From the Director
At this writing, snow flurries are drifting down from a dull gray sky -
the sort of weather you would expect at camp in early November. The
buildings have been shuttered, equipment dismantled and stored, the
entrance gates are closed, the trees are bare of leaves, and a general
sense of peace and serenity prevails. Except in memories, the 1967
camping season is behind us, and our efforts are directed now toward
1968.
Before too long, the announcement of the 1968 season will be in the
mail. We have already been receiving inquiries about that season and
even have enrollments on file. By all standards, 1968 promises to be a
great season just as every summer is great at Susquehanna, and every
summer different than those before it.
We tried to see everyone before they left camp, but in some instances
did miss seeing off a few of the boys and some of the staff. We are
deeply grateful to have the opportunity to share your summer, and want
to thank you all for your many contributions to Camp Susquehanna. 1968
promises to be even finer and we hope you can return, and once more turn
Susquehanna back into the normal summer picture of happy shouting,
bugles calling, and all of the usual activity we like so well. Best
wishes to you all.
Ken & Joy Schroder
The National Horse Show
For the past three years, we have been stumbling around with adjectives
in an attempt to describe the National Horseshow bluntly, this 1967 show
was the finest we have seen. Apparently show officials made a
determined effort to provide the audience with the best efforts of
horses and riders, a truly national competition, a swiftly moving
program, prompt judging, and a most efficient show announcer. All of
which contributed to a most impressive performance.
Each year the camp arranges to secure a block of tickets to accommodate
those who wish to attend this event and enjoy the opportunity to see the
nation's top riders and their fine horses in the company of camp
associates.
Unfortunately, time is an important factor in obtaining these seats.
Consequently our announcement was made last August with a September 15th
deadline. Sure, seats are available after that date, but not generally
as a whole group, to this matinee performance. Our seats were just
excellent.
Amongst those in attendance were Gregg and Gary Pardun and their younger
brother Todd; Jeb Seder, John Halpern, Chris Kelly, and Gary
Schlesinger. Chris McMurray, who is attending Choate, was unable to get
away from school, and in his place we were glad to see Craig Holden, a
former member of Camp Susquehanna's riding staff and a long time friend.
Amongst the staff in attendance were Larry Mond, Don Snyder and Bob Pease.
The Saturday matinee program Nov. 4th is one which is generally designed
for the younger set - but it certainly didn't detract in any way from
the high caliber performance by the entries. A Pony Hunter Class was
excellent - and we applaud enthusiastically as everyone when the very
smallest pony, named Squeaky, made a perfect ride, cleared all jumps and
won top honors. In a later class, Squeaky walked off with a Reserve
Championship to everyone's delight.
It was our privilege to remain on for the evening program and see the
fine jumping in the Open Hunter Class, and also by the International
Competition with the U.S. Equestrian Team adding to its previous
laurels. It would have been a great thrill to have seen the new record
holder - Dear Brutus - duplicate his jump of 7'3" but it was enough just
to see him perform. We enjoyed as much as everyone else seemed to, the
unusual jumping style of one of the horses used by the British
Equestrian Team.
Winter Week 'n The Old Ranger
Due to fantastic response to last year's program, we are again proud to
announce Winter Week for 1967. Winter Week is the winter sports period
that takes place each year at camp, after the reunion. If you have never
been up at camp in the winter time, with snow covering all our familiar
sights, with ice on the lake, and a roaring fir in the Craft Lodge
fireplace, then you really have missed something. And nothing can
compare to sledding down Old Harmony, into the gully, after dark, with a
flashlight to guide your way, or playing hockey on East Lake, or
trudging down a snowy path to Bed Bug Hollow.
For most winters, there has been a great deal of snow on the campsite
for winter week. However, in a couple of years, it has been quite warm
(although not warm enough to spoil excellent ice sledding). However in a
recent visit to camp, I have located a weather-forecasting toad, down
somewhere between the Intermediate Council Ring and the Nature Den. The
weather-forecasting toad has predicted at least six inches of snow to be
on the ground during Winter Week. We had plenty of snow last year, and
now I can say with conviction that we will have enough again this year.
