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If you're looking for a comfortable retreat within an hour of the city, a place where you can meet with students or colleagues for day-long seminars or even academic events that involve overnights, a place that can provide housekeeping and good food -- well, Political Science Professor Jim Moore may have just the place for you.
Moore is past president of the private cross-country skiing club that owns Laurentian Lodge, near Prévost, Quebec (formerly Shawbridge). He thinks that the spacious lodge would be ideal for certain university events, such as seminars and workshops.
Concordians who fondly remember the Lacolle Centre, the rambling old house near the Vermont border that was well used for these purposes in the 1980s and '90s, would appreciate Laurentian Lodge. The Liberal Arts College, which held its annual Medieval Days weekend at Lacolle until it was closed, has been holding it successfully at the Laurentian Lodge for the past three years.
The Lodge comes with a history. It was built in 1923 by a club founded by Jackrabbit Johannsen, the cross-country skiing pioneer who lived to 111, and retains much of its charm, with a big fireplace and the original furniture. It has a dining room that can seat 80, and the services of an expert chef. Basic sleeping accommodations for 40 to 50 are also available.
During the summer, the Lodge is leased to the Shawville Golf Club, but they make little use of the building, Moore said. University groups could use the building and even the golf course, provided they pay the greens fees.
A good time to book the Lodge would be in the fall term, as the cross-country skiing season doesn't begin until after Christmas. It could also be used during the week, Monday to Thursday, du
ring this season; on the weekends, January to April, the Lodge is reserved for the use of members.
If you would like to inquire about rates, please contact Professor Moore at 481-6822, or Sue Magor, another club member, at 848-4876.- BB
