A Special Report to the Lookout
The articles which appear on the following pages, and in the issues
distributed during the summer, give you a picture of the 1964 season at
Camp Susquehanna. It would be repetitious to again cover these events in
this report. They do not summarize the pleasure which my wife, Joy, and
I felt in producing this particular camping season, and this I do want
to mention. We are most appreciative of the assistance and efforts of
Mr. Smith, of the Administrative and Counselor Staff, of each parent and
camper - who all contributed so largely, and in their own ways. We
could just say thanks, but this is not enough for the interest, the
devotion, and the effort which made 1964 so fine. Yet, we do thank you
all, and pledge ourselves, God willing, to continue our efforts to make
Susquehanna the finest camp in the world. In the work of closing camp
for the winter, it was most satisfying to look back and remember the
fun-filled events of the season.
The summer of 1964 was not just an experience of activities, of swimming
skills learned at East Lake, of overnight horseback trips, of cookouts,
ceremonials, or athletic events. There would be little value if that
were all. I like best to think it was an experience in development, and
this can best be measured in citizenship, sportsmanship, and the many
other high ideals and moral qualities we all want to see in our sons. We
tried to achieve this in the 1964 season, and feel we succeeded. Just
how well we did, will be seen in 1965.
Plans are already under way for 1965, and we again want to emphasize our
guideline: Provide the best possible camping experience we can, and we
assure every effort to achieve this. Applications for 1965 are now in
the hands of our printer. Shortly after January 1st, our enrollment
drive will begin in earnest. We hope your plans include Susquehanna in
1965. We have already heard from a number of persons from the 1964
season, and some have already enthusiastically recommended Susquehanna
to their friends. If you have a moment, we would be glad to hear from
you.
Our plans for 1965 include some improvements to the physical plant of
the campsite. We fully expect to offer a program even better than that
of 1964, and to achieve this, we will increase facilities, and expand
program equipment. These aims have been a history of Susquehanna's great
success in past seasons, and it is our full intention to follow through
with this policy. Some changes in past procedure are due. This ins
necessary since we have no wish to increase tuition for the 1965 season,
and consequently feel it is best to make changes where it can be done
for the best interest of everyone. A year-round effort will continue.
Thank you again for your support. We have been honored to have it, and
hope it will be the same for the 1965 season.
Kenneth E. Schroder
The Olympiad
On Monday evening, August 10th, and under a colorful display of flags,
from foreign countries represented amongst the campers and staff of the
1964 season, ceremonies were held opening the competition of the Camp
Olympics. Much planning and preparation on the part of key staff
members, proceeded the actual lighting of the Olympic Flame by Arthur
Transue. As a part of this overall planning, the boys were assigned to
six teams, each team representing a different country.
Counselors-in-Training, served as team captains.
Canada - Tom Woll, Captain
Ecuador - Bob Collier, Captain
England - George Berkow, Captain
Germany - John Edwards, Captain
United States - David Jonas, Captain
Venezuela - Joe Fili, Captain
The teams themselves were then translated into age groups - 5 to 9; 10
to 12; and 13 and up. Some 59 different events, featuring Track &
Field, Archery, Riflery (including Air Riflery), Riding and Swimming
were scheduled, and eliminations took place throughout the balance of
the week. When possible, the Olympic events took place during class
times, but in general, no time was lost from the regular program.
The "Lookout" apologizes for being unable to list the first, second, and
third place winners in the various events. Space just will not permit
this. Instead we wan to congratulate all participants.
Team winners were:
First Place - Canada
Second Place - England
Third Place - United States
Fourth Place - Venezuela
Fifth Place - Ecuador
Sixth Place - Germany
Team totals were achieved by an overall total of events and resulting placement of participants.
Highest scoring individuals were Michael Bershad with 41 points
(England) and a regular member of the Senior Camp. Jose Trujillo, with
34 points (Canada) and also a regular member of the Senior Camp. Peter
Aitken with 26 points, a regular member of the Junior Camp, and
representing Germany in the camp Olympics.
Plans and arrangements are now under way to develop a special Olympic
emblem which will then be presented to first place winners of the
various events. The Camp is hopeful of having this award n time to
present them with the Award Certificates, at the Camp Reunion on
December 27th.
