Winnipesaukee Camps Remembered

Rattlesnake Gal · 12-10-2005, 11:06 AM

Thanks McDude.

Do you recall the gazeebo I pointed out to you this summer? I think it is from Camp Wyanoke.

Did you get a photo? (I knew I wasn't crazy and had seen it before!)

mcdude · 12-10-2005, 11:19 AM

Would this be the one?

Rattlesnake Gal · 12-10-2005, 12:14 PM

That's the one and it's in the right area too. I'll have to confirm that next year. Thanks McD.

kunamola · 12-10-2005, 11:24 PM

For two wonderful summers I was a counselor and sailing instructor at Camp Menotomy on Meredith neck. The years were 1976 and 1977. I have fond memories of the camp and the staff. I even remember one session when a hurricane was coming through and we had to lash all the gear in the camp down to the platforms and go hole up in the old farmhouse. It was both scarey and exciting.
Even though my parents have a house on the lake in Melvin Village, it was a different experience to work at a camp on the lake. I felt blessed to have a spot to take my fellow staff members on our days off as we boated across the Broads and down through the Graveyard to our own dock and house.
Teaching young girl scouts to sail and going on our 3 and 5 day overnights each two week session was a real high point of Camp Menotomy. We sailed to numerous other camps throughout the lake and camped at their outpost locations. That is when I truly understood the lake, the experience of staying at different spots all along the shores is one I treasure. I remember waking up in the middle of the night to racoons on my feet on Bear Island, a gorgeous sunset from Sandy Island, and a heart stopping "turtling" episode off Store Island near Camp Winnaukee. Thank goodness their staff came and rescued the girls and towed the boat back to their dock. All the gear still sits on the bottom of the lake.
I have a friend here in Virginia that spent the two most miserable weeks of his life at camp on LW and I just can hardly imagine that. He claims it rained the entire time and he never was warm!
My godmother went to Camp Kehonka in the 1920's-early 30's. She remembered it fondly.
My older son attended Camp Belknap for 9 years; this summer was the first time he was too old and he spent several weeks grieving over missing the experience. My younger son got his 5 year award this past summer at Camp Belknap. I am so glad they had the opportunity to go to camp on the lake. Even though they spend the remaining weeks of summer only 3 miles from Belknap those Belknap weeks are special to them. I can't remember the number of times I have driven to Wolfeboro, past Belkanp, to mail them a package or a letter. Even when home is 3 miles away, a boy at camp needs mail!
I grieve that so many independent camps can no longer support themselves, pay taxes on waterfront and provide kids with such great experiences. My hat goes off to all those mom and pop establishments that put their hearts and souls in giving kids a camp experience; it was truly a calling.

jkjoshuatree · 12-11-2005, 12:02 AM

My family's had a place on Bear for over thirty years and although I never actually went to Nakomis, I've certainly been there.

My friends and I would cruise the boat around, anchor off shore, and swim in to the island. Then we'd try to spy on the females in their cabins. Of course, we were always far too loud to get even remotely close and would be chased away by the camp counselors.

They never caught us (thank goodness), but the rumor was that if they did, the punishment was to walk through their cesspool...barefoot. And anybody who's been there knows how large it is.

Whether it's true or not doesn't matter I guess. It's still a great legend.

So that's my two cents. Once again, you Forum Folk come through with a very interesting and fun thread. Thanks.

cowisl · 12-19-2005, 08:52 PM

We are fortunate enough to own the junior beach lot of Camp Idlewild on Cow Island. We also kept the former Arts and Craft shack. Thanks for the pictures.

mcdude · 12-19-2005, 09:00 PM

Camp Wyanoke - 1920s

Grant · 12-20-2005, 08:59 AM

Taken at about the same time. My grandfather @ Wyanoke.

SIKSUKR · 12-20-2005, 09:06 AM

Grant,That's way cool to have that photo!!

Grant · 12-20-2005, 05:14 PM

Yeah, pretty cool, but why can't I get it to post within the response???

I am truly challenged...

webmaster · 12-20-2005, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grant

Yeah, pretty cool, but why can't I get it to post within the response???

The image link must be to the picture, not the page. Right click on the picture, click properties and copy and paste the address into the forum message.

I fixed it for you.

BroadHopper · 12-20-2005, 06:17 PM

I'm just wondering if anyone know what the equivalent English word or words to all these Indian words that the Camp were names are made of. This will be an interesting subject. Prevent 'cabin fever'.

kunamola · 12-24-2005, 12:44 AM

If I remember correctly Menotomy was the Indian word for the area that is now Arlington Mass. The girl scout council from that area owns the camp in Meredith and thus named the camp Menotomy.

mcdude · 10-09-2007, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rattlesnake Gal

Do you recall the gazeebo I pointed out to you ....? I think it is from Camp Wyanoke.

RG: I found another postcard of that same Gazebo....

