In 1874, a cadre of Methodists established a nondenominational education center for Sunday School teachers on Chautauqua Lake in western New York. Originally striving to enhance teaching strategies during summer sessions also offered respite and recreation. Reading circles and educational offerings well beyond ecclesiastical ones attracted a growing number of attendees. In time, courses with college credits were added. So were concerts, theater programs and much more. Re-named the Chautauqua Institute, the site has thrived for over 150 years.

By 1890, some Catholic laymen began wondering about the potential for a similar venture. Though worried at first about such an initiative being considered merely a camp meeting, leaders eventually decided to move forward on the concept. Programs were offered in 1892 in New London, Connecticut, but desire proved strong for a more permanent location.

Though other areas sought the school, including such nearby locales as the Thousand Islands, the decision was made to settle in the Champlain Valley. Support from the Delaware and Hudson Railroad, which purchased and donated land known as the Cliff Farm, may have clinched the decision. Initially the school comprised 300 acres just south of Plattsburgh, with more land added later. Steamboat and rail access was easily arranged by the D&H.

Early construction included administrative facilities and a large dining hall. Soon attention turned to residential cottages, some supported by local Catholic parishes, and others financed by wealthy individuals. Following was an auditorium holding 700 people. A chapel boasted nine separate altars so that multiple priests could celebrate masses on a regular basis.

Classes took place elsewhere in Plattsburgh at first, but by 1896 activities were at full throttle on the new campus south of Plattsburgh. Religion naturally dominated early offerings. But much that was offered through daily lecture, as at Chautauqua, tended toward literature, arts, politics and current affairs. Many courses came with college credits thanks to arrangements first with Fordham and later with Catholic University. Some atypical offerings, like chemistry and carpentry, also were added.

For a break from lecture, visitors might visit the billiard rooms or bowling alleys, play tennis or golf and perhaps sample croquet or tee up on a golf course. Stables held horses for equestrians. And there was also everything that Lake Champlain had to offer. Excursions were offered, some for religious festivities at places like Isle La Motte, but many simply for pleasure. Summer camps catered to young boys.

The general public was welcomed at daily events. Local radio brought selected lectures and performances to an even broader audience. The occasional presence of a president, governor, writer or other luminary added prestige to the enterprise.

Nothing lasts forever — except perhaps Chautauqua. War and depression impacted the Catholic Summer School. Though not stressed in the text, changing vacation and leisure patterns likely played roles, too. By the 1940s, decline was obvious. Within a decade, unpaid taxes and water bills sounded a death knell.

By 1956, local developer Harry Alpert had purchased much of the property. He began planning the development now known as Cliff Haven. Auctions and demolition replaced courses and sporting competitions. Historic preservation wasn’t a major phenomenon during the transformation to suburban-style residential development. Today there’s virtually no evidence of the Catholic Summer School.

The author gives a good sense of the enterprise. She chose to lay out the story chronologically, a useful format, though one that occasionally leads to excessive listing. Some text remains a bit choppy. But the overall story is a good one, and photos from an extensive archive strengthen the book. I’d have liked more depth on the school’s financing. The book lacks an index, something I feel it needs.

The Catholic Summer School venture lasted half a century and deserves to be remembered as part of Champlain Valley heritage. The author has provided a service bringing this to more general attention.