A History of Comfort

Hamilton's collection of Adirondack chairs immediately caught my eye when I visited as a senior in high school. In fact, even months after my visit my family would respond with, "Of course, the school with the Adirondack chairs!" when I excitedly mentioned Hamilton in conversation. I always imagined (and now have the chance to experience) groups of students basking in the spring and summer sun in the comfort of the unique, memorable chairs that populate Hamilton's many quads. It is still one of the aspects I appreciate most about our beautiful campus that is dense with nature to enjoy. Adirondack chairs offer a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors in privacy, or in the warm company of friends. Have you ever wondered about the history of the iconic chair? It turns out its original designer, Thomas Lee, sought to design a chair that would ensure the relaxing and fond outdoor experience we cherish here at Hamilton. Lee's design enhanced how he viewed and experienced nature, just as it does for us today.

In 1903, Thomas Lee decided he wanted to design the perfect lawn chair for his family and himself. Lee and his family owned a summer home in Westport, New York with a scenic view of the renowned banks of Lake Champlain. However, Lee wanted to enjoy the scenery, particularly the sunset, comfortably. In his mind, the perfect lawn chair required a sturdy base to fit the rolling terrain of the Adirondacks, and wide arm rests to hold a summer cocktail. Lee admirably put effort, time and consideration into the final design of the Adirondack chair. He made many attempts to design the right fit, and asked each member of his family to act as a chair-tester until he was completely happy with his product's fit. Lee's traditional design used 13 pieces of wood cut from the same plank. The design's low-slung seat and wide armrests allowed the chair to remain stable on Adirondack terrain and incorporated a place for Lee to rest his glass.

Interestingly, the history of the chair continues. Carpenter Harry Bunnell, a friend of Lee's, took interest in the unique chair and asked if he might recreate and sell a few to make money in the colder months of winter. Bunnell made dozens of Adirondack chairs from Lee's original plans, and local residents immediately took interest. Apparently, Lee's idea of the perfect lawn chair appealed to the local Adirondacker too. Bunnell then filed for a patent, deeming the design his own. Who wouldn't want to take credit for a chair that suddenly seemed essential to the experience of a relaxing summer day?

What I find most heart-warming about the history of the Adirondack chair is that Lee's careful efforts to enhance the experience of enjoying nature has persisted throughout the years. I love to lie back in our own Adirondack chairs to look up at the blue sky and tall trees we're lucky to have on campus. The comfort and fit of an Adirondack chair put me at ease at the end of a stressful school day as I rest an Opus coffee on its wide armrest.

Below is a picture of Hamilton alum resting on the same chairs we enjoy each day!




http://www.orvis.com/s/adirondack-chair-story-the-history-of-the-adirondack-chair/2978