SIKSUKR · 10-10-2007, 10:31 AM

Winnipesaukee pictorial history is courtesy of the "McDudeian Museum".Methinks he needs to open one with bricks and mortar.

skprbob · 10-10-2007, 11:00 AM

I was a camper/counsellor at Idlewild from 1962 until its closing in 1975, then a counsellor from 1977-80 at DeWitt. Those were great summers as a kid and great summer jobs as a teacher. It is truly a shame that those long-established and top quality private camps all went out of business - in many cases succumbing to property values, greed, and overweening government regulation. Many of the friendships I made at camp are still connected and remain some of my closest. I'm glad to see the tradition maintained by such camps as Lawrence/Nokomis, Belknap, Northwoods/Pleasant Valley, Kabeyun and others. This in the face of all the highly competitive sports camps and others vying for our kids' attention spans.

Lucky2Bhere · 10-10-2007, 12:09 PM

Does anyone know of any camps of the past that were located in Braun Bay or Hermit Cove?

Rattlesnake Gal · 10-10-2007, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SIKSUKR

Winnipesaukee pictorial history is courtesy of the "McDudeian Museum".Methinks he needs to open one with bricks and mortar.

Sounds like a plan! We are so fortunate to have McDude. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! BTW, where exactly are you storing all of your treasures? They must be overtaking your home by now.

SIKSUKR · 10-11-2007, 11:32 AM

OK,this could be where the money raised from the next forumfest goes.

Seaplane Pilot · 10-11-2007, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SIKSUKR

OK,this could be where the money raised from the next forumfest goes.

Or maybe SIKSUKR would fund and donate the building in his honor! The SIKSUKR Historical Museum

mcdude · 10-11-2007, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SIKSUKR

OK,this could be where the money raised from the next forumfest goes.

Hey! this sounds like a good idea.....people want to give me money!!

??

Actually the postcards and other ephemera don't take up that much room. A few shoe boxes at the most. Luckily I don't collect something like vintage boats or something!!

If you really want to see a great collection of lake memorabilia (aside from the LWHS Museum near Weirs Beach) you should stop in to the main office of Proctor's Lakehouse Cottages on Weirs Blvd. The proprietor there has a phenomenal collcetion.

12-10-2005, 11:06 AM	#1
Rattlesnake Gal Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Central NH Posts: 5,253 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 1,455 Thanked 1,357 Times in 476 Posts	Should You Alert LWHS Of This New Link? Thanks McDude. Do you recall the gazeebo I pointed out to you this summer? I think it is from Camp Wyanoke. Did you get a photo? (I knew I wasn't crazy and had seen it before!)

12-10-2005, 11:19 AM	#2
mcdude Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Rock Haven Lake - West Newfield, ME Posts: 5,343 Thanks: 370 Thanked 1,033 Times in 480 Posts	This one? Would this be the one? Attached Images

12-10-2005, 12:14 PM	#3
Rattlesnake Gal Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Central NH Posts: 5,253 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 1,455 Thanked 1,357 Times in 476 Posts	Yup, That's The Gazeebo I Was Thinking Of That's the one and it's in the right area too. I'll have to confirm that next year. Thanks McD.

12-10-2005, 11:24 PM	#4
kunamola Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Northern Virginia and Melvin Village, NH Posts: 44 Thanks: 3 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	Camp Menotomy For two wonderful summers I was a counselor and sailing instructor at Camp Menotomy on Meredith neck. The years were 1976 and 1977. I have fond memories of the camp and the staff. I even remember one session when a hurricane was coming through and we had to lash all the gear in the camp down to the platforms and go hole up in the old farmhouse. It was both scarey and exciting. Even though my parents have a house on the lake in Melvin Village, it was a different experience to work at a camp on the lake. I felt blessed to have a spot to take my fellow staff members on our days off as we boated across the Broads and down through the Graveyard to our own dock and house. Teaching young girl scouts to sail and going on our 3 and 5 day overnights each two week session was a real high point of Camp Menotomy. We sailed to numerous other camps throughout the lake and camped at their outpost locations. That is when I truly understood the lake, the experience of staying at different spots all along the shores is one I treasure. I remember waking up in the middle of the night to racoons on my feet on Bear Island, a gorgeous sunset from Sandy Island, and a heart stopping "turtling" episode off Store Island near Camp Winnaukee. Thank goodness their staff came and rescued the girls and towed the boat back to their dock. All the gear still sits on the bottom of the lake. I have a friend here in Virginia that spent the two most miserable weeks of his life at camp on LW and I just can hardly imagine that. He claims it rained the entire time and he never was warm! My godmother went to Camp Kehonka in the 1920's-early 30's. She remembered it fondly. My older son attended Camp Belknap for 9 years; this summer was the first time he was too old and he spent several weeks grieving over missing the experience. My younger son got his 5 year award this past summer at Camp Belknap. I am so glad they had the opportunity to go to camp on the lake. Even though they spend the remaining weeks of summer only 3 miles from Belknap those Belknap weeks are special to them. I can't remember the number of times I have driven to Wolfeboro, past Belkanp, to mail them a package or a letter. Even when home is 3 miles away, a boy at camp needs mail! I grieve that so many independent camps can no longer support themselves, pay taxes on waterfront and provide kids with such great experiences. My hat goes off to all those mom and pop establishments that put their hearts and souls in giving kids a camp experience; it was truly a calling.