Winter Week begins the day after Reunion. Transportation is available to
camp. We will sleep in the A building or Craft Lodge, both of which are
heated. Activities include skiing (both locally and at Elk Mountain Ski
Center, one of the nicest areas in that region of Pennsylvania for
those who like to ski, sledding and tobogganing, ice skating (ice is
also guaranteed by my weather-forecasting toad), roller skating in town,
trips to haunted houses, etc., and anything else that people want to
do. The program is completely flexible, and is determined by interest
and weather conditions.
All those who participate pay their own expenses which include food. In
the past, this has averaged around $5.00 for the week. The dates are
December 28 to January 2nd.
So if you are interested, or even slightly so, in coming to camp for
Winter Week, please get in touch with me (Counselors too) as soon as
possible. It is important to know how many are coming. Hope to be
hearing from you.
Larry Mond
"The Old Ranger"
A Report from "Cousin Ern"
Greetings from Rome - and hello to everyone from Cousin Ern.
Our group boarded the liner Raffaello in New York on Saturday, Sept. 30,
amid much confusion, crowding, and noise. Larry Mond, Sonny Flood,
other friends, and some aunts and uncles form New Jersey were all there.
We had a little party before the boat sailed, and finally departed
about 4:30. We had a little rain the first or second day and have hardly
had any since. I think I started to get a little seasick the second
day, but nothing serious. The seas were quite calm during the entire
voyage of eleven days.
After five days sailing under the beautiful skies and a smooth sea, we
put into port at Funchal on the beautiful island of Madeira. This island
belongs to Portugal and looks like one gigantic mountain sticking out
of the sea, but it is covered with vegetation and the most beautiful
flowers. Some of the local kids came around selling figs and flowers for
the tourists, and some of the kids were just begging for money. There
is evidently quite a bit of poverty on the island, and many of the
fathers do not work. So the kids beg whenever a shipload of tourists hit
the island. After touring the mountains, we went on a toboggan ride
which lasted about 15 minutes, winding through narrow streets paved with
small sharp stones. Now and then our escorting guides would stop and
put grease on the sled runners. These men ran alongside the sled keeping
it on course by holding ropes attached to the front of the sled. They
put a lot of work in those 15 minutes.
The next stop was the Canarie Islands at a city named Las Palmas. These
are owned by Spain. Once more, I wished I could speak Spanish. We took a
bus tour up in the very steep mountains. In one very small town there
was a magnificent old church which contained a statue of Mary, all
covered with gold and silver ornaments. This island was very dry and
arid and the local farmers had built up a system of reservoirs and
aqueducts to irrigate the crops - mostly bananas. In the evening I went
back into Las Palmas, bought a watch that doesn't work and rode the
local buses for about 4� a ride. I also had a Pepsi at one of the local
parks, with outdoor tables and loads of little stores selling things of
interest to tourists and the local residents.
From there we went to Gibraltar. We only had about two hours here, and
our ship which is about the fourth largest in the world, couldn't even
get into port, so a tender had to take us in for the visit. We took a
cable car ride up to the top of the rock, and from there walked to St.
Michael's Cave on the Rock of Gibraltar. It was nicely decorated with
massive and beautiful formations. It wasn't very big but had one very
large room fitted out as a theater for concerts of various kinds. We
wanted to stop halfway down to see the mountain monkeys which live there
which will sit on your shoulder for pictures, but there wasn't enough
time. We got back to the tender with about 5 minutes to spare.
We were now in the Mediterranean Sea and the next stop was Palma on the
island of Mallorca, another Spanish island. It too was very beautiful,
and again we took a bus tour up into the mountains. Here we stopped at
an old monastery where the musical composer Chopin once lived, and we
were treated to some authentic folk dances. Back in Palma, we tried to
see the cathedral, which is supposed to be one of the largest in the
world but it was siesta time and the cathedral was closed. We then took a
taxi and went to see an old castle that I wanted to wrap up and send to
camp for a haunted house. We walked up the steps to the top of the
tower and could look down on the moats, the walkways and the main body
of the castle itself. I think the Junior Camp should have its own
castle, and perhaps the upper camps as well...
Our last stop before disembarking at Naples was Palermo, Sicily. This
time the bus tour took us to a lot of old churches which for the most
part were remarkable for the beautiful mosaics they possessed. Many of
these mosaics continued gold pieces made by putting thin sheet of gold
between two sheets of glass. Most of these were done in about the 12th
century. On the hill overlooking Palermo is the town of Monreale which
has a magnificent cathedral, built by a Norman king named Roger, in the
twelfth century. High on the walls are stunning mosaics on two layers.