National Horseshow
In the later part of September, announcements were mailed to parents of
campers of the 1964 season, advising of the Camp's sponsorship of the
National Horseshow, to be held at Madison Square Garden in New York City
from Nov. 3rd through Nov. 11th.
Arrangements were made to secure a block of tickets to accommodate those
who wished to attend this event and enjoy the program in the company of
camp associates. These tickets are for the matinee performance, to be
held Saturday, Nov. 7th commencing at 1;30 P.M.
Time was a major factor in making these arrangements, and quick replies
necessary to insure reservations. A total of 78 tickets were secured and
forwarded on to those who requested them. Some Staff members will be
present, in addition of Mr. & Mrs. Schroder, Mr. Smith, and Mr.
& Mrs. Frank Loew.
To those interested in Riding and Horsemanship, the National Horseshow
represents the peak of the country's skill and ability. The Program for
the matinee performance will include Pony-Hunter classes, and we are
especially pleased to advise that Amy Aitken, sister of Peter Aitken,
will participate in one of the matinee classes, riding "Lady Bug" - Our
best wishes to Amy.
See you at the horseshow on November 7th!
Yachting Club
At the suggestion of Mr. George Murphy, Head Waterfront Director, and
Mr. Bill Deakin, Head Counselor of the Senior Camp, the idea was put
forth to honor the effort and occasion of the first three day canoe trip
on the Susquehanna River by the campers. An estimated (and very
memorable) distance of 35 miles was covered, - the area from Afton, New
York to Hallsead, Pa.
To honor these boys and staff, a sign was built by Mr. John Wintersteen,
Crafts Counselor, and lettered by Charles Flood, Dramatics Counselor.
The Sign will be placed at the waterfront where it may be seen during
the 1965 season.
The boys who completed the trip were: Robert Collier, Ricky Zugerman,
Russell Jacobs, Sandy Klein, Jeffrey Altman, Kip McCarty, Larry Marsa,
C.J. Pardun, Ike Blakemore, Gary Dibble, Bill Pardun, Bill Worrilow, and
Mike Bershad.
Supervising Staff members on this trip were: Mr. George Murphy, Mr. Mike
Knapp, Mr. Peter Stein, Mr. Charles Fithian, and Mr. John Wintersteen.
The Weather of the 1964 Season
The most noticeable feature of the 1964 season weather at Camp
Susquehanna was the memorable extremes. Temperature wise, the record
highs were experienced in late June. A total of 12 days, actually, were
found with temperatures of 90 degrees or more; ten of these days were in
the month of July. August, by contrast, was noticeably cooler.
Precipitation was likewise, an experience of extreme - with much less
than the normal. July recorded 1.2 inches of rainfall, and August 2.8,
both months registering considerably below normal.
But, it was great for camping!
Camp Banquet
The traditional "near" the end of the 1964 camping season was marked by the annual Camp Banquet, Wednesday, August 19th.
Mr. Edward Hull, Head Counselor of the Intermediates, sang "The Lord's
Prayer" accompanied by Mr. Jeffery Cox. Following this, Mrs. Lois
Schroder and her kitchen staff quickly served a very fine banquet meal,
comprising - tomato juice, french fries, broiled steak, buttered peas, a
relish tray of pickles, olives, celery, carrot sticks, and for dessert -
a whopping portions of apple pie a-la-mode. The meal was a departure
from previous camp banquets, in that it was not held until 6 P.M.
Nevertheless, it was certainly a tremendous meal, and enjoyed by
everyone. Mr. Holden was prevailed upon to lead in the singing of some
of the camp songs.
Following the fine meal, Mr. Schroder made a few brief announcements and
then introduced Peter Judge, recipient of the Outstanding Junior Camper
award, and Robert Palmer to receive this same award as a member of the
Intermediate Camp, and Chris McMurray as a member of the Senior Camp.
When the applause had died down, Mr. Schroder congratulated these boys,
and then went on to introduce Mr. Harry Johnson, Head Counselor of the
Junior Camp, who in turn, announced the trophy winners of his division.
Air Riflery Oscar - Peter Aitken
Archery Oscar - Stephen Tucker
Baseball Oscar - Peter Judge
Warbasse Trophy - Steven Donahue
Mr. Edward Hull was then introduced and he, in turn, announced the trophy winners of the Intermediate Division.