12-11-2005, 12:02 AM	#5
jkjoshuatree Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Bear Island Posts: 642 Thanks: 349 Thanked 145 Times in 77 Posts	Camp Nakomis My family's had a place on Bear for over thirty years and although I never actually went to Nakomis, I've certainly been there. My friends and I would cruise the boat around, anchor off shore, and swim in to the island. Then we'd try to spy on the females in their cabins. Of course, we were always far too loud to get even remotely close and would be chased away by the camp counselors. They never caught us (thank goodness), but the rumor was that if they did, the punishment was to walk through their cesspool...barefoot. And anybody who's been there knows how large it is. Whether it's true or not doesn't matter I guess. It's still a great legend. So that's my two cents. Once again, you Forum Folk come through with a very interesting and fun thread. Thanks. __________________ Dream out loud.

12-19-2005, 08:52 PM	#6
cowisl Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cow Island Posts: 169 Thanks: 6 Thanked 20 Times in 12 Posts	We are fortunate enough to own the junior beach lot of Camp Idlewild on Cow Island. We also kept the former Arts and Craft shack. Thanks for the pictures.

12-19-2005, 09:00 PM	#7
mcdude Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Rock Haven Lake - West Newfield, ME Posts: 5,343 Thanks: 370 Thanked 1,033 Times in 480 Posts	Camp Wyanoke - 1920s Camp Wyanoke - 1920s

12-20-2005, 08:59 AM	#8
Grant Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Pennsyltuckey, Tuftonboro, Moultonborough Posts: 1,510 Thanks: 387 Thanked 234 Times in 128 Posts	Taken at about the same time. My grandfather @ Wyanoke. __________________ "When I die, please don't let my wife sell my dive gear for what I told her I paid for it."

12-20-2005, 09:06 AM	#9
SIKSUKR Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 5,075 Thanks: 215 Thanked 903 Times in 509 Posts	Grant,That's way cool to have that photo!! __________________ SIKSUKR

12-20-2005, 05:14 PM	#10
Grant Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Pennsyltuckey, Tuftonboro, Moultonborough Posts: 1,510 Thanks: 387 Thanked 234 Times in 128 Posts	Yeah, pretty cool, but why can't I get it to post within the response??? I am truly challenged... __________________ "When I die, please don't let my wife sell my dive gear for what I told her I paid for it."

12-20-2005, 06:17 PM	#12
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,667 Thanks: 3,282 Thanked 1,132 Times in 814 Posts	Indian Language I'm just wondering if anyone know what the equivalent English word or words to all these Indian words that the Camp were names are made of. This will be an interesting subject. Prevent 'cabin fever'. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

12-24-2005, 12:44 AM	#13
kunamola Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Northern Virginia and Melvin Village, NH Posts: 44 Thanks: 3 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	Menotomy If I remember correctly Menotomy was the Indian word for the area that is now Arlington Mass. The girl scout council from that area owns the camp in Meredith and thus named the camp Menotomy.

10-10-2007, 10:31 AM	#15
SIKSUKR Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 5,075 Thanks: 215 Thanked 903 Times in 509 Posts	Winnipesaukee pictorial history is courtesy of the "McDudeian Museum".Methinks he needs to open one with bricks and mortar. __________________ SIKSUKR

10-10-2007, 11:00 AM	#16
skprbob Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: 19 Mile Bay Posts: 147 Thanks: 0 Thanked 90 Times in 29 Posts	great memories I was a camper/counsellor at Idlewild from 1962 until its closing in 1975, then a counsellor from 1977-80 at DeWitt. Those were great summers as a kid and great summer jobs as a teacher. It is truly a shame that those long-established and top quality private camps all went out of business - in many cases succumbing to property values, greed, and overweening government regulation. Many of the friendships I made at camp are still connected and remain some of my closest. I'm glad to see the tradition maintained by such camps as Lawrence/Nokomis, Belknap, Northwoods/Pleasant Valley, Kabeyun and others. This in the face of all the highly competitive sports camps and others vying for our kids' attention spans.

10-10-2007, 12:09 PM	#17
Lucky2Bhere Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Moultonboro & SE Florida Posts: 94 Thanks: 3 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Braun Bay/ Hermit Cove Does anyone know of any camps of the past that were located in Braun Bay or Hermit Cove?

10-11-2007, 11:32 AM	#19
SIKSUKR Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 5,075 Thanks: 215 Thanked 903 Times in 509 Posts	The Mc Dudeian Museum OK,this could be where the money raised from the next forumfest goes. __________________ SIKSUKR

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode