I finally got to see the PBS documentary last night at 9:00 p.m. (otherwise it was on at 2:00 a.m.). I was disappointed. They had beautiful shots of the grounds and I got to see a few people I knew, and was able to name locales of many of the filming sites, but it was a travel show.
There’s a larger screen downstairs (37″) so I watched here. When I went upstairs my husband had done the numbers for two week-long gate passes, housing and meals and we could go to Europe for much less than that! I have wonderful memories of some of the speakers and soloists that graced Chautauqua’s stages but aside from fellow staff, all retired or gone now, there is no compelling reason to visit.
The current president’s plea for people at a lecture to turn off their cell phones sounds like being in a movie theater today. Are all these people texting while the speaker is speaking? Is there really a future for Chautauqua? When I was there, cell phones were not even imagined and the internet was for geeks in labs. I loved spending 15-20 minutes at a lecture but had to work. Often at dusk I would take some time to have a brief jog and get something to eat before going back to work. Stopping by and hearing the symphony and perhaps a pas de deux made my day.
My memories are of being the hired help, not “living” there. With flights, gate passes, hotel and meals I’d choose Europe anyday. It also means I’ve been spoiled as to what Chautauqua offers, but still can’t forget hand-picking every weed that existed on eight clay tennis courts. Memories, Dee
Cooking with Dee 