One layer tells the main events of the Old Testament, the other layer
depicts scenes from the New Testament. Our guide told us that there were
over two tons of gold pieces in these mosaics. Hard to believe but most
beautiful to look at...
Well, then we came to Naples, where our group got off. After getting our
things together, we boarded some buses and drove through Naples, so I
didn't get a chance to see much of the town. We stopped for lunch on the
highway to Rome, at a place named Motta which looked like a Holiday Inn
or something. The land going on toward Rome looked very much like
Susquehanna County and around camp, and so it made me a little homesick.
But then we arrived at Rome and at last drove past St. Peter's, which
is the cathedral of the Pop, Pope Paul VI. We went to see him at Mass
the next Sunday, and it was quite a thrill when he came into the church.
He rode on a special chair he uses on special occasions. Without it no
one would be able to see him because the crowds are too big. After the
Mass, some speeches were made in Italian, English, French, and German.
By the time they got done, my feet were killing me. In my next letter, I
would like to tell you some of the unusual things which are here in
Rome, and which you usually do not hear about, like the Cat Forum, an
old Roman ruin which is now inhabited by thousands of cats.
So much for this current travelogue.
Today, we went to St. Peter's to see the meeting between the Patriarch
and the Pope. Again my feet got the treatment but what a thrill it was
to see these two great religious leaders meet and give their
benediction. When they embraced you could almost feel the centuries of
history behind the event.
All is going well although I haven't had too much time to write. Would
you give everyone my regards. Also, could you send some extra copies of
this to my folks for distribution. Or could I ask you to do this. It
would save me a lot of writing and explaining, not to mention the
postage from here. All classes are in Latin, which has proved rough so
far, but it is coming. The profs rattle the stuff like to make the
Spanish kids look slow. Our reception here was great, and everyone has
been most helpful in getting us adjusted and started at the Gregorian
University where we take most of our course. Next week is all retreat.
On the boat it was great - terrific food and plenty of it. We also had a
swimming pool, movie theater, games and evening entertainment - in
addition to the tours. Rooms were comfortable. Great weather all the
way.
Better close for now. Let me have all the news from your way - and do
excuse the errors in my writing. Trying to work too fast as usual. More
news later. God be with you.
Ernie Marquart
North American College
Vatican City State
Europe 00120
P.S. Caves all over the islands and here in Italy - but so far no caving companions and no equipment as of yet.
Camp Banquet
With past seasons establishing the tradition, the annual Camp Banquet signaled the end of the 1967 regular camping season.
The entire camp gathered in the Dining Hall and following "grace", Carol
Botts and her kitchen staff quickly served the traditional banquet meal
of tomato juice, pickles, olives, French fries, broiled steak, corn on
the cob and whopping portions of apple pie and ice cream for dessert.
The Dining Hall had been tastefully and attractively set-up in a banquet
seating arrangement.
When nothing remained of the meal but bones and chewed corn cobs, Mr.
Schroder spoke, keeping his remarks brief, while battling a reluctant
P.A. system. He then introduced John Rose, Outstanding Camper of the
Junior Camp - Craig Seltzer, Outstanding Camper of the Intermediate Camp
- and Peter Judge, Outstanding Camper of the Senor Camp. Peter had
received the Outstanding Camper award in the Intermediate Camp in 1966.
Mr. Schroder pointed out that these boys, in the opinion of the staff,
merited this distinction, with each of the counselor staff voting and
with the results coming as great surprises to the boys. Everyone joined
in thunderous applause to these outstanding boys and camp associates.
The group head counselors were introduced, in turn, - Bob Waters of the
Junior Camp - Ed Hull of the Intermediate Camp and Bob Hammer of the
Senior Camp. Next was the various specialty counselors who announced the
winners of their trophies:
Junior Camp:
Air Riflery - Brian McIntyre
Archery - Tyler Malcolm
Intermediate Camp:
Athletics - Peter Kahn
Dramatics - John Stallings
Riflery - Paul Cantor
Tennis - Peter Kahn
Senor Camp:
Archery - Alan Mann
Athletics - Jules Feuer
Riflery - Roland Adey
Tennis - Andy Bershad
The Head Riding Instructor was then introduced, Marc Horwitz, and was
called upon to present the Riding Department awards, and the
Horsemanship trophies. Marc mentioned that at the Horsemen's Banquet
held a day before, many of the Riding Department awards had been
announced and presented.
