WASHINGTON IRVING & RIP VAN WINKLE (Course only)

WASHINGTON IRVING & RIP VAN WINKLE Washington Irving (1783-1859) was a rich kid with talent. An indifferent student, he was nevertheless able to make his way in life by navigating the highest levels of American society as a diplomat and critic. The son of a merchant family headquartered in Manhattan, Irving, as a boy of six, actually had the chance to meet the president for whom he was named. As a teenager, sent from the city as a precautionary measure against summer heat and disease, he made the first of many journeys to Tarrytown in upstate New York. There, he became fascinated by the stories and folktales of the predominantly Dutch settlers of that region, the Knickerbockers. These stories proved to be inspirational for him. Credited with being our first nationally famous writer of American short stories, Irving created characters among whom we count Rip Van Winkle and Ichabod Crane. They remain legendary today. Prior to our September 6 visit to Sunnyside, Washington Irving’s mansion in Tarrytown and one of the most famous houses in the country, Arnie McConnell will make a presentation and facilitate a discussion, mostly about Irving, but also about Kykuit, the nearby estate of the Rockefellers. Our field trip itinerary will feature Sunnyside, a mustsee Sleepy Hollow Country landmark, with an unspoiled riverfront setting, the house, grounds, colorful gardens and river views, as well as the Rockefeller estate. This two-hour program will take place in the BLC conference room on the morning of Friday, August 30, from 10:00 to 12:00. COURSE FEE: $25 Members/ $30 Non-Members TRIP & COURSE COMBINED FEE: $160 Members/ $169 Non-Members. Includes tuition plus trip: admission and guided tours at Sunnyside & Kykuit, lunch, trip escort, motor coach and driver tip. If selecting this option, a deposit of $70 per person will reserve space until August 1, when the balance will be due.  REGISTRATION FOR COURSE ONLY