grief Observed" will be our focus today as we explore Lewis’s approach to grief, bereavement, suffering and loss. The third selection deals with the death of Joy, the author’s beloved wife and companion. Handouts and discussion will stimulate opportunities to examine and perhaps sort through some of our personal life experiences.
Thursday Evening, June 19Our farewell program will be a special event for all
Friday Morning, June 20Chautauqua: A final treat takes place this morning in Crouse Memorial Chapel as the artistic director of the Bay View Music Festival shares information on this fourth pillar of Chautauqua. Several of our gifted students will perform for you and share with you their backgrounds and reasons for being part of our music festival this summer.
Gardening: During the final session of “Trends in Gardening” our instructor will take us to the Bay View Memorial Garden. He was the founder and designer of this garden that contains the cremated ashes of more than 110 Bay View members and friends. The garden is one of the showiest in northern Michigan, receiving dedicated care of volunteers each Saturday morning of the summer, as well as abundant water and specialized fertilizers to keep it in prime condition. The garden is located on an exposed, wind-swept bluff overlooking Little Traverse Bay, and is planted on top of beach stones. Remembering earlier sessions this week, we will discuss what changes should be made in order to use less water and fertilizer for this garden in future years.
Film InformationThis is the full length feature film “Shadowlands,” the life of C.S. Lewis and his wife, Joy; “a man and a woman – their love and pain, life and death, faith and despair.” It is described as “A profoundly authentic study of emotion touched to the raw.” Bill Moyers said, “No broadcast has so enhanced us the way Shadowlands did. By it came grace.” This film stars Anthony Hopkins.
Some Daily Class Details forBay View Elderhostel - August 10-15, 2008Sunday Evening, August 10Fly Fishing: “Why Fly Fish?” Just asking the question will evoke many thoughtful answers, but possibly the best one has to do with love of nature. We are led in this direction by Henry David Thoreau who is often quoted as having written: “Many go fishing all their lives without knowing that it is not the fish they are after.” During this session you will have an opportunity to discuss your personal reasons for fishing. We’ll also spend some time on licensing, entomology, and the ethic of “catch and release” which plays a major role in our stewardship of planet earth, and those creatures existing in the cycle of nature. We hope you will benefit from a well-developed bibliography of books and equipment resources that will be distributed and discussed.
Monday Morning, August 11Politics: Our instructor/moderator is a member of the Michigan League of Women Voters, an organization well known for being unbiased and non-partisan, providing researched reporting on political issues. During this introductory session we will be challenged to look objectively at the candidates, platforms, claims, sound bites, view bites, and voting records.
Hemingway: This class will be like no other you have ever heard of or experienced during any college class or any Elderhostel. We begin by exploring "The Nick Adams Stories," primarily because so many of them reveal the tremendous influence that Hemingway’s first 18 summers in Northern Michigan had on his later writings. Advanced reading of these stories will promote lively discussion of the content, context, settings, personalities, and nature. This sets the stage for the rest of the week when we visit some of the locales, and meet family. Tomorrow, during our extended field trip you will see for yourself many places referenced in Hemingway’s writings. A retired college professor leads today’s discussion.
Monday Afternoon, August 11Fly Fishing: This session will give you the essentials on fly equipment, knot tying and fly casting. Our instructors will provide lecture, discussion, demonstrations and hands-on experience. We will cast on land for experience with targets. Get ready to fill your fish basket with ideas, information, casting experience,and maybe a little fish lore.
“Reel beauty is only fin deep.” (T-shirt quote, of unknown origin)
Tuesday Morning, August 12Politics: Issues and “hot topics” will be today’s focus. This will be an opportunity to share your ideas on Iraq, U.S. policy, war exit options, health care, immigration and additional issues crucial for the country and the next administration.
Hemingway: Weather permitting, our extended field trip today will take us to Hemingway haunts in Petoskey and beyond. The old Pere Marquette train depot, now a waterfront museum, will be one of our stops. A video depicting Hemingway’s early days in this area is on the agenda, as well as seeing the typewriter he used when he lived at Potter’s boarding house in Petoskey. The waterfront visit will also include lunch, and taking time to see one of our fish instructors demo his skills in the Bear River.
Fly Fishing: Our field trip continues with visits to special sites near Horton Bay where we can vicariously experience some of the nature that Ernest knew and loved as a boy. You will see several of the places that inspired him, and where he encountered various life experiences that would eventually influence many of his writings.
We will be on the trail of well known anglers who cast their lines in waters that were important to this area for food and recreation. Plan to take all of your fishing gear today just in case…
Tuesday Evening, August 12Tonight we feature “Cottage Visits.” Our Bay View cottagers will pick you up at the hotel lobby, escort you throughout the community, the region, and to particular places you might want to know about. Following your driving tour of the area, you will be invited back to your hosts’ cottage for light refreshments and conversation about living in this summer Chautauqua. It’s a delightful exchange with comfortable sharing, and a special time for both our cottagers and our Elderhostelers.
