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Preserving the History & Heritage of Lake Winnipesaukee & Vicinity

 

CAMP ACADIA

Camp Acadia Photos





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ON LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE



Day Trip, Camp Acadia, 1950.

Article From the 1922 Camp Acadia Promotional Booklet
Courtesy of Grant & Beth Seaverns

Location
Camp Acadia is located on the south shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, in the foothills of the White Mts. The Lake itself is about 500 feet above sea level, and its pure sparkling waters are fed by springs and small streams that flow from the encircling mountains. With its sandy beaches and rugged shores, and dotted with three hundred enchanted islands it fulfills its Indian name “The Smile of the Great Spirit.” From the broad porches of Camp, can be seen the peaks of the White Mountains, and the low hills in the west make the spot a rare one from which to watch the wonderful sunset lights and shades.

Equipment
The Camp itself consists of two main buildings, Camp House and Trail’s End. These are substantially built, well ventilated, lighted by electricity, supplied with running water and have perfect sanitary arrangements. Each of these has a large living room with fireplace for indoor gatherings. The tents and kiosks, with board floors, are situated on high dry soil. For each girl is provided an iron frame, woven wire cot and comfortable mattress.

There is also a rustic open air theatre, the scene of many original plays. A natural rock fireplace affords the campers opportunity for shore suppers.

The Camp is fully equipped with its own rowboats, canoes, and war canoe. The tennis court and playgrounds, make possible all land sports.

Camp Council
The Family and Their Assistants

Dr. Quimby, a physician of many years experience is personally in charge of the Camp and much attention is given to the health and physical development of the girls. Mrs. Quimby is Camp Mother, with all that the word implies. Their daughter Havene Quimby, who has had several years experience in camp life, is head councillor.

A trained nurse is always in attendance, though rarely needed. All sports and camp activities are in charge of competent and carefully chosen councillors. As many of them have been at Acadia several years, they understand its ideals, and campers during the summer quickly learn the value of team work, and acquire a fine Camp Spirit.


Advantages of Acadia

Aim
It is the aim of the directors to make Acadia an ideal combination of home and camp life, designed particularly for girls from eight to sixteen years of age, who are divided into Junior and Senior groups. There is no better way for girls to rest their minds and strengthen their bodies than life in the open. Here, they have complete relaxation from the stress of school life, and the most perfect physical development is made possible. All the romance and pleasure of camp life is retained yet comfortable and commodious quarters are provided.

Physical Chart
At the beginning of Camp season a physical chart is made of each camper and necessary corrective exercises planned for those in need of them. At the end of the season this chart is sent to the parents showing the improvement in weight, muscular development, and poise of figure.

Week At Sandwich
A unique feature is the week at North Sandwich at Dr. Quimby’s homestead farm, near the foot of the Sandwich Range. This taste of farm life is very popular with Acadian campers, and several “hikes” are taken to climb Chocorua and other mountains. For girls who qualify, a camping trip is made and the night spent on some mountain-top. The wonderful view of the surrounding country at sunset; the picturesqueness of blanketed figures about the roaring summit fire, as they sing and tell stories while watching the sparks fly upward; the glorious effects of the sunrise; leave in the memory a picture and an experience never to be forgotten.

Trips
There are other overnight trips on which instruction is given in the art of camp cookery, trail making, and all details attendant upon a night in the open. There are also motorboat picnic trips to various islands and points of interest around the lake, and the ride on the “Uncle Sam” -U.S. mail steamer-in and out among the islands is anticipated by campers old and new. For these trips no extra charge is made.

Extra Trips
For those who wish them, extra trips are arranged to Lost River and through the White Mts. by auto. This last trip is through the Franconia Notch visiting the Flume, the “Old Man,” Echo Lake, along the base of Mt. Washington lunching at the Cascades, and returning through the Crawford Notch, around Lake Chocorua and through Whittier’s famous Bear Camp valley to Acadia.

Swimming
Swimming has an important part in the life of Acadia. A beach of fine white sand and gradually deepening water makes an ideal place to spend the swimming hour. Farther out is the diving float for the more experienced swimmers. For nine years the water sports have been under the direction of the same instructor, and this branch of camp activities has reached a high degree of perfection. All campers are required to pass a definite swimming test before using canoes. All rules in water sports are enforced so that the girls participate in perfect safety.