Archery Oscar - Paul Pifer
Dramatics Oscar - Andy Silverman
Riflery Oscar - Robert Palmer
Tennis Oscar - Robert Palmer
Mr. Bill Deakin was then called up, and introduced as the Head Counselor
of the Senior Camp. He announced the trophy winners for his division.
Archery Oscar - David Breuer and Phil Hershberger
Baseball Oscar - Gary Dibble
Dramatics Oscar - Dan O'Conor
Riflery Oscar - Larry Rose
Tennis Oscar - Ned Halle
As the Head Riding Instructor, Mr. Frank Loew announced the boys who were to receive the riding department trophies.
Junior Camp - David Decker
Intermediate Camp - Paul Pifer
Senior Camp - Michael Bershad
Horsemen Group - David Weiss
The John Larisch trophy for interest and care of horses was awarded to Ned Halle.
The S.G. Parkinson Trophy for excellence in horsemanship was awarded to Jamie Aitken.
Winner of the S.P.C.A. Henry Bergh Trophy, as determined at the 1964 PWE Horseshow, was Tom Woll.
Next to be introduced was Mr. George Murphy, Head Waterfront Director, who proceeded to announce the swimming awards.
Swimming Oscars:
Jr. Camp - David Levitz
Int. Camp - Luis Romero and Steven Kaeppler
Sr. Camp - Larry Rose
The special Deakin Swimming Trophy was then awarded to Raymond Ross-Jones as the outstanding swimmer in camp.
The next trophy, the Coppola Brothers Trophy for participation in
sports, was announced by Mr. Richard Coppola. Winner of this trophy was
Jack Lawson.
The remaining trophy, instituted in 1963, and known as the Fritz Finkler
Memorial Award, and awarded annually to the outstanding
Counselor-in-Training, was then announced as going to Tom Woll.
Following these announcements, and the actual presentation of the
various Oscar awards for improvement, the Head Counselors distributed
Award Receipt cards to all campers in their divisions. The banquet was
then concluded with the singing of Auld Lang Syne and the Camp Song.
HEAR YE!
This is the story of the best kept secret of the 1964 season.
Mr. & Mrs. Allen K. Moffatt of Chester, New York, announce the
recent marriage of their daughter, Miss Mary Elizabeth Moffatt who
became the bride of Franklin M. Loew, son of Mr. & Mrs. David F.
Loew of Syracuse, New York. the wedding took place in Chester on
Wednesday, September 9th.
The bride received her bachelors degree from Albany State College for
Teachers and her Masters degree from Rutgers Univer. She is employed a s
Librarian in Cornell University.
Mr. Loew is a graduate of Cornell University in 1961, and is presently a
fourth year student in the college of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell.
Attendants at this quiet wedding were Miss Lelia Davis of Chester, and
Mr. Bill Loew, brother of the groom, now of Boston, Mass. Following the
wedding a brief trip was made to Quebec, Canada. The Couple reside in
Ithica.
Although the secret inevitably leaked out during the past summer, it was
the desire of the groom to keep it from becoming public and to keep the
occasion as quiet as possible. The very popular Mr. Loew has served as
the Head Riding Instructor at Susquehanna for a number of years. Our
congratulations to the bride and groom for a most happy and pleasant
life.
Post Season
On August 22nd, the informal camping period known as Post Season began.
Taking part in this program were 26 boys and 7 staff members, as well as
Mr. Schroder and Mr. Smith. There were a number of extended riding
periods, and the 2-week period was highlighted by the 6-day 15 mile
horseback trip.
In preparation for the 6-day trip, members of the riding staff placed
bales of hay at the various campsites. Food was prepared at camp each
day, and then transported to camp sites where it was served by Mr. Harry
Johnson, still piping hot. Breakfast was prepared at the camp sites.
At 8 A.M., on Wednesday, August 26th, boys, horses, and staff members,
left camp on the start of this adventuresome trip. Weather was clear,
comfortably cool - just excellent for riding. With the exception of one
day when showers were experienced, the weather was excellent throughout
the trip.
