Strawbale Cabin Receives New Life and Fitting Dedication
As hundreds returned to celebrate True Blue Weekend, a group of 50 or so added an extra stop to their itineraries. The destination: Hartwick’s beloved Pine Lake, to breathe in its history, rekindle their memories and celebrate the life and influence of faculty member C.W. “Sandy” Huntington.
Huntington, the religious studies professor who passed away in 2020, is credited with bringing life to Strawbale Cabin through his course, “Architecture of the Sacred.” Its curriculum included the design and construction of the first of two “natural buildings,” comprised of stucco, mud and — as the name suggests — straw. Built by several classes between 2000 and 2002, it quickly became a Pine Lake centerpiece. It is also classified as a “100-mile house,” as all the materials, labor and other components used to build it came from within 100 miles, further enhancing its local treasurer status. It remains in active use today following recent renovations, and on the morning of Sept. 20, it was officially dedicated in Huntington’s honor.
“Without Sandy, this entire [Pine Lake] campus probably would have wallowed,” said Matthew Sanford, Hartwick’s dean of Academic & Outdoor Recreation Operations, and Pine Lake’s executive director. “But, he reinvigorated the alumni base and many students with his teachings and appreciation for the outdoors.”
In addition to alumni, the dedication included members of Huntington’s family, along with his longtime friend and building partner, Clark Sanders — Strawbale’s original architect.
“People are increasingly seeing the value in owning and maintaining these spectacular outdoor education and recreation assets,” added Sanford, who was quick to thank Assistant Provost Cherilyn Lacey, as well as Philanthropy and Engagement Officer Joe Ficano, whose efforts helped make the restoration and dedication a reality. Other supporters include the College’s Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees, who renewed their commitment to Pine Lake within Hartwick’s most recent strategic plan.
Sanford, who works at Pine Lake two days a week, is thrilled to see the resurgent interest in the property, which includes lodging, classroom, research, artistic and social gathering spaces, along with a ropes course, boat launch, and hiking and biking trails. He and his team, which includes Caretaker Jared Kapsiak and Operations Coordinator Heather Babbitt, have expanded Pine Lake’s recreation opportunities, bolstered its campus and community connections, and brought more people to the property — all of which has fueled a nearly 600% leap in Pine Lake memberships among alumni, students, employees and friends.
In year one of the plan, they have focused on sustainability initiatives, facility upgrades and essential repairs to ensure Pine Lake stays viable for the long term.
“It’s always been a facility that engages students in outdoor recreation. Now, we’re looking at it more holistically, seeing how we can best manage it and encourage people to come use it, especially from the community, locally and regionally.”
Matthew Sanford
Dean of Academic & Outdoor Recreation Operations, and Pine Lake Executive Director
