Recognize this picturesque institution?
Since 1813 this school has earned a reputation for academic rigor and free thinking.
Photograph by Alan Lavallee
A picturesque learning institution. A+, you've got that much right. Since its chartering in 1813, this school has earned a reputation for academic rigor and free thinking. (Famous alums include novelists Annie Proulx and Robert Parker.) But there is much more to this 713-acre campus than books and learning. For example, the state and federal governments have recently recognized the school’s commitment to green technologies, lauding it with the Maine Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence in 2002, and the U.S. EPA’s Environmental Merit Award in 2003. The 1,867 students here think their campus is a fine place, this pond in particular. One of the most popular events is the annual regatta, which sees these waters filled with all kinds of crazy contraptions. Have you ever visited? Can you identify this sunny scene? If so, send us a comment here, drop us a note at PO Box 679, Camden, ME 04843, or whip us an e-mail at editorial@downeast.com.
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Reader Comments:
I was born in Waterville and raised in Winslow. That pond and Colby College bring back so many wonderful memories of my childhood.
Our daughter introduced us to Colby at one of their rowing regatta's (she goes to Bowdoin). It was the coldest I have ever been in my life but there is a wonderful house right by the stands where you can sit next to the most cozy wood stove...and still see those brave students on the water.
I graduated from Colby in 1987. Much of the campus has changed - lots of growth & improvement - but this particular view is the same as it ever was. BEAUTIFUL
The photo of the Colby College campus looking toward the east and west quads from across Johnson Pond refreshed many wonderful memories in this alumna. I certainly agree with the 1867 students that Colby is a fine place.
Priscilla Billington `53
Somerset, Ma
Colby, of course! My daughter, Erika Togashi, graduated from Colby in 2003 and we had many a fine time around the pond...even flying a red kite one May day. It still looks as beautiful as the day we toured it when she was a senior in high school and she fell in love with it.
I GRADUATED FROM COLBY IN 1957. THERE ARE MANY HAPPY MEMORIES ASSOCIATED WITH THAT SCENE. THAT'S WHERE I MET MY HUSBAND IN 1954. TOOK US A WHILE, BUT WE GOT MARRIED IN 2002. WE ARE THRILLED TO SEE HOW THE COLLEGE HAS GROWN AND HOW MUCH IT HAS TO OFFER STUDENTS AND ALUMNAE. WE ARE VERY PROUD TO BE GRADUATES OF SUCH AN OUTSTANDING FORWARDLOOKING INSTITUTE.
We're looking at the pond on the northwest side of Colby College. We stay the 2nd night of the Trek Across Maine here. By then, everything is in full bloom. This campus is beautiful at any time, though.
In the almost two years since my sister and I first drove her daughter/my niece to Colby for the start of her college career, I have made several trips to the beautiful campus. We have a summer cabin in the Belgrade Lakes/Kennebeck Highlands area and often take the back roads into campus. Each and every time we visit, we pass the pond. For those who have never been to the Colby campus, it is worth an afternoon excursion or weekend trip. The panoramic view of the Maine landscape from the steps of the library is beyond words .... a little piece of heaven on earth. The art museum/gallery is great and so isn't the current cast of the "Megs", the co-ed a cappella group on campus. They sure know how to put on a show!
Finally! I recognized a "Where in Maine?" photo
immediately. Colby College. I recall warm weather walks to the campus to enjoy the tranquility of the pond. Now living in the desert region of southern California, memories of those days are especially welcome.
We used to watch the submarine races at Johnson Pond, behind Colby College. Brings back many happy memories.