A.R.C. Lifesaving
Instruction is given in different methods of swimming, resuscitation, and life saving under the direction of a Red Cross Life-Saving expert. Last year many of the campers were awarded certificates and emblems by the National A. R. C. Life Saving Corps.

Sports Days
Land Sports Day and Water Sports Day, in July and August respectively are visiting days for parents and friends. Special arrangements may be made for parents to visit at other times.

Food
With growing girls and the “Camp Appetite” to reckon with, food must play an important part in Camp life. The table is provided with abundant homecooked food, and milk and vegetables are supplied from nearby farms. The drinking water is obtained from the well known Laconia Spring.

Accessibility
The Camp is extremely accessible. It is 115 miles from Boston and one-half mile off the Daniel Webster Highway to the White Mts. (See chart) There are in the vicinity several hotels where accommodations may be obtained for parents visiting their daughters. The Camp is connected by a long distance phone with the outside world.

Reunion
An annual Camp Reunion is held at Hotel Westminster, Boston, Mass.

Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is a most delightful sport and Acadia’s saddle horses are the best that can be procured. Thorough instruction is given, and the rides along the country roads and through the woods, give the riders a keen sense of the joy of living.

Nature
Nature lore is under the direction of a capable councillor who makes the study of nature both instructive and fascinating. During the season a “Treasure Hunt” Is conducted and the girls find great joy in discovering the treasures of woods and fields.

Handicrafts
Campers are instructed in all branches of handicrafts-painting, basketry, stenciling, etc. Particular attention is given in mending and caring for their own clothing. The mending hour is made popular by having some one read aloud an interesting book or tell a story while the homely tasks are being done.

Sports
All land and water sports are in charge of specially trained councillors and include basket-ball, croquet, volleyball, clock golf, bowling, archery, tennis, horseback riding, etc.; instruction in handling rowboats, swimming and diving contests etc.

Tutoring & Study
Tutoring and study are not required but may be arranged for at a reasonable charge.

Sunday
Opportunity is given campers to attend the morning service at a nearby local church, and there are song services at Camp. In the evening is the reading of the weekly Camp “Log”.

By the shores of Winnipesaukee,
By the shining Big-Lake Water
Stands the Wigwam of the Quimby’s
Stands the Wigwam called Acadia,
Acadia, home of happy people.
Dark behind it grows the forest,
Grows the birches and the maples;
Bright before it beats the water,
Beats the shining Big-Lake Water.

Excerpt from the “Camp Log.”


Important Notes
Personal laundry is done at reasonable rates. ALL CLOTHING MUST BE MARKED WITH THE FULL NAME.

Spending money is limited, and parents and campers are requested to co-operate in this matter. $25 for the season is the maximum and this amount should cover all incidentals, such as “ Joy” money (buying of candy limited to once a week) personal laundry, handicraft materials, stamps, stationery, and pictures. This money is placed on deposit at the Camp bank and drawn out only under the supervision of a councillor.

Camp colors and baggage tags will be sent two weeks before opening of Camp.

Campers will be met on opening day at North Station, Boston, Mass. where a special car is provided over the White Mt. Division. A councillor will also meet campers in Grand Central Station, New York City.

The Camp fee covers all camp trips and necessary expenses, except personal laundry, and horseback riding. The Directors wish to meet all prospective campers and their parents as such a meeting is mutually helpful.

Only girls from the best Christian families will be accepted as Acadian campers.
For further information, address:

J. GRANT QUIMBY, M. D.,
Lakeport, New Hampshire.

A Day In Camp
6:45 Up with the Bugle
7:00 Setting up drill
7:15 Morning Dip
7:45 Breakfast
8:30 Assembly
9-9:30 Tent work
9:30 Tent inspection Calisthenics: out door games, paddling, rowing, arts and crafts, horseback riding, etc.
12:30 Dinner
2-3:00 Quiet hour
3:30 Swimming periods, Games, Horseback riding, etc.
5:30 Supper
Twilight hour on the Lake or indoor gatherings.
8:30 Taps-Junior group
9:00 Lights out-senior group

Special Events
Welcome Camp Fire
Suppers cooked on shore
Overnight trips
Marshmallow toasts
Land Sports Day
All day picnics
Story telling in firelight
Charades
A. R. C. Life Saving tests
Camp “Log”
Treasure Hunt
Canoe trips
Moonlight rides
Corn roasts
Birthday parties
Masquerade party
Water Sports Day
“First Aid” instruction