Mr. Smith, riding his horse "Dusty", let the first group. The first
campsite was located at Fernheim Farm, very near to Montrose. The second
night was tight near to Silver Lake. At this campsite, arriving close
to midnight, we were glad to welcome Dr. Robert J. Rice, who completed
the trip with the group. The third night found everyone on the farm of
Mr. Ruben Yoselson which is located southeast of Montrose. The fourth
night campsite was reached after a long ride - to Camp Choconut, and the
fifth campsite was at Weber's Pond, half-way between Montrose and New
Milford. The group brought the trip to a close, returning to camp on
August 31st, in time for a late lunch in the dining hall. Much of the
trip, as in past years, was made on dirt roads, and swimming was
generally available at the campsites, all of which contributed to making
this one of the very finest Post Season Trips. The route was laid out
by Mr. Marquart, Trip Counselor, and Mr. Frank Loew. Nice job men.
Final Season Ceremonial
The final Indian Ceremonial of the 1964 season was scheduled to be held
on Thursday, August 20th, and the members of the Susquehanna Tribe, the
Intermediate Tribe and Mr. Bill Weiss, Indian Lore Counselor, made
preparations to have this ceremonial the most outstanding in a season
which experienced many fine campfires. Unfortunately, an untimely rain
shower upset plans to a certain extent.
Rather than cancel the ceremony entirely, because of the rain,
arrangements were quickly made to have it held in the dining hall. This
did curtail the proper atmosphere for a campfire, but it did not dampen
the enthusiasm of the Tribal members as they performed the various
dances.
Aside from remarks by Staff Members, thanking all for the experiences of
the summer, the ceremonial was highlighted by the final presentation of
Flame Awards, bringing to a grand total - 103 such character awards
honored at Indian ceremonials in 1964.
The following boys received flames:
First Flame - Bill Benedict, Judd Burstein, John Brinkmann, David Lewin, C.J. Pardun, Geoff Ruben
Second Flame - Eduardo Marturet, Ryk McCarty, Tommy Rogers, Luis Romero, and Geoff Rubin
Fourth Flame - John Todhunter
Fifth Flame - Craig Moss, Scott Nemtzow, and Peter Schultz
Sixth Flame - Ricky Bell and David Jonas
Seventh Flame - Bob Collier and John Edwards
Following the ceremonial, cookies and ice cream were served to everyone by the members of the kitchen-dining hall staff.
Auction...
Handling the auctioneer's gavel was Mr. Frank Loew, and from the
inviting "what an I bid?" to the final "SOLD!" the scene was the annual
camp auction, held this year on August 20th. Mr. Jack O'Connell served
as clerk. The object was to dispose of unclaimed articles, items
subjected for sale, and plain ordinary contributions, and to someone
willing to pay the highest price. Receipts totaled $28.54 and this sum
was placed in the Counselor Fund.
A partial listing of some of the more interesting items sold: broken
badminton racquets, sunglasses, canteen, 2 knives, a wood turtle, green
Class A shirt, 5 horseshoes, 2 towels, 3 pr. blue jeans, 3 old camp
booklets, 1 Miller's catalog, 1 rare old photograph of Mr. Loew, 1
do-it-yourself parakeet kit, 1 red squirrel skin, 2 soap dishes, 2
halter snaps, 1 pr. sneaks with laces, 1 baseball cap, 2 saddle straps, 1
rubber spider, 2 ponchos and 1 candy wrapper.
A total of 87 items passed under the gavel, with the highest priced
items being a knife and scabbard for $2.10 and the lowest price being a
towel for 1�.
For those who question the do-it-yourself parakeet kit, let us advise
this was contributed by George Murphy. The bird escaped and flew off
just as they had packed their car and were ready to leave for camp in
late June.
Susie Comes Home
A Fantastic True Experience
On a pleasant weekend last August, one of the visitors to camp was a
female feline with the name of Susie. Like most of us, Susie though
Susquehanna was just great - but unlike others of her sex who are turned
loose in a setting that is almost 100% male, Susie liked the trees, the
forests and the natural setting here at Camp Susquehanna. She
immediately set out to explore and satisfy her curiosity.
From the beginning, Susie was just not an ordinary female. True, she had
the every-day appearance of a common cat. She was gray in color, with
the usual brown and black stripes. No one knows what her background or
pedigree could be.
Susie arrived at camp with her owner, Mrs. Goeckeler, mother of C.I.T.
Bill Goeckeler. Mrs. Goeckeler had traveled to camp from her summer
home, and it seemed most practical to bring Susie along, especially
since Mrs. Goeckeler planned to drive from camp to her place of business
in Belleville, New Jersey.
Susie's visit was no problem. The problem came later in the day when
Susie could not be located. Finally Mrs. Goeckeler went into town and
returned with some cat food, and left this with Bill to feed Susie here
at camp. Bill did this, and Susie would come in from the woods and eat
the food from time to time, and this arrangement, of course, was fine as
long as Bill was at camp.
Came departure day at the end of the season, and Bill returned home.
Susie could not be caught, and so she stayed behind, with her great love
of the woods and out-of-doors.
No one knows just when Susie made her disappearance from camp.
Obviously, there came a time when she too, wanted to go home, and it
seems just as obvious that Susie did have a mind of her own as well as a
great spirit of adventure. Since cat conversation is not our medium, we
can only tell you that on the evening of October 31st - Halloween -
Susie arrived at the Goeckeler's bakery in Belleville, New Jersey.
It truly would be good to be able to talk with Susie and hear her
adventuresome tale of her trip home. Without question, it has been a
remarkable achievement - and certainly most unusual. One can only
imagine what could have happened - how she crossed roads, major
highways, rivers, bridges, railroads - or did she cheat and hitch-hike
rides - or, is it true that on Halloween animals take on human form? Any
way you look at it, Susie must be glad to be at home and we are just as
glad to say congratulations, Susie - a most unique cat.
News of the Haunted Village
Some of Camp Susquehanna's campers may have realized they were actually
following in the footsteps of history when they went to the Haunted
Village in the Oakland area, on haunted house trips from camp. More than
likely, they did not, since this ghostly region was noted for strange
happenings, and now it seems apparent that these could only have been
supernatural phenomena.
Recently, the haunted village has been the scene of great activity - at
least in the daylight hours. The schoolhouse has been vastly repaired,
and we are told that it will become a memorial to Joseph Smith, the
founder of the Mormon Church her in the United States. The work of
repairing and furnishing the schoolhouse is being done by members of the
Mormon Church.
As a young man, Joseph Smith moved to the area just outside the town of
Susquehanna, here he settled and married, and reputedly, taught school
in the Haunted Village schoolhouse. From this area, he moved on to
Elmira, New York, and it was while living in that area that the Golden
Tablets, outlining the exact nature of the Mormon religion were found
and translated by Joseph Smith.
There is historic justification for establishing this memorial to Joseph
Smith. Perhaps now, those supernatural phenomena will disappear from
the Haunted Village area, and these ghostly beings will rest - at last -
under this recognition of their life.
This 'N' That
- being a collection of dis-jointed news items which we could present in no other way.
The weekend of the broken windows - which began after Bob Pease, the
camp Secretary, had finally replaced the broken windows at the barn,
which had been damaged during the course of the summer. Then, came along
Gary Dibble, in a baseball game in the barn area, and he belted a ball
through another barn window. That night, in the wee hours of the
morning, a rising wind storm blew out one of the upper barn windows,
breaking all four panes. Still later that night, or morning, some of the
camp horses, at nearby winter homes decided to come back to camp, and
in the confusion of getting them headed out again, one of them backed
into the glass storm door on Mr. Smith's garage. -You guessed it - More
broken glass.
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We got some reports, too, that Mr. Frank Loew is realizing the
advantages of married life - already most of his bachelor's souvenirs
have been packed away in cardboard boxes by Mary. Frank also has been
assigned night duty, as part of his veterinary schooling, and has been
working in the out-patient clinic at the college.
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Congratulations are in order, too, in the direction of Mr. Peter
Bardach, who is following the show circuit with his Cocker Spaniel/
"Bantu" has already taken 3 ribbons.
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The word is out, too, that Mr. Robert J. Rice is about to secure his own
camp. Bob will be remembered by many as Susquehanna's riflery
instructor and head counselor, for many years. On the Post Season trip,
Bob found an ideal area, - a farm, with an excellent pond and acreage.
He plans to start a camp there for disturbed children. Best of luck,
Bob.
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More congratulations are in order for Marvin Taub (1948, '49, '50, '51,
and '53) who recently married and is now living in Binghamton, New York
with his pretty wife who visited camp with Marvin this past summer.
Marvin is associated with his father in the retail clothing business.
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And as long as we are on the wedding bells road, we want to offer
congratulations to John Franzreb, Jr. Johnny made the transition to
married life in August, and it was because of this that he and his
parents were unable to attend and judge the Parents' Weekend Horseshow.
Best of luck Johnny.