Stop 3: Midway Lake Abbey

The lake you see is called “Lake Abby”, named after Winthrop’s mother, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, with whom he was very close (photo 1). Abby was an outgoing and vivacious socialite, a compassionate and warm woman who enjoyed life to its fullest and loved and welcomed interactions with people from all walks of life (photo 2). She was an early influence on Winthrop and his adoption of the Rockefeller Ethic.

Influenced by his mother and their close relationship, Winthrop developed a deep respect for all people- regardless of their color, religion, status or beliefs. This value would endure throughout Winthrop’s life: in his early career, in his military service, and eventually as governor of Arkansas.

The Institute fosters an environment of connection in order to help people create transformational change, where people have to be willing to hear things they might not agree with, and where everyone must be willing to come to the table with those who have a stake in the problem we are trying to solve (photo 3). RELATIONSHIPS take time and effort to be authentic, and they require people to become known for who they really are, not just by a name.