That executive director, Laura Johnstone Wilson, says this is the typical scene for her when she approaches the door, as every one of the 11 cats that call the Colloquium home, are already vying for her attention as they prance, attempt to climb the glass, and generally pace around in a circle, with tails in full-on swish mode.
Photography by Lisa J. Gotto
Once everyone is fed and happy, a mid-morning self-grooming and recreational period begins for the furry residents of this space, which was clearly designed for cats, but accommodates people, as well. We are then able to sit and chat about the incredible space we find ourselves in and about the why and how of its humble beginnings.
TOWNE SALUTE
Cat Colloquium Creating Purr-fect Community Partners
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By Lisa J. Gotto
isitors are quickly aware of what they are about to get themselves into when they approach the glass panel door upon arrival to the second-floor landing of 215 High Street in Chestertown. We certainly did when we arrived first thing one rainy Tuesday morning to meet with the executive director of this special place with the even more special name, Cat Colloquium.
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What’s Up? Eastern Shore | August 2022 | whatsupmag.com
Cat Colloquium is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit that operates as a meeting space to discuss, engage, and to advocate for animals, children, and the Chestertown community in the company of cats. “Our vision is to create a physical space where the community can come together, in the company of well-supported cats, to engage in opportunities that support animals and children,” states the mission of the Colloquium. “That might mean working together on a fundraiser for a local children’s group, hosting meetings in our space where our cats roam free, attending a workshop on how to educate children about animals, creating a think tank for animal advocacy, or feeding treats to our Citizen Cats.” Johnstone Wilson quickly dispels any notion that any of this is of her doing, explaining that the vision for this
collective and the environment that we are sitting in is solely the brainchild of a long-time friend of hers, a woman who never wishes to be recognized for the community service-oriented work and contributions that she regularly makes to help create a thriving Chestertown. “She had a childhood dream of having a place where people could just go and enjoy cats,” says Johnstone Wilson of the Colloquium’s founder. “And when she saw this building come on the market, she said, ‘That’s it. That’s my cat place.’” That was 2019 and the building itself had a wellknown address and a history dating back to the 19-century as the town pharmacy, and the locally famous Stam’s luncheonette. Stam’s was the quintessential soda fountain back in the day where the town’s people gathered regularly to socialize over a root beer float or banana split. While the pharmacy officially closed in 2016, the luncheonette endured and it remains the community hub for lunches, fountain sodas, and, of course, ice cream on the first floor of the building. Patrons to Stam’s sometimes spy a Colloquium resident through one of the two façade display windows of the luncheonette. The cats have access to the first-floor window via a stairwell where there’s plenty of room for them to play and grab the attention of passersby. Patrons can get to know the cats from the poster that features a photo of each cat and its name that is always visible in the window.
