June 1957
WRH Diary June 1957
June 1, 1957
John Egan and I shot several boxes of .22 ammunition at various targets. John does a lot of shooting and is an excellent shot. He is the first person ever to beat me in target practice. There is always someone better ! Motored across the lake to the main camp and picked up some packs and gear. Packed a few items of food and clothes and went to the Upper forks camp. Drove truck about 3 miles, canoed across the river, walked 2 miles, canoed up about 3 miles of dead water to camp.
Took John fishing-our upper forks catch totaled 34 trout. Had excellent steak dinner and took several pictures via flash attachment. Talked a bit and sacked out. Awoke about 5:30 AM with a squirrel in our camp making all kinds of racket. While everyone stayed in bed I dressed and took a canoe out for a lovely morning ride. Also caught 6 trout.
June 2, 1957
Last night a silly beaver sailed back and forth between our canoe and his house-whacking his tail and keeping us at a respectable distance. Breakfast was of trout and very good. Back to the big salmon pond and more fishing. Scrambled eggs and hash for lunch and down river we came. Rained hard enough to soak us well. We were really wet after walking through the brush. Chatted at the airport and took several pictures of the spray planes. Most of the Bush Pilots are from the United States.
I took a sponge bath and changed clothes and went fishing from the boat house. 2 small ones. John Egan and Mr. Pratt caught all the big ones. Had a real good lamb stew for dinner. Did some work I had brought with me-spent some time with Ken (who will cook for our boys) a carpenter and after listing food items needed for camp to open I read a bit and turned in.
June 3, 1957
John was up early-dug a can of worms and had walked around to the boathouse and caught 3 trout before I was up. I motored over in the outboard but only caught 2 small fish. We packed all our gear away and packed all of our fish in ice and newspapers to bring them home. We all hated to leave but 1 PM found us leaving the caretaker and his wife and driving out in the truck. We stopped at the airport to see a carpenter about building a screened dining area on the back of our winter camp area.
Dropped Hiram Allyson (our guide and cook for this trip) off at his home on Borne Road. What a “Bear Story” telling character he is! Enjoyed a dish of ice cream, Mr. Pratt purchased a season fishing license for himself and family. We talked with Kiah about things to be done and caught our train for Montreal. Had a lovely lobster dinner en route. John and I shared a lovely drawing room. Didn’t sleep to well-civilization creeping in.
June 4, 1957
We arrived in Montreal at 8 PM. Our fish box has developed a slight leak. We caught a taxi directly to the airport. Our French (English speaking) taxi driver was a comical and conversationally character. Breakfast at the DuVal airport. Lots of time-so the N.Y. Times and a Montreal paper were both completely read. We en-planed for a lovely flight down to New York. I used some of the time to try and catch up with this beastly journal of mine. Seems that I’m always behind in my entrees! Enjoyed conversing with Mr. Pratt. May God bless him for the wonderful kind generous and sincere man that he is. Above my working relationship with him is a most cherished personal relationship-true friendship! We had an opportunity to speak of a few things about our Boys’ Club-pure business.
We (John and I) waited about 45 minutes at the airport for Don O’Rourke to arrive with the Boys’ Club station wagon. Mr. Pratt went into New York. Don is just back from Idaho and Ricks College. Unpacked (after warm and lovely greetings from my wife and children) and distributed trout to Mr. Pratt’s, the Voriseks, Mrs. Svea Wansor. Mr. Pratt and I took some over to Mr. Batterman’s. At the annual Girl Scout Meeting I was made 2nd Vice President for next year.
June 5, 1957
We (Mr. Pratt and I) stopped at Brinkley Smithers place to look at day camping facilities. Day camping is a new Boys’ Club project this year. Checked the mail, picked up the newly sharpened lawn mower and was caught up with the idea to wax Helen’s floors. I had the maintenance man from the club come over and we undertook a job of stripping, scrapping and waxing all the floors downstairs. This lasted until 5 PM. As I was tacking the runner back in place Mr. Peters called and we had the opportunity of discussing Canadian plans with him.
Talked with Don about Idaho-Rexburg and Ricks. Don certainly impresses me. He certainly had good opinions of the Mormons and was quick to tell the 3 boys who want to go to Ricks next year that they would find a good friendly considerate group of people. He was amazed at the Mormon’s high ideals- Their ability to have fun and enjoy themselves without drinking and their consideration and kindness for others.
June 6, 1957
Made a quick check on mail at the post office and took Helen-after a morning spent at my desk-to Glen cove to shop. We limited our shopping to a good big supply of groceries and as a special treat our first watermelon of the year. I spent all afternoon at the club trying to catch up on the mail that had accumulated while we were in Canada. Did pretty good.
