Chautauqua Institution lost electric power throughout the grounds just before 3 p.m. Thursday on a sweltering and humid afternoon. A transformer at the local National Grid substation failed, and power was not restored until 6 a.m. Friday.
George Murphy, vice president and chief marketing officer, described the scene on the second floor of the Colonnade after initial word reached President Thomas Becker’s office that the blackout might last for 24 hours.
When Chautauqua’s softball season kicked off at the end of June, players were often barefoot, enthusiastic and out to have a great time. Nearly a month later, not much has changed.
With the championship games only two weeks away for both the men’s and women’s leagues, the season is in full swing. The games, while always maintaining a recreational atmosphere, have begun to heat up.