Camp Nakanawa Centennial Book 1920-2019

151 Margaret Matens: In Sick Call: The Camp Doctor 1969, Nakanawa’s 50th Anniversary, Margaret Health and safety have been of utmost concern Hawkins was a new for a century. Colonel Rice employed resident counselor in Senior. nurses, and Mitch initiated the practice of having During the next ten years, a rotating group of doctors who stayed for a week she taught Riding and or longer. These camp doctors, along with their Arts & Crafts and was families, have become an integral component of Program Coordinator for Nakanawa. At Sick Call, the doctors and nurses Mitch. In 1977 she was treat the girls’ concerns — poison ivy or bug bites, accompanied by her new sunburn or sprained ankles, homesickness or husband Jack. With daughters Morgan Matens ’99 and Murray Matens hives — with a parent’s compassion. Kimball TR ’01 in tow, she returned in 1989 and soon began the Junior Nature program, which she continues to lead. As a permitted wildlife The Doctor’s Lodge by the lake rehabilitator, she has introduced the girls to countless critters. provides an enticing getaway Lucy Washburne: Lucy Hunter first came to camp from Dallas in 1967. for doctors with daughters or After Tent Row in 1971, she became a Canoeing counselor in Senior. granddaughters in camp. Ann Her groom in 1977 was also from a Nakanawa family, the Washburnes, so Lucy’s daughters — Eleanor Washburne Umphres ’03 and Mary and Pepe feel fortunate to have Lamar Washburne Nicholas TR ’07 — have camp relatives on both sides had superb medical attention of their family tree. In 1995, Lucy returned with her young daughters, and she focused on her first love — Blading. Lucy is remembered for provided by scores of doctors and her high standards in Canoeing classes and her deep dedication to all nurses. Those who came for close things Nakanawa. to ten summers include Dr. Reg Moore, shown here at the Doctors Lodge, Dr. Paul Ervin, Dr. Rob Heyer, Dr. John Coleman, Dr. Charlie Richardson, Dr. Charles Cannon, Dr. Happy Davis, Dr. Robert Yelverton, Dr. Jay Carter, Dr. Eslick Daniel and nurses Bertha England and Betty Lynn Souther. Several former campers have returned as doctors in recent decades: twins Anna Barrett Sunderland and Maria Barrett Paasch TR ’95, at left, Lucie King TR ’69, and Clare McCaffrey Savage TR ’85. Almost all of the doctors had daughters at camp during their tenure, and many now have a third generation in camp. “Dr. Fran” Langford, Dr. Richard Smith and Dr. Randall Nyman are among those with great-granddaughter campers.

Queens Row and Ever-Returning Counselors In Senior Camp, the “elders” on staff are named for the location of their small cabins in an area called “Queens Row.” In Junior Camp, this group is called “ERs,” short for “Ever-Returning.” These counselors provide continuity, maturity and, often, a mother’s watchful eye. Why I Keep Coming Back … Tiny Lott McPhillips, in yellow, attended a recent “Nakanawa has been a vital part of my life, a place that feeds my soul in a way Mother-Daughter Weekend that cannot be duplicated by any other experience. I keep coming back because with her daughters, deep in my heart I knew I needed to ‘give back’ the treasure chest of experiences daughter-in-law and two that were given to me. I believe those of us who love camp must continue the granddaughters, who are traditions and standards that Nakanawa has instilled in each of us. With my “Tent Row Bound.” own small contributions, I want to ensure that this special place will be here for my granddaughters and great-granddaughters so that they may gain all the immeasurable benefits of Nakanawa.” — Tiny Lott McPhillips

153 1,000,000 Squishy Rolls Later... In 2012 camp celebrated Leon Shannon’s 60th summer. The T.I.E.S.-sponsored Nakanawa Cookbook was dedicated to him, and Pepe ordered Leon bobbleheads! In 1952 when C.L. Manier recommended Leon as a dishwasher, the 14-year-old boy from Lebanon surely had no idea this camp would become his life’s work and his second home for almost 70 years. Leon has been at camp every summer since 1953, and he cooks for camp groups on many weekends in the fall and spring. As Chef in Senior since 1972, he has supervised the preparation of over one million squishy rolls, tens of thousands of chocolate pies and 50,000 pounds of roast beef. It only takes him 30 minutes to cut up 65 whole chickens, enough fried chicken to feed Senior Camp. Leon’s loyalty, dedication and formidable cooking skills endear him to Nakanawa. The Best Bunk in Camp In 1967, Carson asked a Mayland teenager to be a dishwasher in the kitchen. After he graduated from high school, Benny “Bunk” Hall came to work at camp full time as one of the workmen. Over 50 years later, he has remained the backbone of camp’s maintenance staff. In 2016, Bunk was honored during Reunion Weekend for his 50 years of loyal service. Bunk had a hand in building almost every cabin in camp, and for decades he managed camp’s sprawling vegetable garden. He’s a familiar sight driving through camp in his white pickup truck. Bunk is a pro at fixing things that are broken, forecasting the weather, driving the bus for Free Day trips, growing prize dahlias and shooting fireworks over the lake on July 4th. Of all the bunks in camp, he is the best!

Trucks, Canoes and .22s — Wigwam Added to the Reverence for the Old National Register of Historic Buildings Whether its rifles or paddles, buildings or trucks, Some of camp’s Remington .22 In 1999, the renovated 100-year-old Wigwam was officially Nakanawa values years of faithful service. Always rifles have been in use for 50 years, added to the National Register of Historic Buildings. Ann hoping to restore rather than replace, Ann and Pepe and each has shot close to 100,000 and Pepe searched to find the right craftsmen who could have lovingly maintained camp’s facilities. Recent rounds of ammunition. Now update the building while preserving its authenticity. A new projects include: collectors’ items, these old rifles have foundation was added, the chinking between the logs was • Resurfacing of tennis courts in both camps been retired and are displayed in the replaced, the stone chimney repaired and a new roof put on. A • Restoration of the Library porch Library. Camp continues to turn out large pine slab inside the Wigwam contains the woodburned • Renovations of Junior and Senior Egypts and skilled marksmen, and each summer names of hundreds of friends who donated funds to help with several Seniors make Expert based the restoration project. Junior Dining Hall on National Rifle Association • A covered bridge on the way to Council Ring standards. • Expansion of the Riflery Range They keep on truckin’… Pop Mitchell helped acquire an early truck, a used maroon 1950 model. Mitch next purchased a red 1958 one-and-a-half- ton Chevrolet truck, which carried every camper for decades. After 45,000 miles, Pepe had the ’58 restored in 2010, and both trucks remain at camp.

The Merrimack Canoe and Randy Pew 155 Randy Pew, a third generation Merrimack canoe builder, still Designed for salmon fishing in shallow rivers, the original makes canoes the way his grandfather did in Merrimack, New canvas-wrapped war canoes were ordered from Nova Scotia. Hampshire. In 1972, Pew moved the fabled family business to Randy was able to refurbish these old war canoes by taking Crossville, and the ties between Merrimack and Nakanawa have them “down to their ribs” and covering them with fiberglass. strengthened over the years. Though Colonel Rice purchased The restored canoes were then given to Junior. In 1995, Ann Old Town and Johnson canoes, Mitch began buying wooden and Pepe purchased four new war canoes, two red and two Merrimacks in the ’70s. After Ann and Pepe arrived, they asked blue, so each team and age group in Senior has its own. Randy to repair and restore camp’s canoes, some nearly 40 years In 1991, Randy Pew was responsible for bringing the old. Of the 50 purchased, 40 are still in use, thanks to Randy’s Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association to camp for their careful attention. One canoe that was no longer lake-worthy annual retreat, beginning another long-standing was lovingly restored by Randy – ironically, an Old Town canoe, relationship. Canoes at Nakanawa are treated with care shown below, which hangs in the Library. Another is in the and respect, worthy of the Merrimack tradition of skilled Junior Council House. Several grace the grounds as planters. craftsmanship.

New Classes for Camp Ann and Pepe have added a number of new activities to the campers’ list of choices and built the necessary facilities for each. In Senior, new classes include Running, Climbing Wall, Volleyball, Table Tennis, Golf and Outdoor Adventure. In Junior, all campers take Nature and Bouldering Wall and use the war canoes.

157 Finer Facilities Ann and Pepe have continued to add, expand and modernize facilities. Significant recent construction projects include: • Two additional Tent Row cabins - Cake and Pi, 2007-08 • Paradise bathhouse in Senior, 2011 • Junior Archery Hut, in honor of Val Lambert; sheltered shooting range, 2009-11 • Senior Archery relocated to fields by barn, with sheltered shooting range, 2012 • Colonel Rice, My South Pole, Breezy Lodge and other small counselor cabins added in Junior • Screened porch added to the Nature Hut in Junior, 2012 • Library porch renovation, model train display in the Library, 2012 • Cooper’s Stand overnight shelter at the Dam, 2014 • Two new kilns, one given by Kim Duke, 2014 • Amazon-Valkyrie Team Equipment Facility, 2016 • Riflery range expansion with new target retrieval system, 2016 A new golf green and shelter were built in 2000, in the field near the entrance to Senior Camp.

As Nakanawa Adds Technology, Campers Go Unplugged During Ann and Pepe’s last decade, the technological advances changed the nature and pace of camp’s communication. In 2011, Nakanawa decided that campers should remain “unplugged” during the camp session, enjoying their days free of laptops, tablets, social media and cell phones. Parents are ecstatic, and older campers and counselors have adapted. While trying to prevent technology from encroaching on the campers’ experience, Nakanawa has reaped the many benefits of the digital age. In 2008, Nakanawa started a website to market camp, and in 2016 the Camp Catalog Archive project was completed. Every page of every catalog and yearbook printed since 1920 is now available via the Nakanawa website. In 2017 camp began accepting credit cards and online payment, an important convenience for parents. Though individual Mama Letters from cabin counselors are still mailed to parents in envelopes, an e-newsletter with photos has replaced the weekly paper newsletters. In 2008 a password-protected Parent Page on the camp website was created that includes a Photo Gallery. By 2017, the number of photos posted in June and July topped 10,000. Parents are now able to get a daily camera’s- eye view of their daughters’ activities. Another parent benefit is email. Over 400 emails a day (One per parent per day, please!) arrive in the Office, where they are printed on a special copy machine and distributed at Mail Call.

159 “If a picture is worth 1,000 words, then 10,000 pictures are worth…”

Words from Two Camp Matriarchs “Ann and Pepe have continued to care for this ‘spot we all hold dear’ in such a wise and caring way so that after 100 years, the many activities, events, traditions and standards remain unchanged. After all these years, Nakanawa is still loved and remembered by thousands of women all over the country.” — Nan Chamberlain Smith, TR ’55 On Nakanawa’s Summer Shopping List Since 1921, a member of the Chamberlain family For four decades Ann and Pepe have handled the logistics of having 500 has attended camp almost people arrive in the tiny town of Mayland, of serving 8,000 meals a week, every summer. Nan of providing items necessary for every activity and each special event. Chamberlain, Valkyrie Captain in 1955, has watched This partial list of key provisions provides a window with pride as her daughter into Ann and Pepe’s world: and granddaughters have • 20,000 rounds of .22 long rifle ammunition attended camp. Nan has • 3 bolts of red and 3 bolts of blue material to cut out new team ties been an integral part of the • 2 dozen eggs to incubate in the Nature Hut T.I.E.S. alumni group. • 2,700 rolls of toilet paper, made of recycled materials • 4,000 marshmallows, for roasting and frozen fruit salad “As I look back over the One of Nakanawa’s many multi-generation • 3 Riding Cups — Junior, Intermediate and Senior 80 years when I was first families — from left, Nan Chamberlain Smith • 1,000 pieces of wood for campfires, cut on-site at camp TR ’55, granddaughter Nan Bumpus TR ’11, and • 900 candles, for Serenades and Valkyrie Vespers daughter May Douglas Smith Bumpus TR ’81. • 50 wooden lapboards for Arts & Crafts • 4 tons of shavings for stalls in the barns a camper, I see today the • 12 dozen crickets for fishing • 5,000 Riflery targets same woodland terrain so lovingly cared for, the same beautiful sky • 300 tennis balls • 450 Felt Letters, stars and bars of stars looking down on Lake Aloaloa; thoughtful talks by Pepe on • 200 Posture Pins Sundays, the emphasis on character building and physical activity, and most of all, a network of friends for a lifetime.... I see the same vision that Colonel Rice successfully created a century ago. The magic is still there, thanks to Ann and Pepe who have worked modestly, selflessly and successfully to preserve it.” — Deanie Hart Boteler TR ’44 One or more members of the Hart-Boteler clan has attended camp for 148 separate camp sessions. Deanie Hart, Lady of the Cup in 1944, is the mother of Alice, Louise and Laura and grandmother of four additional outstanding Nakanawa girls.

Ann and Pepe: 161 Countdown to a Century “What matters stays As Ann and Pepe prepare for Nakanawa’s The heart holds true, 100th summer and their 40th anniversary as Our camp is here Directors, the numbers tell part of their story. Because of you ... They have oversight of 1,140 acres and the 100 Your love and care and vision ...” buildings contained therein. Each summer they prepare for the arrival of over 475 campers Pepe presented Ann with her 50th Anniversary and 120 counselors and staff. With close to Carson Cross at Reunion Weekend in 2017. 75% of Nakanawa’s campers returning from previous years, the legacy of camp continues to grow and the geographic distribution to widen. Registered T.I.E.S. alumni have surpassed 1,500. The number of campers and families who are devoted to Ann and Pepe is incalculable. Ten Things Campers Remember about Ann and Pepe • Their welcoming nature and hospitality at the Big House • Ann’s love of horses and judging the Horse Show • Pepe’s Church Services and his favorite poems • Their focus on being inclusive and making camp a reality for all who want to come • Christmas in July, with Pepe as Santa • “Hail, Chief Pepe!” at Council Ring – and sometimes “Hail, Chief Ann!” • Their favorite mantra: Safe. Happy. Healthy. • Their ability to adapt to changing times, keeping camp relevant, while holding fast to traditions • Pepe in his white truck, Ann in her golf cart … always on the go! • Their willingness to make sacrifices to preserve camp’s legacy

Nakanawa T.I.E.S. Cookbooks, Songbooks & City Reunions “We’ll Have our Reunion ...” In order to build awareness about T.I.E.S., alumni hosted City Reunions in New Orleans, Birmingham, Atlanta and other In 2006, three friends approached Ann and Pepe with a towns soon after the group formed. T.I.E.S. has undertaken proposal: to organize a Nakanawa alumni organization some key marketing projects. Camp merchandise that has for former campers, counselors and friends. Shelly Duer been created and made available includes: a Nakanawa Landau TR ’75, Donya Boylston Rose TR ’75 and Margaret cookbook, a CD of traditional camp songs, notecards, a Hawkins Matens believed an alumni organization new songbook and T.I.E.S. shirts. Volunteers collected and would help others reconnect with Nakanawa in meaningful ways. Ann and Pepe archived camp memorabilia for the history project, restored enthusiastically accepted their idea and have provided guidance for and worked in the mural in the Dining Hall and produced the “Nakanawa in close partnership with the group for a decade. The group launched in May 2007 when Four Minutes” video. Alumni have also raised funds to install 60 women aged 21-87 gathered at camp to discuss ways to engage alumni and to solar powered fans in many cabins and to help camp recover support camp through service projects and a focus on camper recruitment. A social from a devastating ice storm in 2015. networking website: www.campties.com was established, and the group decided to sponsor three annual events: Service Weekend in May, Mother-Daughter Weekend in September, and Reunions in a 5-year rotation held each July. When Donya Rose, at left, and Shelly Duer, at right, were in Tent Row ’75, Margaret Hawkins, center, was their Tent Row Mama. Years later, they reconnected as Junior Camp counselors after their eight daughters started camp. In 2006 they volunteered to begin an alumni organization and continue to provide leadership for T.I.E.S. and its projects as it has grown to be a vital presence for Nakanawa.

163 Mother-Daughter Weekend Since 2008, mid-September means Mother-Daughter Weekend — an introductory experience for young girls interested in camp. Moms and grandmothers join the “short session” with up to 60 wanna-be campers. The fun includes sleeping in a cabin, riding horses, canoeing, zip lining, Nature class with lots of critters, learning camp songs, playing Double Trouble, a campfire with s’mores and a hayride. Four friends from Tent Row ’92 —Shannon Waller, Callie James Dater, Katie Cavert and Helen Huie Burns — have taken on leadership roles in event planning and oversight, and counselor volunteers staff the activities. Since the event began, close to 500 little girls have attended Mother-Daughter Weekend, which has become an important camper recruitment event.  “If you can’t make time go backwards to relive your camp years, give the gift of opportunity to someone who has it all in front of them.” — Kelsie Costello Wagner TR ’87 on Mother Daughter Weekend Mother-Daughter Weekend is ideal for former campers, who enjoy introducing their young daughters to camp, as well as for mothers unfamiliar with Nakanawa, who get a weekend-long opportunity to learn what camp has to offer.

Service Weekend Ties Leadership Council Service Weekend, held every May since 2008, In May 2011, the T.I.E.S. Leadership Council (TLC) gives alumni time to enjoy being at camp while was formed to support the alumni work. With accomplishing projects that prepare for the coming a rotating slate of members who represent each summer. Highlights include “Happy Am I” Hour decade, the Leadership Council provides a way on the Crows Nest, costume contests, trying out for more people to take an active role in working the zipline and hiking the Trail Around the Lake.  for camp. First TLC Chair Lolla McNutt TR ’65, at left, with founding member Carol Kleinhoff ’63, dressed up as Mitch and Scooter to win the Service Weekend costume contest in 2015. Wyeth Outlan TR ’75 and Sally Tubb TR ’76 were the next two TLC chairs elected, each for a three-year term. All alumni are encouraged to register on the T.I.E.S website: www.campties.org Three who are key to the success of Service Weekend are, from left, May Douglas Smith Bumpus TR ’81, Lyn Brantley TR ’81, and Patty Lankford Akers TR ’71. Close to 60 dedicated “Nakanawa girls” arrive at camp each Edna Cannata spring to tackle projects that include cutting out Amazon Crosthwait TR ’79 and Valkyrie ties, woodburning, sweeping cabins, weeding handing out brooms flowerbeds, organizing costumes and working on T.I.E.S. for cabin cleanup. projects such as the camp history and the cookbook. Posing before Egypt are, from left, Claudia Wood Irwin, Trudy Morse Verdick TR ’68, Betty Lynn Souther, Kathe Jenkins King TR ’64, Ann Jenkins Brumbaugh TR ’67, and Erin King Parsley TR ’87. Sisters Kathe and Ann help organize Service Weekends and serve as T.I.E.S. Ladies.

Reunion Weekend “And tomorrow you’ll open your eyes and find 165 That your camp friends will last until the end of time, Each July camp welcomes 5th through Reunions and T.I.E.S. help us to realize 50th Tent Rows, (and those in their age We will never ever leave this camp behind.” group). Nostalgic activities from Rock Meetings to the War Canoe race are — Alumni version of “Suddenly It’s Over for Good” planned for the close to 150 who return each summer. A T.I.E.S. luncheon is held in honor of the 1-Year Tent Row group as they are welcomed into to the alumni ranks, and the Saturday dinner in the Wigwam is followed by a gathering on the Crows Nest where gold Carson Crosses are presented to the 50-Year group and each Tent Row sings for the campers. Donya Rose and her crew of dedicated “T.I.E.S. Ladies” organize and staff Reunion Weekends. From left, Lucia Outlan, Stephanie Miller Nowacki, Mop Queen, Donya and Wyeth Outlan. Kelsie Wagner has been invaluable as the reunion group coordinator.

A Century of Nakanawa Traditions For 100 years ... the Amazons and Valkyries have cheered and sung, Bungling Brothers Circus has come to town and Tent Row has been home to the oldest girls. For 100 years ... campers have enjoyed marshmallow roasts, squishy rolls, treats from the Commissary, Horse Shows and sunsets. For 100 years ... girls have won honors, made forever friends and said tearful farewells. Here we celebrate a century of time-honored traditions that are the core of Camp Nakanawa.

167 A Century of Amazons and Valkyries 100 Years of Team Ties Amazon and Valkyrie ties were an innovation of the early campers, not of Colonel Rice. Black sailor ties were popular in the ’20s, worn with middy blouses and bloomers. The first packing list stipulated two “black silk neckerchiefs.” Old photos show that the campers wore these neckerchiefs in a variety of ways. By 1927 the team colors — Amazon red and white, Valkyrie blue and brown — were designated, and ties came in red and blue. Tying a piece of the rock in the end of one’s tie and, for Valkyries, folding the team prayer into the “V” are common practices. Only a Silver Letter is ever visible on a tie. Most girls purchase a second “games tie” to wear around the waist in meets and competitions. The first Amazon Captain is credited with Ties are handed down from mother to Since Mitch’s era the top three officers in Senior deciding that the Amazons would wear their daughter and are willed from Tent Row girls have worn black ties, a throwback to the first ties over one shoulder. The Valkyries continued to younger campers. The more faded a tie, the decade when all ties were black. to wear theirs in the traditional “knotted in the more it is revered. The “Willed Tie Ledger,” front” manner, and it was several more decades kept in the Library, shows the lineage of the before they began tying them behind their necks. ties that have been passed down for decades. These 1925 Captains display ties as they were The T.I.E.S. alumni website also has this worn for many years. information online. Some very fragile ties have been retired in order to preserve them and are kept in the Library. The Valkyries shown here were holding ties for their teammates who were playing soccer.

Team Traditions Though most Amazon and Valkyrie traditions began in the The rival songs were written in 1968 by Tent Row girls as a way of honoring the traditions of their sister first years of camp, new ones have emerged over the decades: team. The 50-year-old exchange of songs provides important closure to each meet. It is a gesture that would • 1927 Red and blue designated as team colors bring a smile to the face of Colonel Rice, who championed this spirit of friendly rivalry and sportsmanship. • 1930 Amazon and Valkyrie Quartets combined into Octet • 1930 First Cup burned during Valkyrie Vespers and Juniors took part by forming a bracelet • 1932 First Joint Meetings held • 1958 Team prayers written • 1968 Rival Songs composed and first sung at meets • 2010 Willed Tie Ledger placed in Library; some old ties and other willed items retired in order to preserve them Hail, dear old Valkyries, we pledge ourselves loyal to you. We’ll e’er be faithful to your colors brown and blue ... — Amazon Rival Song We never knew we could love any rivals, Amazons, like we’re loving you ... — Valkyrie Rival Song

Old Suits, Old Socks, Old Teddy Bears... 169 Colonel Rice’s great-great granddaughter, the first fifth-generation camper, arrived in AMAZONS 1990, and at least 20 representatives of a fourth-generation are now in camp. At Team Drawings, a Junior camper may be asked, “Your great-grandmother was a Valkyrie. from Greek Mythology Would you like to be a Valkyrie, too?” In Greek mythology, the Little girls arrive with their mothers’ ties packed in their trunks, and a fortunate few Amazons were members wear Carson Crosses. Tent Row girls pass down to future TRs two team trunks filled of a race of women with willed items. These decades-old socks and shirts, stretched-out team bathing suits warriors who displayed from the 1980s, and ancient stuffed animals live on as part of the Amazon and Valkyrie both courage and dignity. traditions. These items are given to a new Tent Row owner every year. They were often depicted as resembling the goddess Athena, armed with spears and helmets. The uncommon VALKYRIES good sportsmanship that (marks) from Norse Mythology the relationship between Amazons In Norse mythology, and Valkyries is Valkyries were maidens of one of Nakanawa’s the god Odin. Valkyries most highly prized were charged with traditions. choosing those slain in battle who were worthy of — Colonel Rice, 1936 a place in Valhalla. They were usually shown riding The War Canoe Coxes prepare for the horses, wearing helmets race by wearing old faded bathing suits and brandishing swords. on top of their own. These willed bathing suits are passed down from cox to cox. These woodcut illustrations were created by Arts & Crafts counselor Ely Mahier, who extensively researched both Amazon and Valkyrie mythology and integrated both traditions into the Pageants she directed for many decades.

Rock Meetings The first teams selected secluded rock outcroppings for The Rocks, secluded in the woods, bordered by their meeting spot. Shown here, a forest, have been the campers’ peaceful havens for 1920s-era Valkyrie Rock meeting. a century. A special team unity is forged, and the Rocks take on a near-sacred significance. With the firelight forming a golden pool against the darkness, the girls talk of sisterhood and loyalty, of the high ideals represented by Amazon and Valkyrie creeds. Under the leadership of the officers and sponsors, Rock Meetings provide a time for planning as well as a time for reflection. Over the years party themes, decorations and costumes were chosen; songs and cheers practiced; secret plans hatched and competitions discussed. Amazon Rock sits close to the lake on a large outcropping. Meetings begin with the burning of the outline of a Warrior, drawn by Ely Mahier and fashioned by Carson Tays.

Amazons walk to their rock in twos, Valkyries in threes. 171 Since the earliest days of camp, the team officers used a book known as a Ledger to record details of Rock Meetings and keep a tally of Distinctions. The Ledgers, carefully stored so that future officers can read them, provide an invaluable source of information and inspiration. Valkyrie Rock rests in the middle of the woods on a high point near Council Ring. Each meeting begins with the lighting of the “V.”

“When those Hearty Amazons Fall in Line ...” The Amazons host the Amazon Weiner Roast at the dam, an event begun in 1920 and held at the midpoint of camp. At this event, the Amazon Captain presents the Cup of Good Will to the Directors. The Amazon Serenade honors current and past Amazon Captains. The date of this candle-lit procession is a surprise. The 1920 Amazon Supper was the precursor of what is now known as the Amazon Weiner Roast.

173 Amazon Warrior Song We only know the clarion call Who could ask a better end Of strife and struggle, warriors all, Than giving life to help a friend? Armed with death and mounted well We must live that others die Not we a race to dwell in quietude, Our only song a battle cry. Rather we would bravely die Than live to see our name not known. In 1934, camper Sarah Haley wrote “Armed with Death” for use as the Pageant finale. Since then, this Amazon Warrior Song continues to be one of great significance for the team. It is sung each year before the Amazon Weiner Roast as the Amazon Warrior Dance is performed on the Crows Nest.

“We’re Loyal to you, Valkyries ...” The Valkyries’ main events are the Surprise Party, held at Valkyrie Point with a painted backdrop and elaborate favors; and Valkyrie Vespers, held at the lake on the last Sunday of camp. In Junior, all campers take part in Valkyrie Vespers, carrying candles and forming a large circle to represent the Bracelet. In Senior the Valkyries sit in the shape of the Necklace while a large outline of the Cup is set ablaze across the lake. The Valkyrie Maidens, shown at right in 2015, perform their dance during Valkyrie Vespers. Their costumes were designed in 1962 by Helen Hood. Three 1967 Tent Row girls — Deanie Nyman, Emily Bryan and Lee Guthrie — wrote the “Valkyrie Maiden Song,” giving words to Wagner’s The Ride of the Valkyries. First presented at the 1967 Surprise Party, the song is reserved for occasions of solemnity.

175 Valkyrie Maiden Song All mortals hear ye the call of the maidens The Valkyries’ ultimate goal the quest for peace. Instilled in our hearts are ideals of honor, Conceived from the earth and the sky, The brown and blue, We stand united — Fighting with swords, Fighting with swords of love.

A Century of Tent Row From Tents to Cake and Pi • 1920: Four tents erected to house older girls, known as Tent Row • 1927: Tents replaced with four cabins, numbered 1 through 4 • 1963: New, larger cabin 4 built; original Tent Row cabins renumbered 0 through 3 • 1978: All Third-Year Seniors included in Tent Row • 2007-08: Additional Tent Row cabins built: “Pi” (so named because it was added between cabins 3 and 4, like the number π) and “Cake” (companion to “Pi”)

Counselor Jackets Become TR Jackets 177 While Mitch was Director, counselor jackets were a popular staff item. For decades most counselors purchased one. As a rite of passage to becoming counselors, Tent Row girls were also allowed to buy jackets, which they received on Circus Day. As years passed, the supplier could no longer provide jackets with red and blue cording on the front, so Eloise Mounger spent her winters adding this detail. In the late ’80s the company quit making the coats all together. At that point, TR girls began handing them down to Second-Year Seniors and calling them TR jackets. After one TR reunion in New Orleans during Mardi Gras, the jackets came back to camp covered in beads and buttons, and now more “bling” gets added each year. Today, the jackets are the most distinctive piece of TR apparel, worn at the Circus, for the Tent Row dance and on other fun occasions. The name of each girl who owned the jacket for a year is written on the inside.

“We’re from Tent Row, Jolly, Jolly Tent Row ...”

179 “She’s got a face like Ava Gardner, a figure like Bardot, You know that she’s from Tent Row ’cause she’s always on the go ...” Tent Row Traditions • Leading songs • Three-Day Canoe Trip • Senior Prom Superlatives • Aiding in activities • Coming to camp three days early to plan • Tent Row Church and Bunk Stunts • Dressing as the Country Family for the Circus • “Little Eyes Are Watching” • Tent Row Dance • Theme costumes for the Senior Prom

Tent Row Branding Matching Tent Row t-shirts appeared in the ’70s. By the ’90s, Tent Row merchandise had expanded to include matching shorts, shirts, socks and hats. TR groups now select a logo and a slogan, which is printed on stationery, apparel and more. Though a TR summer lasts only a month, the memories — and the array of printed TR items — last for decades.

A Century in the Dining Hall 181 I Know It’s Sunday ... 100 Years of Nakanawa Manners I Smell Coffee Cake! • Put your napkin in your lap (and don’t shred it!) Meals at camp take on a special significance. Rituals are • Fourth your bread observed: blessings, family-style serving, manners, pleasant • Cut your bacon and eat it with a fork conversation, table games. Girls are hungry from the long active • Tuck in your shirt, tie back your hair days, and sitting at an assigned table for a week builds a sense of • Eat three bites (Try something new!) camaraderie. The Dining Hall is always the site for exciting announcements Table Traditions about awards and events. Tonight is ... the Valkyrie Surprise Party! The Overnight! The Prom! Since the ’20s, meals have been • Backwards Pie started in Junior Camp. Campers planned weekly, and campers soon learned what to expect when. make a wish on the tip of their pie, eaten last, and Traditional meals included the Free Day breakfast of sausage, walk out of the Dining Hall backwards. baked apples, grits and scratch biscuits. Free Day means “Grunch” and chocolate pie. • “Susie, Susie, strong and able, get your elbows off Saturday night is roast beef (in Mitch’s time, steak), frozen fruit the table!” salad, green beans, onion rings and much-loved “squishy rolls.” Sunday breakfast is coffee cake, bacon, apple sauce and • Finding a green bean with initials carved in it. In cantaloupe. Sunday lunch is highlighted by fried chicken, ice the ’70s the counselors snapped baskets of green cream and cake. Old-timers remember the hand-churned beans in the C.B. Some carved their initials into ice cream — a different flavor each Sunday: chocolate, peach, several beans, and the resulting mayhem in the peppermint, chocolate marshmallow, vanilla — each paired with Dining Hall was hilarious. the perfect flavor of cake. • “Today is somebody’s birthday. How old is she?” Since the ’80s campers have gotten a birthday cake to share with their cabin. No more need to make orange and raisin cakes! • For decades an Aide in Senior sat in a chair beside her table during the meal and ate afterwards. In the ’90s, the Aides began eating with their table. • For years sisters visited for Sunday lunch. Their welcome song: “Oh, the mule stood around with his foot on the ground, Hi-Ho dear Juniors (or Seniors).” • Welcome and farewell songs: “How do you do, dear Susie, how do you do?” and “Goodbye, don’t cry, wipe a tear from your eye ...”

A Century at the Circus The Circus began in 1920 and remains a camp favorite. The important features of Bungling Brothers are unchanged: every Senior camper plays a role for the invited guests, the Juniors. In the ’20s and ’30s, Juniors arrived by canoe. Many Mayland residents also attended and remembered the Circus as a highlight. The “Country Family,” now played by Tent Row, is an homage to these early visitors. The Wigwam is transformed into the Big Top with balloons, sawdust and crepe paper. For decades the band, monkeys and clowns At right, top to bottom: traveled to Junior for a parade announcing the The Circus band in 1928; Circus. As Tent Row grew larger, more special during Mitch’s years; and acts were added to create additional parts. After in 2010 with the restored the Big Top comes ice cream! The final events traditionally were tumbling and dance numbers Nakanawa fire engine. in the Kiosk. For the last decade, the Tent Row Below: The ringmaster, played by Dance has served as the finale followed by the excitement of cake drawings. Lou Lloveras for over 25 years, announces the animals and other special acts: Wild Woman, Strong Man, Freak.

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A Century of Counselor Fun Pigtails and Pranks Top 20 Printable Counselor Pranks Counselor shenanigans began early. Before a C.B. was built, counselors 1. Flagging down the 1:00 a.m. train as it sped through Mayland canoed to Valkyrie Point to heat coffee over a campfire. Initiation had 2. Minnie fish swimming in the Egypt toilets begun by 1928, when a new counselor “Coming Out Party” was held at 3. Pushing a car past the Big House (so as not to awaken Mitch) for a the dam with a supper prepared by Mrs. Rice. The Minnies and Koochies, good-natured parodies of the camper teams, began in 1929. Initiation late night trip out of camp concluded with drawing to see who would become a yellow Minnie Fish 4. Size 50 underwear with a counselor’s name on it slipped into Lost or a green Koochie Frog. Over the years, this rivalry has sparked countless pranks, and Minnie-Koochie competitions have included volleyball games, and Found war canoe races, charades in the C.B., a midnight triathlon and egg tosses. 5. A private plane flying over camp to drop a package of candy (but it “Hail, Experienced Counselors” Initiation, originally known as Minnie- Koochie Day, has not changed much over the years. In the ’20s it included landed in Mitch’s yard!) wearing one’s hair in multiple pigtails, walking two steps forward and one 6. Mop Queen being “arrested” and taken away in a squad car by Sheriff backwards. This group in 1928 is shown praising the experienced counselors while on their knees. Initiation ended with a dinner — at Bill Tays during breakfast on her birthday the Dam, at the Williams’ place 7. Raiding the garden for corn to roast over a fire in Monterery, at 8. Stealing the bell clapper and the Dining Hall gong (over and over) Bee Rock or Watts 9. Lights turned on at 2 am on the last night of camp Bar Dam. Since Ann 10. Lane ropes from both camps connected to each other and stretched and Pepe became Directors, the dinner across the lake has been held at the 11. Taking all the paddles from the overnight’s canoes while they slept Big House. 12. A toilet placed on the high dive the night before the final Diving Meet 13. Replacing certain counselors’ chairs in the Dining Hall with ... a saddle for the Riding counselor, a tennis tower, a paddle, and so on. 14. Putting all the canoes in the pen 15. On the day Mitch hired an aerial photographer to take photos for the catalog, the campers spelling out “HELP” with their bodies on the Soccer Field. 16. Letting the horses loose in camp 17. Toilet paper stuffed in chicken wire fencing around tennis courts to spell out various slogans 18. Stealing the clothes of counselors who are skinny dipping 19. Covering an entire cabin door with laundry paper so the counselor had to crash through 20. Wrapping the chairs legs at a dining hall table with string so they could not be pulled out

185 Koochie-Koochie Rah Rah, Minnie Minnie Ha Ha! How did the counselor teams get their silly names? Apparently they came from a Cab Calloway dance tune that was popular in 1929, the year the teams were started: “Folks, here’s a story ’bout Minnie the Moocher, She was a red-hot Hoochie-Koochie.” The origin of the Koochie mascot is clear. In 1956, Wally Hall returned from the Cumberland County fair with a stuffed green frog and proclaimed it their mascot. Virginia “V.P.” Calvin Hobson recalled the night the Minnies in Senior claimed the stone over the C.B. hearth as Minnie Rock, painting it with a big yellow “M.” When Carson rebuilt the C.B., Minnie Rock was preserved and reset over the new fireplace. The Jr. C.B. was known for the Griping Post outside the door where all negative remarks were to be left, and for Casey’s wall hanging proclaiming, “There are no strangers here, only friends we haven’t met.” “If the C.B. Could Talk” In 1936, the counselors were provided with their own havens: the C.B.s! The Counselor Bunks, later shortened to C.B.s, gave the staffs a place to gather, to relax, to plan. The old C.B.s had fireplaces but no refrigerator, coffee pot, Coke machine or water fountain. Pictured, Betty Werner and Blossom Deloteus playing guitars in the Junior C.B. in the ’70s; the original 1938 Senior C.B. before it was replaced in 1981; and the Senior C.B. of today.

A Century of Council Ring Kneel always when you light a fire, Kneel reverently and thankful be “Wo-He-Lo” For God’s unfailing charity. Council Ring is another timeless institution. One hundred years of campers have begun the campfire ceremony with “Wo-He-Lo,” followed by “Kneel always when you light a fire ...” and the singing of “As the bright flames to heaven ascend.” Legends, Challenges and Recognitions follow. Chief Hagawana in Senior was joined in 1926 by Chief Hawanea in Junior, each with one Amazon and one Valkyrie brave. The evening ends with “As we sing one last good night” while campers walk the wooded trail back to their cabins. Council Ring gave Colonel Rice an opportunity to weave Native American lore into camp life. These early 1920 photographs show the Colonel presiding with Chief Hagawana and a Legend group.

A Century of Cabin Life 187 Cabin life is at the heart of every camper’s experience. The counselor and the girls who shared “This Will Be a one’s bunk became a never-to-be-forgotten summer family. Days started with cabin clean-up Summer to Remember” and inspection. Rest Hour meant squeaky cots, playing cards and writing letters. Birthdays were celebrated with TP streamers. Bunk Stunts were planned and beds short-sheeted. The evening In early years, campers were allowed to rituals included a trip to Egypt ... Blinks ... Devotions ... Taps and ... Lights Out! Then came Patrol, paint their names on cabin walls with shoe polish (sold at the Commissary) with flashlights shining and footsteps or with fingernail polish on the crunching on the gravel. Barnyards ... screens. After Mitch began replacing “Moo-Moo, Cabin 22!” Whispering. Giggling. Going to the old log cabins, she instituted “cabin sleep to the lullabye of bullfrogs and whip-poor-wills. plaques.” Originally the plaques were a simple list of names. In the mid- 70s, counselors began painting their plaques in an array of creative and colorful ways. Alumni always trek through the cabins when they visit ... to find their names and remember.

A Century of Friendship “In each living, glowing ember There are friendships to remember “Like a tiny spark of love” the first Nakanawa friendship was forged in As we sing one last goodnight ...” 1920. Those sparks have continued to burn every summer since, for one hundred years. Friendships start with little girls during Mother Daughter Weekend and continue through Junior Camp and on to Tent Row. They are rekindled as campers turn to counselors, as mothers have daughters who follow them to camp, as 50th reunion groups stand by the lake to receive gold Carson Crosses. “For a lifetime’s not too long to live as friends ... ”

Memorable 189 Mounts A Century at the Horse Show Tommy A standout final event for 100 years, the Horse Show is exciting for horses and riders Big Peavine — the precision drills, the decorated White House, the ribbons and programs, music Little Peavine and bunting. Early Riding classes featured jumping and trail rides. From 1940s to the Lady Bourbon 1980s, three- and five-gaited show horses — American Saddlebreds from Ward-Belmont Donald Duck College in Nashville — added elegance to the program. Manes and tails flew when Nakanawa instructors Ulma Heinz or Markey Dugan commanded, “Rack on, ladies!” Laurie Hatler, Kim Ann Freeman, Ann Perron, Wyeth Burgess, Wendy Wolfe and Jill Lewis are among Taffy the counselors who helped shape timid and graceless girls into skilled equestriennes. Sundance Winning a blue ribbon or a cake for Most Improved was a thrill. From the Dusty Bottom Maverick Club to Stirrup and Bit, from Five-Gaited to Tally Ho, Nakanawa riders and their mounts have trotted, racked and cantered their way onto the pages of camp history. Rebel Sugar Trigger Big Red Dusty Mr. P. Chaps Carson Buck Buddy Bob ’Tis So Sassy Lil’ Mama Rhapsody Frank Weaver Tohbei Champ

A Century of Final Events Today, as in Colonel Rice’s time, every activity culminates in a final event: Varsity Soccer, Medal Meets, the Arts & Crafts show, War Canoe, Cake Races, Drama and Bell performances, the Sailing Regatta ... on and on. While the days are filled with competitions, the last nights bring Valkyrie Vespers, Joint Meetings, the Counselor Serenade ... and Trophy Night.

191 A Century of Goodbyes For a century, the last night of camp, Trophy Night, has been a time of intense emotions as the team winner for the summer, Amazon or Valkyrie, is declared and the medalists and Ladies announced. Every minute is colored with the realization that the summer is ending. “So when we part, let’s keep in our hearts That tiny spark of love we’ve gained By being a Nakanawa girl…”

“I come to this place to find myself. It is so easy to get lost in the world.” — Colonel Rice, 1929 Nakanawa Catalog