My sister Wilma Brizendine, of Houston, Texas wrote telling of illness and inability to work for a couple of weeks on the part of her husband Luther. She was made a counselor in the Primary. A young lad of 16-17 (Jack McCann) came into my office at 5 PM. Gee but he is a nasty cuss. He never learns from past mistakes but continues on in the manner of a young hoodlum. I doubt that my counseling will be of any help-I’ve tried for 6 years without apparent success to help him help himself.
Dale Macdonald was at my house to do our ward teaching. Helen started us off in fine form with a delicious spaghetti and sausage dinner. We then gave ward teaching lessons to the Hinckley’s (Locust Valley) Reiser’s (Hicksville) Crandall’s (Bethpage) Howe’s (Syosset) and Rowley’s (Syosset). Home by 11:30 PM.
June 7, 1957
Helen arranged for a neighbor to watch Teri Ann when she came home from kindergarten. then Debbie, Helen and I drove over to Macy’s at Roosevelt Field. We shopped for pillows, pillow cases, glasses and curtains for our home. We were struck by two pieces of early American (style) furniture. Close investigation showed them to be well made, covered with a fine quality of fabric and with foam rubber cushions. the couch was $298 on sale for $198. The chair was $149 on sale for $89.95. We like it-needed something to replace our ten year old furniture, so bought them. they will be delivered next Tuesday. We will wait and surprise the children when they find it in our home. We will not draw from our savings accounts but will borrow from the bank and repay them on a monthly basis.
Spent the afternoon at my desk going over our summer camping program. Pitched a losing softball game for the Birches in the clubs alumni-adult softball league. Turned operation Democracy’s camera over to Joe Rogers, attended Boy Scout Committee meeting and worked until 4 AM (ho-hum).
June 8, 1957
Up early and at the office to find a shirt salesmen (recently moved to L.V.) at my office with 2 lovely Hathaway shirts-gifts-for me. French and English imported fabrics they have the staggering retail value of $25. each. We sent 28 boys via chartered bus to Kips Bay Boys’ Club for a Boys’ Club jamboree-all day program and swim. I spent the morning going over budget figures with Ralph LaBella-our accountant. Mr. Pratt dropped by to make turkey arrangements with me and to leave a $500 contribution to the Canadian camp fund.
I attended Mrs. Evelyn Edward’s (our neighbor) father’s funeral. compared to the funerals I cam accustomed to-Protestant services in funeral homes are very flat. I prefer Mormon funerals-more warm and meaningful. Returned to the club to do a lot of dictating and paper work. Mr. Pratt and I went over some business and drove to Lt. Col Kunz home to look at his 1956 Ford station wagon. It is for sale. After a test drive and trip to the Creek club and Pratt’s trout pond we returned and made arrangements to buy the car for $2100 and a $400 tax deduction. Helen had a lovely prime roast beef rib roast for dinner.
June 9, 1957
First thing to do was check on all the flowers I had transplanted last night. Along with some tomato plants it looks like they will do OK. We are all excited the Julie Harris (Helen’s niece) will arrive via plane today to spend some time with us. this is her graduation present. She graduated last month from Madison High. First time in years that I sat in Sunday School as a teacher. Was set apart as the official teacher of the Gospel Doctrine class. The sadness of one of our members of the Elder’s quorum being arrested as a post office thief (he was employed by the postal department) came as a most hard and severe blow. Spent the afternoon reading and writing. Dropped some athletic gear off at the Boys’ Club that I had an opportunity to buy through Bro. Payne at church. We arrived at LaGuardia airport early and watched plane traffic. We were all thrilled to see Julie. Had pizza as a treat and wired Ross that she had arrived safe. She will spend two weeks here.
June 10, 1957
Exchanged my station wagon for Mr. Pratt’s Chevrolet station wagon and with Helen, Julie Harris (my niece from Rexburg, Idaho) Teri Ann and Deborah Jane aboard we set out for Frenchtown, New Jersey. Traffic was thick, sun was hot and driver’s tempers were short! Through the Queens midtown tunnel (.25 toll) across 34th St and through the Lincoln tunnel (.50 toll) onto U.S. route #1 and the Pulaski Skyway. Filled up with New Jersey gasoline (-.07 per gal cheaper than in N.Y.) past Newark airport onto route #22. Stopped at a diner for lunch. Teri and Debbie enjoyed the treat of eating out. Teri bought a plastic beach ball (.89). Onto Somerville, N.J. and route #202. Thence to route #12 and the Phillpot turkey farm where we picked up 3 boxes containing 28, 4 week old bronze turkeys.
