Dunrovin shortly after construction on the main building finished. The dorm wing is on the right.Dunrovin Retreat Center has a storied past, evidenced by its half century of retreats and spiritual guidance. While the Center has certainly stayed true to its mission of educating youth and serving its community, the methods and techniques used for such goals have changed to accommodate the passing years.
Serving Youth from the Beginning
The major focus during Dunrovin’s first few years was on youth retreats, with most students visiting from Catholic, all-male schools. In fact, Dunrovin was jointly established in 1963 by the Lasallian schools of Hill, DeLaSalle, Benilde, and Cretin. The very first retreat at Dunrovin was held for Hill High School, an all-boys school that would later merge with the all-girls Murray High School to form what is now Hill-Murray School. From the beginning, the Retreat Center worked to benefit the youth and impact their spirituality while providing the perfect location for a getaway retreat.
During this first era of Dunrovin, filling up the calendar was not too difficult of a task. In order to graduate high school, all senior students from Catholic schools in the Twin Cities area had to complete a two-day retreat. Schools actively sought good locations and programs to educate their older students, and Dunrovin served as such. With its dorm wing of separate rooms and its large gathering places, the Retreat Center had ideal amenities to serve the needs of the Catholic schools.
Dunrovin Retreats During the 1970’s
The 1970’s were memorable for many reasons, but Dunrovin’s instructional material from the time shows a different life than today. According to a handout given to teachers bringing students on retreat to Dunrovin circa 1968, the retreat capacity was a maximum of 39 students. Smoking among students was allowed in lounges and bedrooms and card playing was prohibited. Silence was expected in the dorm wing at all times, but students were allowed to bring their own records to listen to. The Retreat Center even played the popular music of Simon and Garfunkle, since “these records touch on some very sensitive issues with the students.”
Retreats were quiet and somber, as the methods during this time required more silent reflection and worship. Each day started at 7:40 a.m. with prayer in the chapel, where teachers were advised to put more “attentive” boys in the first few pews to serve as a good example for the rest of the students. Mass was often said during these high school retreats, and confession was available on-site.
Meals were usually hearty and familiar, with spaghetti and chicken being the favorites. The first breakfast ever served at Dunrovin, however, was unique. Cook Don Devlin had found a box of powdered eggs “most likely left over from the war days” and used what was available so supplies were not wasted. The resulting breakfast included some appetizing green eggs, and from then on Devlin was careful about using leftover supplies!
Dunrovin may no longer be serving green eggs or playing “The Sound of Silence” but its mission and outreach remain largely the same as fifty years ago. Student after student has stayed in the dorms, prayed in the chapel, and found peace in the beauty of Dunrovin’s fifty acres. Friends have been made, faith has been realized, and relationships have been strengthened. Without its humble beginning and consequent years of service, Dunrovin would not be the tranquil, pristine, influential place it is today.