Camp Nakanawa Centennial Book 1920-2019

51 First “Lady of the Cup” The first Lady of the Cup, Margaret Oliver of Birmingham, was selected in 1921. At the Weiner Roast, the cup was presented by the Amazon Captain to be given to “the camper who in the opinion of the Directors and the Councilors has exemplified in speech and act throughout the camp season the most beautiful spirit of loyalty and helpfulness.” In 1924, the Lady of the Bracelet award was added for younger girls, who received a silver bracelet. The Nakanawa bar pin shown here was presented to early medalists at Trophy Night. “Dear Lady of the Cup, though Am’zon or Valkyrie, We’re singing now to you tonight whoever you may be …”

Music, Dance, Drama ... and Posture! Young ladies were expected to be schooled in classical music, poetry, aesthetic dance, and the feminine arts of embroidery and sewing. Campers selected from a range of classes in the arts, taught by advanced instructors. Edith “Ely” Mahier, who spent 38 summers as Head of Arts & Crafts, was a professor at Oklahoma University. Ely brought her friend and fellow artist Peggy Reid to teach ceramics. Graceful posture was emphasized and “corrective classes” in posture were offered from the ’20s to the ’70s. Teams received Distinctions for having the most girls who improved their posture. Posture Pageants with skits and posters were annual events for decades. Camp Orchestra, 1920 “There is a Spot...” Being selected as a member of the Camp Orchestra or the Glee Club was Glee Club was a class taken by all campers, and singing an honor. Many girls brought musical instruments from home. An annual was a part of every camp day and every event. An annual Orchestra Recital was held, as well as Sunday concerts. song contest encouraged girls to write camp lyrics to well known tunes, and many camp songs were written for this contest. In 1936, a cabin group wrote lyrics to an old Civil War song “Aura Lee” (1861) which had recently been popularized in a movie. The winning song was such an immediate success that Colonel Rice decreed it the camp Alma Mater. Twenty years later, Elvis Presley used the same tune for his hit “Love Me Tender” (1956), and so the music became recognizable to a new generation of campers.

53 Posture Much emphasis was placed on manners and posture. These two photos are from an early catalog, showing incorrect and correct stance for young ladies. Arts & Crafts Outdoor sketching (above) was one of the many creative activities offered in the early days of camp. Dance Taps & Tunes, the final music and dance recital, was one of the highlight events of the end of camp. «« Sewing Class and Hand-made Dresses Miss Daisy Fakes was the Instructor in Needle and Raffia Work for almost ten years. The 1923 catalog showed this picture of 52 campers, each modeling a dress she had made in class. In addition to sewing and embroidery, girls could sign up for ceramic sculpture, raffia, oil and water color painting, leatherwork and metalcraft.

Memory Books, Scrapbooks, Camp Logs...and the Valkazon Memory Books From the very first summer, Memory Books could be purchased in the commissary, and every camper filled her scrapbook with photos, favors from parties and addresses. For many years these scrapbooks were judged, and the best was given an award at Trophy Night. Nature scrapbooks with pressed leaves and wildflowers were also judged for team Distinctions. The Valkazon Staff In 1922 the Valkazon newsletter began. It was printed on slick paper by a local printing company, with issues during camp and in the off-season. Pictured here is the 1922 Valkazon staff, select older campers who wrote the articles. In one memorable issue, a farcical article about a camper who fell off a cliff and died on an overnight caused great alarm among parents. The Valkazon lasted through 1950.

55 «« This postcard shows the original wooden Crows Nest overlooking the lake. Colonel Rice had a series of postcards, depicting scenes around the camp, professionally produced as part of his marketing of Nakanawa. “Save Your Memories!” Colonel Rice realized the value of communicating with parents during camp and in the winter. All Nakanawa print materials, from stationery to postcards, were expertly done. The annual catalogs, begun in 1920, were professional publications with leather covers and high-caliber photography. The catalog served as camp’s marketing piece, with details of facilities, programs and philosophy as well as a record of the previous summer’s highlights. Each camper appeared in a “City Group” photo or in the combined “All America” group. In 1921 Camp Logs were initiated — a unique way to produce a daily record of the session. Girls purchased the maroon leather covers in the commissary and added pages weekly. Each bungalette was assigned dates to cover, and all vied to make their Daily Log interesting. On Sunday evenings, the girls gathered to hear the reading of the Camp Logs, and the week’s mimeographed installments were handed out.

Ely and Nakanawa’s Pageants In 1928 a remarkable woman arrived at Nakanawa, beginning a tenure that lasted 38 summers. Edith Mahier (left), known to all as “Ely,” was a noted artist and an art professor at Oklahoma University, where she was head of the Fashion and Textile Department. She designed motifs for a clothing line developed by Neiman Marcus and was a force for women in the arts. As Head of Arts & Crafts in Senior Camp, she was a dynamic and inspiring teacher, but her influence spread beyond her classes. Her association with the Amazon and Valkyrie Pageants began with her designs for backdrops, costumes and props. Under Ely’s direction the campers created papier maché helmets, ornate shields and dragon heads that transformed a war canoe into a Viking ship. Using greenery, draped thrones and canopied tents, her sets were striking. Her enthusiasm for artistic spectacle, coupled with her interest in the Amazon and Valkyrie legends, eventually led her to research and write original Pageant scripts. Ely’s artistic concepts brought to life the The Early Pageants myths of Amazons and Valkyries. Pageants were a popular form of expression in the ’20s and ’30s: campers presented canoe pageants, nature pageants, posture pageants and dance pageants. By 1926, the teams had begun staging pageants based on the Greek and Norse mythology of Amazons and Valkyries. In 1929, the first Pageant written by Edith “Ely” Mahier, based on Wagner’s The Ring of the Nibelung, was presented by the Valkyries. It was located on the docks and the lake, beginning a tradition in which Valkyrie Pageants were set primarily on water and Amazons’ on land. The first Amazon Pageant in 1930, “The Girdle of Hippolyta,” featured Mitch in the role of Hercules and took place on the shore behind the Big House. The campers worked for over a month preparing each Pageant, which was performed for Juniors and guests at sunset. During dinner, Amazons clad in red and gold or helmeted Valkyrie maidens galloped up to the Dining Hall on horseback to extend a formal Pageant invitation.

57 Ely planned sets and props rich with elaborate detail and transformed bed sheets into gowns for heroic maidens.

The Waterfront The Waterfront was a center of camp life from the start. At left, the slide and high diving tower added to the merriment. Below, the photo of a Swimming class was taken before 1927 since the tents are still standing along the lake.

59 Taken after the tents along the Waterfront had been replaced with four small cabins, this photo shows Colonel Rice standing on the dock at the end of a water meet. The small oaks at the bottom of the hill are now towering trees.

