Members of university community invited to Walk on Wednesdays

Members of university community invited to Walk on Wednesdays

Members of the University of St. Thomas community are invited to Walk on Wednesdays. This walking group is a way for St. Thomas people to get to know each other, get some exercise and enjoy a walk along the river.

Although this is an informal group, there is a historical precedent for the walk. In the late 1800s, St. Thomas students went on hikes, called "camerata," on Wednesday afternoons. In Journey Toward Fulfillment, the history of St. Thomas, author Dr. Joseph Connors wrote, "As in European seminaries, students went on long prefect-directed 'camerata' hikes on Wednesdays and Saturdays. They could not talk on these expeditions except when they fell out for rest periods. One popular journey took the hikers across the Lake Street bridge, down the west bank of the river to Fort Snelling, across the bridge, and back to the campus along Cleveland Avenue. At the woods where the College of St. Catherine now stands, they would refresh themselves with combs of honey bought at the 'honey ranch' across the road." The hikes were resurrected during fall 1985, in connection with St. Thomas' centennial.

Although no talking was allowed during camerata, that won't be the case on Walk on Wednesdays! Meet at 12:10 p.m. at the southwest corner of Cretin and Summit avenues (in front of the science buildings).

Last week nine people walked along the river. You do not have to show up every week – just when it's convenient for you. Walk on Wednesdays (WOW) will continue throughout the summer and fall.

Questions? Call Patty Petersen, (651) 962-6153.