Riding Oscars:
Junior Camp - Michael Fili
Inter. Camp - Manuel Vallecillo
Senior Camp - Fred Shapiro
The John Larish Trophy for interest and care of horses, a perpetual award, was presented to Al D'Cunto.
Winner of the S.P.C.A. Henry Bergh Trophy, as determined at the 1967
Parents Weekend Horseshow, was Chris McMurray. It was the second year in
a row that Chris had won the distinctive medal.
Of interest too, is the fact that amongst the perpetual awards announced
by Marc Horwitz, was one that had his own name, as recipient, engraved
on its plate.
Next to be called upon was the Head Waterfront Director, Paul Davis. He announced the various swimming awards:
Junior Camp - John Rose and Gullermo Espinosa
Inter. Camp - David Winkler and Richard Noonan
Senior Camp - Clyde Sanders and Larry Golub
The Warbasse Trophy, for the boy in the Junior Camp making the greatest
improvement, was presented to Mark Schroder by Bob Waters, Head
Counselor of that group.
The final award, the Finkler Memorial Award, for the best
counselor-in-training was awarded to Chris Kelly and Chris McMurray, two
outstanding counselor prospects in a few years time.
Congratulations boys.
Post Season
On August 24th, Post Season began with the boys and staff remaining for
this informal camping period, to enjoy many hours in the saddle in
preparation for the 6-day horseback trip.
Departure of the trip from camp on Sunday, August 27th, was delayed a
bit to give opportunity for the Catholic campers and staff to attend
Mass in the nearby town of Jackson. But they still got away in good time
for a long ride to Lawsville and the first campsite - at the store of
Mr. Carl Pease. This was familiar ground to many as it was the center of
attraction for the Lawsville Horseshow which was held in early July.
From Lawsville, the group moved on the next morning to Camp Choconut,
operated by Mr. Hamill Horne. This again, was a familiar place, as it
has been used many times in the past as a site for Post Season groups.
One of the highlights of the trips has been the opportunity to swim in
the beautiful crystal lake.
On August 29th, the group moved on to Mannear Farm near Fairdale in
Susquehanna County. Here it was not necessary to set up a picket line,
which everyone appreciated. The next day the group moved to Cadre Lake -
a singularly beautiful spot for overnight camping. Here a nearby
farmer, Mr. O'Reilly, made the group particularly welcome, and it was
most considerate. Heading back now, in the direction of camp, the group
spent the last night at Fernheim Farms, an especially pretty estate on
the outskirts of Montrose.
The group returned tired, but happy, and better riders from the close
association of boy and horse, and all were most reluctant to begin the
task of packing for the next trip - back to their homes. With this end
of Post Season, the 1967 camping season was officially over. Now the job
of preparing for winter, and the storing of equipment, the final
cleanup - was ahead.
Would You Believe?
From some recent correspondence...
That John Wintersteen (former Crafts Counselor and now Marine Lieutenant
Wintersteen) is currently attending Infantry Leadership School, which
he expects to follow with a course in Combat Engineers Orientation, and
probably moving on to Vietnam in February. BUT- not before his marriage
to the fair Elaine on Jan. 3rd.
That Harry Newman sends a note to us saying he has been offered a
television job in a show appearing 5 days a week, a half hour a day -
the part - Santa Clause of course. But don't start sending him your
letters yet - he's not sure he's going to take the job.
Our sympathy goes out to Jud Barnes on the recent tragic loss of his
father. Jud was one of the kitchen boys last season (the boy with the
long hair).
Sympathy also is extended to Harry Newman for the passing of his father -
and to Mary Jean and Bob Waters on the passing of their Aunt Nell.
That Dr. Frank Leow (former Head Riding Instructor) is now tucked away
with a course in Pharmacology at college in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
That our Riflery Instructor, Larry Mond enjoyed a vacation trip to
England and Europe, after camp closed - winding up in Vienna and
attending (weaseling in - the lucky him) a special performance by the
Spanish Riding School, held for Madame Pompadeaux of France.
That Ernie Marquart, former Trip Counselor, now pursuing studies heading
to the priesthood (in the Vatican) arrived there safely. Read his
interesting report of the trip over in this issue.
Whoever, and wherever you are - good luck - see you next summer at Susquehanna.