Mayland Families Who Kept Camp Running Several Mayland families, especially the Garretts and the Pughs, were an integral part of camp for decades. These families helped build the lake, cut and transported the lumber for every structure, and cared for the horses and buildings in the off-season. Since Colonel Rice did not live at camp year-round, the only permanent residents were the Porter Garrett family. The Garretts lived in the same log house in which Carson Tays would later live with his family. For early campers, the Garretts and others from Mayland were a daily part of life. Trips by mule Though the Garretts cared for the horses in the winter, for wagon to the train station brought ice, milk, meat and mail to camp. The night watchmen were decades Hamp Bolton of Lebanon was the groom at the barn familiar faces, too. Dock Wyatt was the Senior night watchman from the early ’20s until his death during camp. This photo shows Hamp leading the horses out in the mid-60s. The Junior night watchman was “Uncle Dock” Garrett, Porter’s brother. During the for Riding class, with the old barn in the background. summer, the entertainment provided by campers was a highlight for local families. Every pageant, and party had an audience from Mayland. The Garrett boys did odd jobs like raking and liming the tennis courts. Lucille Garrett and others did counselor In the ’20s, Colonel Rice and his wife had their permanent residence in Lebanon, Tennessee. After Blanche’s death, the Colonel laundry, using water and irons heated spent the months before and after camp in the “Director’s Bungalow” — now known as the “Big House”— and also made on a wood cookstove. At the end of frequent visits during the winter months. camp, they laundered the dresses the campers wore home on the train. “It was really hard work,” said Lucille. “But they paid real well, 10 cents for a pair of shorts. Camp was just two months so we had to save that money to do us in the winter.” The counselors took the left-behind clothes and towels to the Garretts. Lucille said, “Oh, that was just like Christmas! They would bring all these bundles and I just felt like I was in heaven!” Colonel Rice was instrumental in helping build a new school in Mayland. The first year it opened, the students had to bring their own chairs to sit on. The next summer the campers donated funds to purchase seats for the school.

61 Like Millionaires to Mayland “Mayland was a little bit of the tail end of the world. It’s always been and always will be, I imagine.” The campers represented a dazzling display of wealth to locals — especially during the Depression. Clyde Garrett, a boy at the time, said: “They used — Bob Garrett, Mayland resident to have two gates that swanged around to close up ... There was cattle and hogs running all over the country then so they kept the gates closed. When colored chauffeurs. Texas oil people. When we seen a Texas car coming the parents came to visit, I would help J.T. and Hubert open and close the we always got excited cause we knew we’d get a quarter or fifty cents!” gates. They’d always give us a nickel, dime or a quarter. Hardly ever got fifty Clyde remembered, “This one little camper had a father who was a multi- cents unless they’d come in with a big Pierce Arrow. They all had chauffeurs, billionaire. She always had governesses and everything. She had never even combed her hair until she came here. Colonel Rice said to me, ‘Her parents have sent her here for me to undo in two months what they have built up for twelve years.’ ” Keeping out the Cows The stone pillars holding the distinctive wrought-iron gates at the entrance to camp were a gift of an early Valkyrie team. The gates, always kept closed to keep out free-ranging livestock, were removed during Elisabeth Mitchell’s years as Director, and stored. When Ann and Pepe Perron discovered them, they restored the gates and mounted them at the entrance to camp, where one road leads to Senior and one to Junior Camp.

Annie Hays and Her Staff Colonel Rice’s daughter, Annie Hays (shown here in For 15 years, beginning in 1934, the Colonel’s her younger days, and later daughter took on the role of Associate in life) spent a great deal of Director, traveling for camp in the winter. time helping her father with Annie Hays and her daughter, Anne O’Neil, the camp, seeing it through lived in Dallas. After Anne went to college, Annie Hays was able to take a more active the Great Depression and role in camp. What Colonel Rice had been World War II. She remained to Nakanawa in its first decade, Annie Hays became in the ’30s and ’40s. Building on active with the camp until the Colonel’s inspired, often ethereal ideas, her father retired in 1948. Annie Hays guided and nurtured Nakanawa through the difficult years of Depression and Annie Hays’ daughter, Anne war. She was loved by campers and counselors O’Neil, was also a long-time alike who found her warm, responsive, and camper and Valkyrie Captain easy to talk to. She worked closely with the in 1934. She returned as a teams, guiding them as they made changes in Canoeing counselor and later the awarding of Silver Letters, steering them served as Head of Junior Camp always in the direction of sportsmanship and for many summers. Before the loyalty to each other. war Anne married Pat Miller. They spent summers at camp “No one could think of and lived for a year in the Big Nakanawa without picturing House with the Colonel. Annie Hays — her letters, her Pat — handsome, hard smile, her fairness, her interest, working and capable — was her concern, her advice, her much admired at camp. Pat kindness and her help. She was built the split rail fences that loved by all.” grace the camp grounds, originally hickory but later — a Senior camper replaced with cedar.

63 «« This stylish Waterfront staff from the early ’40s included Anne Miller O’Neil and Beverly Fisk Green, who each had lifelong relationships with the camp. The Junior C.B. (Counselor Bunk) was the place to be in the ’30s and ’40s . »» By the early ’40s, the staff, at right, included many who would carry camp forward after the Colonel’s departure. The 1943 staff pictured here included Helen Gates “Scooter” Carson, Lee Alice “Wally” Hall, Julia Kerney, Beverly Green, Patty Chadwell, Velvie Garner, Nell Currier, Mary B. Hall, “Gee” Abaunza and Helen Barnes Hood. In 1938, the Senior C.B. was a center of fun and friendship.

Coffee Cake “Camp is fun for everyone, and Frozen Fruit Salad the best camping girls are Aides, We’re the ones who get things done, The food at Nakanawa was not only good — it was of work we’re not afraid, famous! Scores of parents ate in the Dining Hall for We work in the showers, Sunday dinners — fried chicken and homemade ice we have no rest hours …” cream. Homemade rolls were a favorite, and it was recorded that 3,500 were consumed each Saturday “The Best Camping Girls Are Aides” night in the ’30s. All desserts were made at camp, and there were “seconds” in everything. Special tables were reserved for girls During the first summer, Colonel Rice introduced Dining Hall Aides, trying to lose or gain weight, with many more trying to add pounds than girls who received a reduction in tuition for helping at meals. An early take them off. A 1939 pamphlet called “Favorite Nakanawa Recipes” was camper said, “Aides were girls who earned their way waiting on two compiled by Mrs. Ray Irwin, Junior Camp Dietitian, and included coffee tables each. They were older girls. All attractive. All popular. Colonel cake, frozen fruit salad, chocolate pie, and homemade chocolate ice cream. Rice let us know in no uncertain terms that they were very special The pamphlet contained a section entitled “A Week in the Dining Room people. His sweet way of not letting them feel that they were less at Nakanawa.” The ritual of certain foods on set days started early: steak privileged than the rest.” and frozen fruit salad on Saturday night, coffee cake on Sunday morning, After Junior Camp began, aides from Senior took turns serving meals chicken with homemade rolls and ice cream and cake for Sunday lunch. to the little girls as Juniors were considered too young for the job. The ten Aides traveled across the lake in a large row boat named “The The Ice Cream Man Nakanawa,” rowing in unison like a war canoe. In 1920, the Aides presented a “Backwards Party,” and the tradition of an Aides party or Among those with tenures that began in the Bunk Stunt continued until the early ’70s. An “Aides Song,” written Colonel’s era were Charles Palmer, his wife for one such stunt, continues to be sung as the Aides’ anthem. Callie Mai, Harry Apple and Leon Shannon. From 1929 to 1959 General Handyman William “C.L.” Manier, shown here, was a favorite presence. No camper can forget how he rang the wake-up bell 100 times. C.L. did many other things — rolled the tennis courts, hand-cranked the ice cream, starred in the House of Horrors at the Fair and rowed the mail across the lake to Junior while calling out, “Mail goin’ over! Mail goin’ over!” An early photo of the Aides

65 The Junior Dining hall, still in use today. The Old Dining Hall In the early decades, the kitchens were equipped with wood stoves and had no refrigeration. Ice, a vital commodity, was shipped in daily in 250-pound blocks wrapped in sawdust and a burlap bag — one block for each camp. Porter Garrett and Uncle Dock met the trains each day to get supplies. Daily pickups included milk in large tin cans from a Nashville dairy, bread and fresh meat. Everything else arrived by train from the Robert Orr Company of Nashville. Colonel Rice’s connection with this company had begun at Castle Heights Military Academy. When he opened Nakanawa, he contacted Robert Orr and began an association that lasted for 90 years. The kitchen was staffed with faithful cooks from Lebanon, many of whom Colonel Rice had known from Castle Heights Academy. In the early years, it took as many as 30 workers to prepare the food using wood stoves. When the staff introduced themselves at Cooks’ Vespers, the line-up included pastry cooks, salad girls, vegetable cooks, bus boys and dishwashers.

