(July 12, 2006 – Weirs, NH). Visit the Lake Winnipesaukee
Museum in the Weirs on Wednesday, July 26th at 7:00 p.m.
to hear the story of a summer camp for boys, “The
History of Camp Boycroft,” presented by David Ray.
Admission is free.
The legacy of summer camps is an important part of the
Lake’s heritage and at one point over 100 such camps
existed on or around the lake. These camps were often run
by educators concerned about young people and their training
for adulthood. Camp Boycroft was no different.
“My grandfather believed in character, craftsmanship
and robust
family values,” stated Ray, whose maternal grandparents,
Max and Dora Meyer, owned and operated Camp Boycroft on
Tuftonboro Neck from 1924 to 1957. Mr. Meyer, an industrial
arts teacher by profession, purchased the 50 acres of farm
land for $2000 in 1922.
The activities and social skills learned at camps such
as Boycroft influenced many and often have begun people’s
love of the lake. About two dozen camps currently operate
on and around the lake. “Attending Camp Boycroft was
a life-forming experience for me,” shared Jim Duncan
of Mirror Lake who attended the camp for 11 years. “As
a ‘city boy,’ being in nature and learn the
sports of sailing, archery and other such activities changed
my life.” Duncan has donated memorabilia, including
a Camp Boycroft uniform and some of his achievement awards,
to the museum.
“Summer Camps on Lake Winnipesaukee” will
be the featured exhibit at the Lake Winnipesaukee Museum
beginning July 20th. Photographs, artifacts and memorabilia
will be on display to share the histories of camps present
and past. In addition to Camp Boycroft, other camps represented
include Camps Acadia, Belknap, Buena Vista, Idlewild, Wyanoke,
Waldron, and Wotanda. If you have camp memorabilia to enhance
the exhibit through a loan or a donation, please contact
the Lake Winnipesaukee Historical Society at 366-5950. Your
assistance in preserving this significant part of the lake’s
history is appreciated.
The Lake Winnipesaukee Museum is open Monday - Saturday
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. all year and is located directly
on Route 3 in the Weirs section of Laconia, just south of
Funspot and one mile north of the Weirs Beach sign. For
further information, please contact the Museum at 603-366-5950
or ann@lwhs.us.