Wednesday Morning, August 13Politics: Justice, injustice, and the Supreme Court. What does it all mean for you, your offspring and the country?
Hemingway: “My Uncle Ernest Hemingway” by Ernest Hemingway Mainland. This special family sharing is factual information about “The Boy Ernest and His Summers Up North.” Our guest lecturer will speak in the first person as he is the only surviving member of the Hemingway family who personally knew his Uncle Ernie.
Wednesday Afternoon, August 13This afternoon is your free time to explore the area. As a resort destination, we have a wealth of things to see, and places to go. A list is provided with many suggestions, and we hope you will visit as many as possible, especially those mentioned by your cottage hosts. Weather permitting, a special option is available to you that involves more fishing. Our instructor(s) will conduct an extra on-site seminar at a nearby trout stream where you can try your luck casting for the big one! Plan to use your personal fishing gear.
Thursday Morning, August 14Politics: Environmental issues are today’s focus. What are the facts about global warming, the health of the global produce industry, and what are implications for the U.S.? Alarmist or real concerns? You may choose to be part of a lively debate. Be prepared to promote your perspectives and hear alternatives.
Hemingway: Today is another exceptional event for our Bay View Elderhostel as we learn about the lives and talents of several Hemingway women. Going beyond his wives, we will see paintings created by Grace Hall Hemingway, mother of Ernest. We will also exhibit and discuss paintings by his sister Marceline (affectionately known as Sunny), and work completed by Pauline. All of the paintings are on loan from the Ernest Hemingway Mainland family, a collector’s dream and treasures never before publicly exhibited.
Fly Fishing: Today it’s time for you to experience tying your own flies. Our instructors will demonstrate various fly tying skills, and assist while you review or try some new skills. Kits are provided for you to tie at least two or three types of flies during class; any remaining materials are yours to keep and continue at home. During this session you will receive additional resource lists, internet suggestions, and catalog information. Maybe you will find that you are hooked on this wonderful, peaceful sport that happens where nature is always your companion.
Thursday Evening, August 14Tonight is our closing dinner and program. What would a week of fishing be without having Michigan Whitefish? It’s the specialty of the house for our group. We will then join a large and enthusiastic audience for an entertaining bell ringing concert. You will see and hear hundreds of handbells, hand chimes, and ringers on the stage of Hall Auditorium for this annual event. I wonder for whom the bells ring?
Friday Morning, August 15End of the campaign! Let’s vote. After serious consideration of the candidates and several specific issues, this is your chance to cast a straw ballot. You may even be interviewed for the exit poll.
"Hemingway - Tying it All Together:"
What better way to conclude our week in Bay View than with a panel of experts? Our literature professor discusses Hemingway’s novel “The Sun Also Rises” which deals with fishing in Spain. Our art critic provides additional details about the artwork and lives of the Hemingway women, and our fisherman shares more of his passion. All will field your questions during this wrap up session. We hope you will come to understand and appreciate the impact that Northern Michigan had on our world-famous literary son during the summers of his youth.
Additional Notes of Interest
In Horton BayField Trip - During our field trip to Horton Bay we hope to visit the Michigan historic site of Greensky Hill Indian United Methodist Church, a location that is sacred to Native Americans. Young Ernest wove many memories from his youth into "The Nick Adams Stories." He spent important parts of his youthful life among Indians who would later be detected in the Nick Adams stories. “Indian Camp” will be discussed.
The Horton Bay General Store was a frequent hangout of young Ernest. “Up North in Michigan” describes it well. You will see Hemingway memorabilia and photos along with souvenirs. The present owner will spin tales that you can take with a grain of salt.
Just next door we’ll visit the Red Fox Inn – once famous for tomato bread pudding, roast beef and chicken dinners.
Lake Charlevoix abounds with sites that appear in "Up Northin Michigan," "The End of Something," "Summer People" and "On Writing." Visit the same woods and waters that Hemingway recreates for us with his verbal images.
In PetoskeyIn Petoskey we will visit the Little Traverse Historical Museum to see a permanent Hemingway exhibit – including his typewriter. This building is the old Pere Marquette Railroad Depot referred to in “The Indians Moved Away.” A second railroad station, now known as Penn Plaza, is probably the model described in “The Torrents of Spring” which was set in Petoskey.
The present Carnegie Building is the former Petoskey Public Library where Hemingway told the Ladies Aid Society about his World War I experiences.
The last remaining resort hotel in Petoskey is the Perry where Hemingway stayed in 1916.
He rented an upstairs room at Potter’s rooming house on State Street. We can go by, but not in as today it is a private residence.
The Park Garden Café (today the City Park Grill) and Jesperson’s Restrauant were favored hangouts for a youthful Ernest and his buddies (Dutch Pailthorpe).
In Bay View, our classroom building, Evelyn Hall, is frequently reported to have been Hemingway’s place to “escape” for quiet writing. Some family members dispute this as no reference appears to the building in his writing. He also is purported to have attended a (his) birthday party in a Bay View cottage across from the post office – probably in the winter of 1919-1920.
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