Day Trips, Overnights and the First Free Day From the first year, overnights to England’s Cove, The dam, with its spectacular cascade, was a popular destination by horse, in a canoe trail rides and hikes were a mainstay of camp. By or on foot. It was also the site from the first year for the Amazon Weiner Roast. 1932, campers traveled by truck to local landmarks. In 1936, trips to Nashville and Chattanooga were In 1932 the Colonel scheduled. In the mid-30s, post-season bus trips to purchased a Dodge truck Washington D.C., New York and Niagara Falls were to carry campers on day offered, and in 1939 a weeklong trip to the New York trips to scenic spots such World’s Fair took place during camp. An official Free as Bee Rock and Ozone Day —Wednesday in Senior, Thursday in Junior— Falls. On Sundays this was established in 1937. Having a day without classes truck also conveyed the provided more opportunities for hikes around camp Catholic campers to Mass and truck trips as well as for unstructured time. in Harriman, 50 miles away. The view from Bee Rock, The three-day overnights to England’s Cove, a spot for many years, one of on the edge of the Cumberland Plateau with scenic the more popular and bluffs, waterfalls and caves, were always led by the memorable day trips. Colonel. Beginning in 1923 and continuing through his directorship, these trips were composed of a group of up to 40 girls carrying packs with food and tents. Mule-drawn wagons hauled in the heavy supplies. Girls hiked the seven miles from Nakanawa to the campsite, spent the following day exploring caves and swimming in the icy streams, and then hiked home on the third day. These ventures with the Colonel provided endless anecdotes: getting lost, bee stings, copperheads, hearing wildcat screams at night. The evenings around the campfire always culminated with the Colonel’s ghost stories. The tradition of making up a song about each trip began soon. The Dining Hall echoed with, “Does the overnight have a song?” One group in the ’20s responded, to the tune of “Funiculi, Funicula”: Hearken, Hearken, hear the wildcat’s call, Hearken, Hearken, they’ll not scare us at all The chiggers bite, I’ve lost my light, my belt’s too tight, I’ve got to flee Hiking, Hiking, Hiking is the only life for me.

67 Three-Day Hikes From the very first summer, Colonel Rice led the girls on three-day hikes, seven miles each way, for overnights at the Cove, which afforded majestic views from the bluff ’s edge. On Free Day, which was instituted in 1937, campers were Star Gazing given sack lunches to carry on hikes to the dam, canoe trips with the Colonel or trail rides. They were often met by a wagon loaded with watermelons. The tradition of wearing Free Day clothes For the Colonel’s star gazing sessions, a instead of uniforms did not start until the 1940s. group would gather on the Games Field in Junior, the Soccer Field in Senior or on the docks. The privilege of staying up late on clear summer nights, the glow of the fireflies and the chorus of frogs wove a spell of enchantment. The Colonel, with his love of mythology, related the stories of the Scorpion, the Bear and the Archer as the campers located each constellation. He later purchased a telescope which he kept in the Senior Archery Hut. This hut, still standing a century later, has a cantilevered roof the Colonel had cranked open to reveal the night sky.

The Depression, Fire The Campers’ Kiosk and a Polio Epidemic In 1939, ten years after the crash on Wall Street that marked the onset of the Great After the stock market crash in 1929, America Depression, camp celebrated its 20th summer. The country’s economy had not recovered, plunged into the Great Depression. The years from and enrollment was nearing its lowest point; in 1940 there were only 88 campers on each 1929 to 1942 brought hardships to every citizen and side of the lake. With little money for celebrating, a group in Senior Camp came up with caused the demise of a great numbers of private an idea to mark the anniversary by taking contributions towards building the “Campers camps as families eliminated all luxuries from their Kiosk.” Almost all of the $4,500 needed was donated by loyal campers and counselors. budgets. Nakanawa survived and managed to open On July 4, 1940, the new Campers Kiosk was dedicated. The large rustic building had its gates every summer, though with greatly reduced a dance floor of finest grade maple. enrollment. By 1935, the Colonel was deeply in debt, Colonel Rice and Valkyrie Captain which he called “the heaviest burden I have ever Beverly Green gave talks, and a bottle carried.” Annie Hays attributed Nakanawa’s survival of R. C. Cola was broken over the front to the loyalty of the campers and their families. She railing. It replaced the open-air Terraza wrote: “The Depression did really make inroads, but and became the home of dancing and we had very good representatives and loyal parents, posture classes as well as many special who aided in recruiting new campers.” events. The Kiosk remains a favorite building, unchanged from its 1940s origin except for the addition of a solid log railing and extended awnings. The architect’s original design had a slightly different roof line, and envisioned the kiosk being over by the lake. During the nationwide polio epidemic, mountain air was considered a healthy alternative to cities, a fact that encouraged some parents to send their daughters to camp during these challenging times.

«« Nakanawa’s $275 tuition 69 along with the $16 for allowance and the cost of The Arrival of “Scooter” Zip knickers and silk ties was a small fortune to most In 1939, Colonel Rice added a Depression-era families. crude six-hole golf course and driving range beyond the barn. Helen Gates “Scooter” Carson was the camp’s first Golf instructor. While Elisabeth “Mitch” Mitchell was teaching at Agnes Scott College in Atlanta (before she became the camp’s second Director), she recruited three of her students as counselors: Virginia Milner, Carolyn “Skippy” Forman, and Carson. Scooter’s association with camp lasted for 35 years, including 28 as Associate Director. A History of Hard Times Despite the tight financial times, camp purchased its first real 1928 Total enrollment 336 campers (capacity) sailboat in 1939. 1929 Stock Market crash In the late 1930s, Jumping was 1931 Total enrollment 234 campers added to the Riding program, 1935 Polio Epidemic caused alarm, camp quarantined which now boasted 20 horses. 1940 Total enrollment 176 campers 1940 Cooperating Mothers Contract begun to give tuition break to those who recruited new campers; one-month campers accepted 1941 A fire in Junior Camp destroyed Egypt and 11 cabins in May. Annie Hays used her car to push flaming cabins into the lake to prevent the fire from spreading. Rebuilding was finished just in time for camp to open.

A counselor, reading a newspaper in the Counselors’ Bungalow said, to much laughter: “Oh, we’re in trouble: ‘Mussolini Attacks Egypt’!” The War Years: Challenges for Camp With the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941 and the entrance of the U.S. into World War II, American life was abruptly altered. Though the economy stabilized, the war presented new challenges for Colonel Rice and Annie Hays — gas rationing, food shortages, and securing seats for campers on trains reserved for troop travel. The most serious problem was finding “The Surrey with the Fringe on Top” counselors. With so many men at war, hundreds of thousands of young women joined the WAVEs Wartime rationing had a noticeable effect on camp. or WACs, worked with the Red Cross or took Campers were asked to bring coupons for sugar and vital jobs left vacant by soldiers. With husbands other items, which were collected and used in the Dining and fathers in the service, many young women Hall. Gas rationing brought an end to trips out of camp were needed at home. and left counselors with few options for days off. Some As a desperate measure, Junior Camp was walked or rode horses to Laurel Lodge. Each was allowed closed from 1942-45, with all campers living on Senior side under one small staff. Patriotism one visit to Crossville during the two months. ran rampant at camp: the Valkyrie Surprise Party in ’42 was Stars and Stripes; July 4th was a Mrs. Alice Hart provided a novel solution — an old huge celebration; tap dancers presented musical surrey found in Nashville. The counselors pooled their revues to patriotic songs, and the 1945 banquet money to buy it, and Mrs. Hart pulled it to camp behind had a Navy theme. Every effort was made to keep her car. From then on, the counselors rode in style in up morale. the surrey on days off, and many learned how to hitch a Almost everyone at camp had a husband, father, horse to a buggy. In this photo, Annie Hays and Anne boyfriend or brother in the war. In 1944, 15 of O’Neil are taking a ride. The fringed surrey, a beloved the counselors were married with husbands overseas. Few people listened to the radio or memory of the war years, also made appearances at kept up with daily war news. In 1945, however, horse shows and circuses. Colonel Rice held special assemblies on August 6 after the bomb was dropped on Hiroshima and August 15, when Japan surrendered.

71 The Little Theatre (left), home to Drama classes and Bunk Stunts, was built in 1945 and remained a favorite spot for 50 years, when it had to be replaced. During the war, while Junior Camp was closed, the Little Theatre was used as a dormitory, housing older campers and their counselors (below). Juniors and Seniors had different classes, taught by the same hardworking staff. Team meetings, Free Days, Council Rings and evening entertainments were all held separately, and Juniors were put to bed 30 minutes earlier.

25th Anniversary | 1944 “Nakanawa has now become the largest private camp for girls in Colonel Rice on Nakanwa’s 25th Anniversary: the United States.” “My thoughts tonight center in the quarter-century span since that June day in 1920 — L.L.Rice when 152 campers foregathered at Nakanawa for an All-America initial camp record. As the project took shape, I cherished many visions of a great camp-to-be, but, to be perfectly frank, my visions were pale in comparison with later realization. I am profoundly grateful that destiny has brought me into annual fellowship with such girls and counselors as I find at Nakanawa. I count this a benediction. I wish to pay tribute to one whom all Nakanawans have learned to love and respect — Annie Hays. … Gladly I express a father’s pride in her work — her poise, tactfulness, sense of justice, intelligent grasp of details, and over-all planning.” Annie Hays: “Nakanawa is Safe in Your Hands” “If those of us connected with camp today were tomorrow to be blotted out, there would be old counselors and campers who could rekindle this spirit that is so potent in its influence … Keep it as it is, only letting that wonderful spirit of kindly living grow and grow each year, bearing fruit in the life of every single girl it touches. Nakanawa is safe in your hands, Amazons and Valkyries!” Annie Hays and Colonel Rice at the 25th Anniversary Celebration

The Quarter-Century Mark 73 Nakanawa’s 25th anniversary in 1944 was celebrated with Anniversary Anniversary Week was filled with Week, a succession of special musical programs that culminated in a music and dance programs and water festival and outdoor banquet. Many former campers and counselors a pageant “Nakanawa Through attended the event in the Colonel’s yard. While waltz music was broadcast the Years: 1920-1944” with all the from the house, across the lake came a parade of war canoes and floats, campers taking part. which were beautifully decorated with flowers and drawn by canoes. After enjoying the 85-pound, tiered cake, the Colonel and Annie Hays were presented with watches by the Amazon and Valkyrie Captains. That year the final banquet, given jointly by the teams, was themed “Nakanawa Through the Years.” Decorated canoes and floats were a highlight of the 25th Anniversary celebration. The Anniversary Edition of the Valkazon read: “The campers and counselors of Nakanawa wish to dedicate this issue to Colonel L. L. Rice, our beloved founder and Director, and ‘The Little Colonel,’ Annie Hays — our lifelong friend.”

Farewell to the Colonel Ten Things Campers Remember about Colonel Rice After the long struggles of the Depression and war, camp was finally free of debt, and Nakanawa was 1. Erect posture reported to be the largest private girls’ camp in America 2. Military uniform with boots and leggings — with 225 campers in Senior and 130 in Junior. 3. Sunday sermons focused on high moral From 1940-45, Colonel Rice had served as president of Cumberland University, though he kept his summers principles, full of words that “left campers free for Nakanawa. In 1945, he retired from the running for dictionaries” presidency. 4. Star gazing on clear nights At the age of 75, the Colonel felt it was time to retire 5. Three-day hikes to England’s Cove from camp as well. When his daughter Annie Hays 6. Taking photos with his big box camera decided she did not wish to continue running camp 7. The hair-raising ghost stories he told by without her father, the Colonel agreed to sell camp to the fire Elisabeth “Mitch” Mitchell —a longtime Nakanawa 8. His love for Amazon and Valkyrie camper and counselor. After the announcement was mythology made, the summer of 1947 served as a transition year, 9. Visits by his poet brother, Cale Young with Colonel Rice as Director and Mitch as Head Rice, and Cale’s wife, Alice Hegan Rice, Counselor in Senior, working at his side. author of Miss Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch It was also a summer of farewells, a summer touched 10. His dedication to the spirit of Nakanawa with nostalgia. The knowledge that the Colonel was and the ideals it embodied retiring lent a feeling of significance to events. All were storing up memories and treasuring times together In turning over Nakanawa to Elisabeth Mitchell, … his final Cove trip, which he ably led at age 76; his Colonel Rice was placing camp in the hands of dignified, military posture; his spotless white suit on one he knew and trusted. He had presented her Sunday; his earnest presence at Council Ring; his keen the Cup of Good Will in 1934 and counted on sense of humor. “Remember when he came to Trophy her as a leader on the counselor staff. After he Night dressed as Stan Laurel?” “What about the night retired, he corresponded regularly with Mitch and we were star gazing and the dock collapsed?” As a was pleased to hear of improvements and of the parting gift, the teams combined to present a Pageant, continuation of old traditions. “A Hymn to Joy,” written by Ely and based on The Prophet. On the last Sunday of camp, Colonel Rice presented to the campers in the Wigwam “The Last Nakanawa Will and Testament of Laban Lacy Rice,” still a treasured, much-read document at camp. Several months later, he packed up his books and belongings and drove out of the camp gates, never to return.

75 “Leave an old man with his memories...” He wrote: “I have derived satisfaction through the years that Elisabeth Mitchell … has operated (Nakanawa) with … success so that today what I built on the Cumberland Plateau sweating tears, if not blood, is not a tragic camp ‘has been.’ ” Although he lived for another 25 years, the Colonel never returned to the camp he founded and loved so deeply. When Mitch urged him to return for Nakanawa’s 50th Anniversary in 1969, he pleaded in a telegram: “Leave an old man with his memories.” Four Rice generations gathered on the Wigwam steps: Annie Hays, Anne O’Neil Miller with her two sons, and the Colonel. His great- granddaughter was not yet born. Neither Annie Hays nor Anne returned for his last summer in 1947, easing the transition for Mitch as she prepared for the role of Director. Page one of Colonel Rice’s Nakanawa Last Will & Testament

The Colonel’s Twilight Years: “I Refuse to Grow Old while the Mind Sparkles” The Colonel, who lived to be almost 103, remained active. From his homes in Virginia and Florida, he wrote, lectured and walked; and he enjoyed time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In his first eight years of retirement, he published three books: Relativity for the Man in the Streets (1948), The Universe; Its Origin, Nature and Destiny (1951) and Amateur Astronomer’s Manual (1955). After he was 100, he wrote three more books of verse and philosophical prose. When he was 91, he indulged his love for practical jokes by announcing in the newspaper that he had received a letter from an archaeologist giving the location of the grave of King Orestes, a Greek hero of myth. Archaeologists from the U.S. and Greece considered the discovery a major find. He had great fun with the press before he announced it was a hoax. Colonel Rice explained: “Being a classical scholar, I decided to perpetrate a classical hoax.” He wrote that he considered laughter to be “a gift of the gods.” On his 100th birthday, he wrote a poem called “Eighteen Seventy...Nineteen Seventy,” which reflected his vitality: How can I grow old, I’m only one hundred — While eyes twinkle, muscles flex, nerves tingle, and pulse throbs. I refuse to grow old while the mind sparkles … He remained involved with Cumberland University, donating 2,000 volumes to their library and endowing the Rice Observatory. In 1970 a celebration in honor of his 100th birthday was held on campus. It would seem that such a man would go on forever like the ancient gods in mythology. However, on February 15, 1973, Laban Lacy Rice died at his St. Petersburg home; he was nearly 103. He was buried in Lebanon, Tennessee. His birthplace in Webster County, Kentucky, is designated by an Historic Marker, which reads: “Birthplace of Rice brothers, Cale Young, 1872-1943, noted poet and author; Laban Lacy, 1870-1973, well-known educator and author.”

77 As long as there is a Nakanawa, my affections will center there, and — whether living or dead — my spirit lovingly will haunt this sacred spot hallowed by many years of beautiful fellowship. … My immortality is enshrined in you and your children and your children’s children. I will come to you in the quiet of the morn as you awake to the privilege of a new day. You will feel my presence in the murmur of the leaves at eventide; and when with uncovered head and awed heart you look up at the everlasting stars I will be at your side sharing with you the unending wonder. … My prayerful hope is that at such vibrant moments you will feel the reality of my nearness. From Colonel Rice’s “Nakanawa Last Will & Testament”

The “Mitch” Era: 1948-1980 Elisabeth “Mitch” Mitchell Elisabeth Mitchell, known to all as “Mitch,” took over Nakanawa soon after the end of World War II. She started at Nakanawa as a Junior camper, was chosen Lady of the Cup in 1934, and returned for many years as a counselor. She received a master’s degree from Columbia University and taught at Agnes Scott College. When Colonel Rice began to look for a successor, Mitch was the ideal choice. With financial backing from her father, W.E. “Pop” Mitchell, she purchased Nakanawa and served as Director for the next 34 years. A leader in the American Camping Association, Mitch sought out outstanding counselors and representatives who were staunchly loyal. Tall and athletic, Mitch’s dignified presence was balanced by her compassion and lively sense of humor.

79 From Camper to Counselor to Director Elisabeth Mitchell was the only girl in a family of five children, the daughter of W.E. “Will” Mitchell and his wife Emma. The family lived in Atlanta, where Mr. Mitchell was president of the Georgia Power Company. Mitch started at Nakanawa as a Junior camper in 1926, the first year Junior camp opened, and spent her final camper summer in Tent Row in 1934. After graduating from Alabama College, Mitch returned as a Waterfront counselor in 1935 and 1936 and then was absent for a number of summers. During this time she was teaching physical education at Agnes Scott College, finishing her master’s degree at Columbia University and traveling abroad. During the War years she helped care for her nieces and nephews while her brothers were overseas. When the war ended, Mitch was free from family responsibilities and could plan her future. She returned to camp as Head of Tennis in 1946. It was at this juncture that Mitch learned of Colonel Rice’s plan to sell camp. With the help of her father, who had recently resigned from Georgia Power to pursue other business interests, she purchased Nakanawa in 1946. Colonel Rice announced his decision, and in 1947, Mitch served as Head Counselor in Senior, working alongside the Colonel. Mitch, only 33, recalled that time of transition as “the hardest summer of my life.” The counselors returned to find Annie Hays, Marian Canfield and Anne and Pat Miller absent from camp, with Mitch as the Colonel’s “right hand.” Though these faces were missed, there was excitement that Mitch was buying the camp. The long years of the Depression and the War had taken their toll on the condition of the camp, and the prosperous Mitchell family seemed an answer to Nakanawa’s needs, and an assurance of its continuation. Mitch’s mother, Emma Brown Mitchell, Elisabeth Mitchell with baby Elisabeth The Lady of the Cup Mitch grew up in Atlanta with four brothers; from left, Graham, Cameron, Mitch and Duncan. Glenn In her final summer as a camper, Mitch is not pictured. Each of the four brothers would lived in Tent Row with later send daughters to camp: Rosemary, Elisabeth, Louise “Tinkey” King, Helen Barnes Hood, Janet, Susan, Ann, Kathy and Judy Mitchell. Anne George and Anne O’Neil, the Colonel’s granddaughter. An Amazon officer and an N Girl from a previous summer, she was chosen Lady of the Cup in 1934.

Mitch, at left, posing by the Crows Nest with campers and friends. Tall and athletic, Mitch Mitch’s Favorite Memories made an impression of Junior Camp on her fellow campers • Overnights at the Indian Village not only because of • The Valkyrie Marshmallow Roast • Archery classes her physical presence, • Milk Break but also because • Trips to the dam and hikes to the Williams’ place in of her outgoing Monterey and compassionate • Nature with Velvie Garner and keeping a Nature scrapbook manner. • Memory Books, judged for excellence by Mrs. Alice Rice • The Posture Bird, who was always watching • Going to Senior for the Circus and the Pageant • Felt circles earned for activity clubs • Silver Letters awarded for making five clubs • The Junior Fair and Operetta, attended by paddling to Senior to see friends and sisters

The Mitchell Family “Pop” and Mitch 81 W.E. Mitchell, an engineer from M.I.T., All four of Mitch’s brothers had daughters who attended camp, and the Mitchell was a tall, dynamic man who took a great family was always well represented. Mitch is shown here with four of her seven interest in his daughter’s venture and lent nieces: from left, Kathy TR ’69, Janet TR ’61, Elisabeth TR ’58 (her namesake) and her strong support. Mitch’s parents, known Ann Mitchell TR ’67. at camp as “Pop” Mitchell and “Nana” Mitchell, were frequent visitors. While Mitch’s mother held sway at the Big House, Pop Mitchell’s focus was on modernizing the physical plant, and improvements and renovations began right away. After his wife died in 1953, Pop spent more time at camp. The extended Mitchell family soon began a tradition of gathering at the end of camp to assist with the huge job of putting it to bed for the winter: every mattress was moved to the Little Theatre, rips in the mattress covers were mended by hand, canoes and rowboats scrubbed and cabin plaques mounted. Scooter’s and Eva B’s families also attended along with close friends such as the Greens, Nymans and Joneses. In 1948 Mitch set up office in the Log House, a 1920-era building which had been used as a classroom and guest house. Colonel Rice’s office was renamed The Hobby Horse and used, along with The Merry-Go-Round, for Arts & Crafts. The camp office was equipped with roll-top desks, typewriters and long wooden shelves stacked with supplies. At first Mitch had to drive into town to talk on a phone mounted on a telephone pole. Later camp became the first establishment in Mayland with a phone, part of a 13-member party line. The Log House, one of the oldest buildings in camp, still stands between the C.B. and the new Office.

Keys to Mitch’s Success: Family and Friends Right away, Mitch knew she needed a business manager, and her former student Helen Gates “Scooter” Carson, of Harriman, Tennessee, was an obvious choice. Mitch named Scooter Associate Director in 1948, a position she held until her retirement in 1975. Efficient and businesslike with an excellent memory and abundant energy, Scooter had a puckish sense of humor and a zest for life. Initially Mitch lived in Atlanta, but later she and Scooter lived year-round at camp. Scooter Carson, at left, Tiny Scooter, under five feet tall, and towering Mitch made a comical pair, was a former student of but Scooter had a no-nonsense approach to her job of Associate Director, a Mitch’s at Agnes Scott, position she held for almost 30 years. which was how she learned about Nakanawa. She was a Golf and Tennis instructor in Senior Camp for a number of summers before being named Associate Director. Famous Camp Dogs Mitch and Scooter each had dogs who were an integral part of Nakanawa, appearing in countless photos. Some of Mitch’s beloved pets were Shadow (a black Lab), Susie (an Irish setter) and Hawk (a black Lab). Scooter’s dogs included Chris (a collie) and Luv (a teacup poodle).

83 Continuity from Counselors, “Dr. Fran” Doctors and Cooks Dr. Fran Pierce Lankford is one of the Another asset for Mitch was the counselor staff she lined up few counselors who worked for all of her first summers, one that included many who had worked camp’s Directors. Her 20 summers at under Annie Hays and the Colonel: Head Counselor Patty camp spanned 50 years, 1946-1989. In Chadwell, Lea Alice “Wally” Hall, Ely Mahier, Peggy Reid, 1946-47 she was a Tennis counselor for Mary Lee “Rabbit” Rabke, “Miss Julia” Kerney, Molly Milam, Colonel Rice. Years later, along with Marjorie Newton Marks, Velvie Garner and Minette “Mitten” daughters Patty Lankford Akers TR ’71 Starts. Young counselors in 1948 who had long careers at camp and Lynda Lankford TR ’77, she returned included Laurie Danforth, Deanie Robicheau, Mickey McLean, as camp doctor for Mitch, who became Hibbie Heibner and V.P. Calvin. her lifelong friend. Dr. Fran, who now has a great-granddaughter in camp, also Along with resident nurses, Mitch began recruiting doctors served as camp doctor for Ann and Pepe who came for a week or more. For years, Dr. Richard M. Smith in the ’80s. Dr. Fran’s many contributions and his wife Lucile, who served as Camp Hostess, came for a include spearheading Mitch’s portrait and month each summer. Two of their daughters, Suzanne Smith donating the handbells to camp. Tubb TR ’49 and Tricia Smith Beall, were later counselors. Four of the Smiths’ granddaughters and four great-granddaughters Dr. Fran, pictured in her ’80s gardening later attended camp. Ina Moore “Lil Doc” Kopecky and Dr. at the T.I.E.S. alumni Service Weekend, Fran Lankford were two other long-term doctors. Lil Doc, her two daughters and son came for a month each summer from had a camp career that began with 1956-65. Her son, Dr. Steve Kopecky, was later a camp doctor Colonel Rice and ended in 1989. for Ann and Pepe. “There is no other place quite like Nakanawa. The sports and activities are wonderful but they are merely a means to an end. It’s not the outcome that is important, but the journey.” — Dr. Fran Lankford This Senior counselor staff from the 1950s included many who worked at camp for years.

Carson Comes to Camp Another person vital to Mitch’s success was Carson Tays. The departure of Colonel Rice had ended the Garrett family’s long association with Nakanawa, and Mitch needed to fill the vital role of caretaker. At first, Mitch’s permanent residence was in Atlanta, so it was essential to have a person living at camp. Carson was born and raised in the tiny community of Dripping Springs, several miles from Mayland. When he was 12, his father died falling off the bluff while coon hunting at night. Carson, as the oldest of a number of children, dropped out of grammar school to help support the family. His father had worked for Monterey Coal Mines. Young Carson Tays Out of sympathy for the family, the mines gave Carson a job as “track boy,” keeping the rails clear and carrying water. He picked up stray bits of coal to use for heat at home. For the next 15 years he continued to work at the mines, and he soon became their main fix-it man. Carson, second from left, worked at the Monterey Coal Mines By his mid-20s, Carson was married to Lilly Bell and had a young son, Billy. Pop Mitchell heard from the age of 12. Despite his lack of formal education, he about Carson’s talents and asked him to consider working at Nakanawa. Both the mines and the earned the reputation of being able to fix anything. He was Mitchells realized his value and pursued him. After a year, Carson decided, “Those mines will in charge of mine maintenance — caring for the engines and close down someday. The camp won’t.” He accepted Mitch’s offer, left the mines and became her equipment, the water lines and electricity. When there was an full-time Superintendent. accident or breakdown, Carson was the first one called. Mitch and her father persuaded him to leave the mines for camp. In 1948 the Tays family moved into the log house across from the barn in Senior, the same house the Garretts occupied during Colonel Rice’s years. Carson and his young wife Lilly Bell are shown on their front porch. Bill, who later worked at camp, was already born when they moved in. Two sisters arrived later.

85 Carson soon became a memorable part of each camper’s summer — driving the truck for Free Day trips and leading every overnight to the Dam or Cove. He provided a sense of security — keeping the fire going at night, shooting venomous snakes with his pistol or erecting a shelter when the thunder began to roll. How Carson Started Carving It was on the overnights that Carson first began to carve. He stayed up all night to watch over the campers, so whittling helped fill the hours. At first he carved a variety of wooden charms, all from cedar, but soon crosses and A and V initials emerged as favorites. Every camper knew that Carson carried a pocketful. His wife Lilly Bell said, “He loved it when they would come and ask for his carving. Sometimes the truck would be covered with little girls asking for them. He spent most of his evenings in the winter getting all those crosses ready for camp.” He also carved unique items — initials, hearts, crutches for a girl who broke her leg, tiny rolling pins for counselors who got married. For many years the club awards were Carson-made: little rifles, racquets and paddles. For Mitch, he carved charms representing every activity at camp, which she made into a unique Nakanawa bracelet.

Building and Modernizing The Bells of Nakanawa Mitch’s first priority as Director was the modernization and repair of the physical The Junior Camp Bell, top, which had been purchased in 1926 plant. The years of hard economic times had left little money for upkeep. Pop and from the C.S. Bell Co. in Hillsboro, Ohio, was joined by a Carson proved to be a winning team, each respecting the other, as they tackled similar cast iron plantation bell that Mitch purchased in 1948 these key projects in 1948 and ’49: for Senior Camp. The Senior bell, from the Chattanooga Bell • The construction of a Junior Playhouse, the equivalent of the Senior Kiosk Co., replaced the old saw blade, known as the Tom-Tom. Both • New clay tennis courts — 6 in Senior, 4 in Junior bells are still in service. • Major kitchen remodeling and updating of appliances: electric pumps were added to ensure a constant supply of fresh water, antiquated coal stoves were replaced with electric ranges and large water heaters were installed • A new C.B. (Counselor Bunkhouse) in Junior, located farther from the cabins • The old C.B., converted for use as Woodcraft and Nature Building • New oak dining room tables for both camps, built by Carson • Rock walls replacing the old log buttresses along the shores Tennis was a priority for Mitch, so the construction of new clay courts in both camps was one of her first projects.

87 ABOVE: The beautiful oak dining room tables, still in use in both Old log buttresses along the lakeshore, first installed by Colonel Rice’s crew in the 1920s, were camps, were built by Carson during the off-season in 1948-49. replaced with new rock walls made of native sandstone. “But in any kind of weather, our Nakanawa is better …” Major new construction included the Junior Playhouse, a large covered space that allowed activities to go on rain or shine. The Playhouse is a main gathering place for Junior, and classes such as Tumbling and Games are taught there.

Traditions Begin, Traditions End In 1949 Mitch moved Junior Trophy Night to the last instead of the next-to last night of camp. Though much remained unchanged, Mitch made some substantive decisions early in her By rushing, she was able to make it to both tenure. Her concern about the younger girls in Senior competing against 17 and 18-year- ceremonies in one evening. In this photo, Mitch olds led to a lasting change: the division of Senior into two age groups, with Intermediate and Pop Mitchell congratulate their niece/ Camp designated for girls 12-14. All competitions were now done on two levels— two granddaughter Janet Mitchell on being named soccer teams, two War Canoe Drills, etc. Intermediate Medals were awarded for the first Lady of the Bracelet. Mitch’s decision to divide time, and the first Lady of the Necklace was announced, with the Necklace given by the Senior into two age divisions, Intermediates and Valkyries. By 1950, Intermediates were allowed to take part in the Amazon Serenade and Seniors, meant new opportunities and awards to elect Squad Captains. for younger girls in Senior Camp. From 1920 to 1965, the train ride to camp was a beloved part of the summer. Girls in dresses, chaperoned by representatives, eagerly awaited the first glimpse of the Mayland Station.

89 The End of a Trio of Traditions Three longstanding traditions came to an end in the mid-60s: arriving by train, the Stag Dance and Cooks’ Vespers. All were impacted by changing times. The demise of passenger trains in America was a result of more families owning cars, improved highways and interstates and an increase in plane travel. The Jet Age had arrived, and the days of journeying to Mayland by train and to camp by wagon had ended. Beginning in 1965, charter buses were used to bring campers from nearby cities, and other girls arrived by plane and then were taken by bus to camp. Very few parents brought their daughters to camp in cars. The Stag Dance, which survived for 40 years, also came to an end. The Stags’ exclusionary approach of inviting only certain girls to join was not in harmony with the Nakanawa culture. When one of the most respected older girls declined her invitation to become a Stag, it signaled the end for this much-heralded event. The modernization of the kitchens also meant the need for fewer cooks. The decline in numbers inevitably led to the end of Cooks’ Vespers, the beloved second-to-last Sunday tradition begun in 1920. C.L. Manier, Charles Palmer and others with long tenure were still at camp, and their cordial relations with campers and counselors remained unchanged. After passenger train service to Mayland ended in 1965, Trailways buses brought campers from nearby cities. Lou Lloveras is shown greeting a bus in front of the Wigwam. Peggie Parrott arranged charter buses from Nashville, Chattanooga, Birmingham, Memphis and other cities with large contingents of campers. By the 1960s, the exclusionary approach of The Stag Dance – inviting only certain girls to join – led to its demise.

Eva B and Wally Hall: Two Camp Hallmarks Wally: From Triple Whale to TR Mama When Patty Chadwell retired, Mitch named Lea Alice “Wally” Hall as her replacement. Wally had been an outstanding camper, one of the elite Triple Whales, and had returned for many years as a Waterfront counselor. She served as Head Counselor in Senior and Head of the Waterfront from 1949 until her retirement in 1973. From 1950-1971 Wally also was Tent Row Mama. Her co-counselors in Cabin 0 included Helen Barnes Hood, Shirley Pritchett and Barbara Hayes. Wally’s gruff demeanor hid a gentle heart, and she was a great resource to the cabin counselors, whom she met with weekly. Her risqué rendition of “Cynthie Lou” who was NOT “pure as the driven snow, oh, no no!” was always a hit in the C.B. She and Mitch were dear friends and enjoyed weekly tennis games. In the ’80s, Ann and Pepe invited Wally to return for a few weeks each summer to share her passion for birdwatching. On the last day of camp in 1988, Wally had a heart attack while driving from Nakanawa to Nashville. In her memory, a renovation of Egypt (whose “comforts” were one of her pet peeves) was completed in 1989, and a plaque honoring her legacy at camp is affixed to its front wall. Wally (leaning on railing) in the 1950s; and back at camp in the 1980s Eva B. Boylston: “Everyone’s Camp Grandmother” One newcomer in 1954 became a beloved presence at camp— Eva B. Boylston. The Mitchell At right, Eva B poses with young and Boylston families were old friends. After losing her mother, Mitch invited the recently Dianna Tays, daughter of Bill Tays widowed “Eva B” to come run the Big House during camp, a role that lasted 25 years. She had oversight of the Big House and was everyone’s “Camp Grandmother.” A master and granddaughter of Carson. gardener, she arrived months early to set out seedlings in the greenhouse for the vegetable garden and flowerbeds. Her flower arrangements for Church were glorious and counselors begged for Eva B oatmeal and Congo cookies. A whiz at sewing, she became Costume Queen, setting up the small building next to the Big House as the first Costume House. Most events included her creations: monkey and clown outfits for the Circus, Operetta costumes, long silk tunics for Pageants, 80 green elf outfits for a Christmas Surprise Party or 30 black skirts with white aprons for a Parisian banquet. It was October before she finished sorting, packing, clearing flower beds, digging bulbs, canning apples and freezing vegetables. Eva B’s creativity and patience, her warm smile and gentle ways were hallmarks of camp. She retired at the age of 80. Her granddaughters: Donya TR ’75 and Kathy Boylston TR ’77, and great-granddaughters: Jordan TR ’07, Alden TR ’09 and Ella Rose TR ’13, remain involved at Nakanawa, ensuring that Eva B’s legacy continues.

Beautiful Buildings: Pop Mitchell’s Legacy 91 In the decade from 1954-’64, Pop Mitchell and Carson oversaw a score Pop and Carson executed a major remodel of the Big House, changing it from of major construction projects: a remodeled Big House, the replacing of a rugged log cabin into a more modern, energy-efficient dwelling. the old wooden Crows Nest, a new Senior Dining Hall with modernized kitchen, a two-story Senior Barn with 30 stalls and a hayloft, new docks, a Pop Mitchell and Carson new Senior Infirmary, relocated to a quieter spot at the edge of the lake, and completed a 35th anniversary a new Council House in Junior camp. project in 1954 — the replacing Carson and Pop were a terrific team. Pop’s talent for planning year-by- year the projects and buildings to tackle was coupled with Carson’s skills of the old rough-log Crow’s in masonry, carpentry, wiring, plumbing, farming, engine repair and just Nest with a beautiful rock and about every other skill needed to execute Pop’s vision. Pop had been at camp in July of 1960, but he was away when he died on July cement terrace. 31st, just days before the close of camp. Mitch, Carson, and Pop’s camper granddaughters attended the funeral without letting others know of his passing. Mitch believed Pop would not want to dampen the last days of camp for the girls he had loved. She could hear his voice saying: “Sister, get on back to camp. They need you.” Although he was gone, the beautiful buildings he had planned and the many physical improvements he had helped bring about remain as reminders of Nakanawa’s Pop. The last building Pop helped plan was finished in 1960 — a new Council House in Junior. This spacious building with a stage big enough to hold all the Junior campers during the Operetta and a large stone fireplace remains the main gathering place in Junior.

Significant Songs: “You’re the Amazon Captain, we honor and love “We Sing Tonight to You” Through all the years, like a dream from above A precious gem, is what you are In 1955 and ’56 a number of treasured songs You’re the Amazons’ bright and shining star …” were added. In ’55, counselor Lou Lloveras and her friend Suzanne Smith composed the “Silver Letter girl, Silver Letter Girl Song, and it was first sung your heart is all a-whirl, at Joint Meetings. Another traditional song You’ve shown true was written that summer — The Amazon in all that you do Captain’s Song. “Casey” Colwick was the For you’re a sterling girl …” Amazon Captain. Without her knowledge, the Amazon Lieutenant, Marilyn Mishler, wrote Soon after the “Silver Letter Girl” song lyrics to the tune of “Daddy’s Little Girl,” to was written in 1955, the counselors began be sung by the team to their Captain. Prior singing to the new recipients, who wear to this summer, the Captain was involved in their ties over their nightgowns during the rehearsing and planning for the Serenade; Counselor Serenade. By 1966 the tradition that summer, the Amazons secretly changed of reading the names of the new Silver the date to surprise Casey. She lived in Cabin Letter girls at Joint Meetings had begun. 4 with four Valkyries, so when she saw girls arriving with candles, she was totally caught off guard. After her Tent Row summer ended, Casey composed a song to honor the N Girls, but it was 17 years later that she learned the song had been adopted and is sung by Octet each year at Trophy Night. This burst of songwriting culminated in 1956 with the composition of the Valkyrie Captain’s Song. The Valkyrie lieutenant, Davie Sue Olson, with the help of the Amazon officers, wrote the song for Captain Betsy Chamberlain. This song is kept secret and only sung on the Valkyrie Rock.

93 Kay “Casey” Colwick was the Captain in 1955 The Story of the Silver Letters for whom the “Amazon Captain Song” was written. Casey later composed the “N Girl Silver Letters, first awarded in 1928, are Song.” Casey is pictured, at right, with Valkyrie small initial A and V pins worn on a Captain Nan Chamberlain, now part of a four- camper’s tie. In the early years, they were generation camp family. awarded for excelling in activities. In 1941, the award changed to one given by teams to “girls who have shown a fine spirit of cooperation and have given to their team and cabinmates. A Silver Letter means as much to the team as N Girls mean to the whole camp.” The recipients were chosen by former Silver Letter girls, a practice which lasted for decades. In 1999, the method of selection was changed. In Junior the campers vote by secret ballot for one 5th grader and one 6th grader from their own team, and the counselors also vote. In Senior, all campers vote: Intermediate Valkyries for Intermediate Valkyries, etc., and the girls with the most votes in each group are announced. The 1965 N girls included Jan Bell, longtime Head Counselor, and Lolla Page McNutt, the first president of the T.I.E.S. Leadership Council. “N Girls, N Girls We of Nakanawa are proud of you, You’ve proved yourself to be honest and just, In you we now put our lasting trust …”

“Beneath the Pine Trees …” In 1961 came word of impending disaster. The proposed route of Interstate 40 was to bridge Lake Aloaloa, bisecting the camp’s thousand acres. Mitch made a trip to Washington, D.C., to lobby for the camp and was able to obtain a compromise: the interstate would cross Nakanawa property but would be moved far enough north so as not to cross the lake. Although I-40 made the camp more accessible, the privacy of the old days was lost. The rumbling of trucks now disturbed the silent woods, and the property on the far side was little used. To help create a sound barrier, Carson and the men planted 50,000 white pine seedlings that year. With sacks slung over their shoulders, using special implements, the men walked from morning until night sowing the tiny trees. The beautiful towering pines that now dot the woods are the result. Carson also created the Hemlock Trail in Junior (pictured here), a double row of hemlocks lining the way to the lake. He envisioned this as a lovely path for campers to walk with their candles at Valkyrie Vespers. Now these decades-old trees are a living part of Mitch and Carson’s legacy.

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Junior Camp: New Leaders, New Traditions Since Mitch had become Director in 1948, fifteen different women had headed Junior, each for only one or two years. So when Katie Moise arrived in 1962 and provided leadership for eight years, the stability was a great boon for Junior. Katie, whose daughters Sue and Leigh were outstanding campers, was a whirlwind of creativity, energy and innovation. Under Katie’s leadership, the Operetta took on a new professionalism with the entire staff joining in. The rudimentary costumes consisting of team bathing suits and towels were replaced with more elaborate, sewn costumes. Two Operetta performances, one for Senior and one for the parents, were now scheduled. By 1970, the Fair had to be eliminated, as it was too difficult to perform the Operetta and have a Fair in one day. In 1964, the first Operetta dedication took place … deservedly, to Katie Moise. In addition to Christmas in July, Katie also began the tradition of Juniors walking down to the lake at the end of Valkyrie Vespers to float their candles and make a wish that they would all meet next summer. Katie wrote and illustrated a book called “The Sounds of Nakanawa,” still treasured by those who have a copy. Katie was assisted by several mature, married counselors: Ju Laine Hale, During Katie’s years, the Operetta costumes and scenery rose to a new level. Head of Land Sports; Tolly Thwing, Head of the Waterfront; and Laurie Lead actors from Operettas during Katie’s years are shown here. Danforth Hatler, Head of Riding. A memorable group of “ever-returning” young counselors were on her staff: Rhoda Geasland in Glee Club, Helen “Stubby” Stubbs and Cary Christian in Riding; Margaret “Mop” Moffitt and Linda “Blossom” Deloteus TR ’64 on the Waterfront; and Betty Werner in Tennis. Pictured, from left: Cary, Ju Laine, Katie, Stubby, Tolly and Blossom.

97 Katie wrote and illustrated a wonderful book, The Sounds of Nakanawa, still treasured by those who have copies. Two traditions started by Katie are still beloved in Junior. In 1963 she initiated Christmas in July, held on July 25th — with a decorated pine tree and handmade gifts from Secret Santas. Li’l Doc Kopecky presided as the first Santa Claus; this photo is from Christmas 1972. Floating candles at the end of Valkyrie Vespers is another Katie-inspired tradition.

Senior in the ’60s: Staff Strength By 1961, Nakanawa’s enrollment was strong … with 325 campers, all attending for one eight- week session, and 86 counselors. Tuition was raised to $500. In the ’60s, seasoned staff members in Senior called “the Old Guard”— mostly high school and college P.E. teachers— provided core leadership. The mid-60s saw the arrival of a strong group of counselors joining Lou on the tennis courts: Carol “Crafty” Craft, Alice and Faith Davidson, Barbara Buck and Linda Pickett. On the Waterfront, Pat Bovard, Diane “Beaver” Lewis and Janet Mitchell were others who came for nearly a decade. The continuity provided by heads of activities returning for so many summers meant excellent instruction and high levels of achievement. The cabin counselors for the older campers were all long-returning, experienced staff whose concern for their bunkies served as models for younger counselors. Talented Peggy Read, Ely Mahier’s college roommate and dear friend, taught ceramics. Ulma Heinz, longtime Head of Riding, was gifted with gaited horses.

99 The Old Guard Betty Markham, called “Mark,” taught Riflery and Soccer with professionalism. in the ’60s Mary Lee Rabke, known as “Rabbit,” taught Soccer and Fencing for decades. Head Counselor Lou Lloveras, who had a 50-year Lea Alice “Wally” Hall love affair with Nakanawa, was Shirley Pritchett Head of Tennis. “Ely” Mahier Beverly Fisk Green Peggy Read Lou Lloveras Helen Barnes Hood Mary Lee “Rabbit” Rabke Betty “Mark” Markham Ulma Heinz Barbara Hayes Ethyl Hall Mary B. Hunter “Miss Julia” Kerney Kay Finley Eloise Mounger “Lil Doc” Kopecky

The Beverly Green Memorial Library In 1960, 13-year-old Beverly Green, who had been a camper for five summers, died of a brain tumor. Young Beverly was the daughter of Beverly Fisk Green, one of Mitch’s closest friends and a longtime camper and Waterfront counselor. As a fitting memorial, Mitch began construction of the Beverly Green Memorial Library, which was dedicated in July of 1962. Designed by Atlanta architect Herbert Milkey, it remains one of the most beautiful camp buildings, with a reading room and a music room, each with a stone fireplace, windows facing the lake and a wide porch on four sides. Beginning with 500 volumes, the book and music collection is now extensive. Through the decades the Library has remained a restful place for reading, playing the piano, listening to music and thumbing through old camp catalogs. Events held in the Library include slumber parties, age-group devotions, rained-out team meetings, Mitch’s welcome to Pre-Camp gatherings, Junior Free Day outings and Reunion Weekend registration. The Library doubles as camp’s museum— holding special collections and archival materials. A recent gift in memory of Suzanne Smith Tubb TR ’49 is a large diorama of camp complete with a model of the Tennessee Central Railroad, the train that transported campers to Nakanawa for 50 years. The intricate scale model includes key buildings in both Junior and Senior Camp and was constructed by the Crossville Model Railroad Club.