They stink-but with all windows down it wasn’t too bad. Back the same way we came as far as the Newark airport and then via New Jersey Turnpike (.50) to Geo. Wash. bridge (.50) and Tri-boro bridge (.25) and home. Ron, Scott and Teri went with me to deliver the turkeys to Mr. Pratt’s. All were in good shape. The children were thrilled to find an egg that a chicken had laid out under a pine tree. Ron has a big crush on Julie-Real Serious !!. Was hurt when Don took her out again. Needed a good night’s rest.
June 11, 1957
Finished setting out some Dahlias, marigolds, zinnias and 4:O’Clocks at home and the club. Gave remainders of Dahlia plants to three neighbors. Helen, girls and Julie walked to the village. I prepared my own lunch and dressed for the office. Dug all the camp gear from out of the attic and hauled it to the club with the help of the Rev. John Dykstra. All the family went to school field to watch Ron and Scott’s little league baseball team play. (remember Scott is just the batboy) Ron is having trouble controlling his temper and is quick to tears when a situation is tough. He is learning the hard way.
He was heartbroken when Julie went out to play miniature golf with Don O’Rourke tonight. Helen informs me that his first crush is real hard. I did some desk work. Don washed the car and Ron’s team lost the ball game. This sitting up waiting for Julie is just a preview of what we can expect when our own daughters start dating.
June 12, 1957
Up early and heading for New York with Helen, Julie and Don O’Rourke. Picked up Dale Macdonald en route. Left the ladies off at 34th St. to shop and drove downtown to Kiffe Sales Co. Purchased equipment and supplies needed for day camping and Pratt’s camps. Went to a clothing wholesalers and Don bought two pr. of slacks. We went to Louchows (German Restaurant) where we met the ladies for lunch. Ala Cart with Sauerbraten etc. Ck and tip came to $19 for five.
Hottest day of the year. We sweltered, changed clothes and took the camp gear to the club. Crab Salad for dinner and back to the office. Boy had plugged the front door keyhole by poking a stick in it. Repaired it-fixed boy who was real sorry by buying him a soda and worked at the desk. Cullum holds first work out of summer basketball team. Lot of college boys-we will have a n excellent league this summer. Met with Sea Scout Skipper and talked with group advisor to our Golden Rod club about Jack McCann.
June 13, 1957
Very busy-getting ready for camp and the annual Boys’ Club dance. All the decorations made in our shop have been taken to Mrs. H. P. Davidson’s (real name was Davison) estate where our dance will be held. Members of our staff and older boys are helping with the dance details. Busy afternoon at the Boys’ Club getting ready for a meeting with Canadian campers and their parents. We have 16 MM film, borrowed from Canadian film library and slides to show. All gear is bagged and ready to hand out.
Weather is very hot. Unseasonably so. Daily temperatures run over 90 degrees with a high humidity content. Farmers need rain for crops. Very bad situation with no relief in sight. Don O’Rourke is working for me at the club. He will replace Rosado at the end of the week. Had successful meeting with the parents. Also had a committee meeting with the Sea Scouts.
June 14, 1957
Scotty had an accident down at the Railway Depot. A commuter backed his car out and hit Scott’s bike. No bodily damage done. Some damage done to his bike. One hours time repaired the bike. Scott was afraid to tell us (wish he realized he gets more of a spanking for not telling rather than the one for telling). A policeman checked at the house-which was the way we found out. Brought the floor machine over to the house from the club and polished all of Helen’s floors. Chair arrived from Macy’s Dept. store. Gee it is nice-especially after 10 yrs with the old stuff.
Bought a 1956 Ford deluxe country sedan 6 pass., 10,000 miles for $2100. Will use it for Canada and then sell it when we return. Final preparations on dance were made. We had a big night at the Boys’ Club. Sea Scout night with a dance following. Dance lasted until 12 midnight-heat was terrific. I thought the kids would melt. Refreshments was cake and soda and ice cream. Julie seems to be enjoying her visit. The weather gets her down though.
June 15, 1957
We are having a most unusual hot spell. Day on day the mercury goes over 90 degrees. Lots of humidity makes it worse. Lots of last minute details but finally all is ready at Mrs. H. P. Davidson’s (Davison) Peacock Point Estate for the Grenville Baker Boys’ Club’s 7th annual charity dance. Helen is busy preparing for guests. I picked up my tux in Glen cove and some special cheese for tonight. Made a purchase at the liquor store for those who will be drinking. Bathed and dressed-Helen and Julie look lovely in their formals. Guests were; 1-Dr. and Mrs. Rowsom, 2-Mr. and Mrs. Willham, 3-Mr. and Mrs. Gise. 4- Mr. and Mrs. Gunther, 5- Mr. and Mrs. Lotoyving, and 6-Mr. and Mrs. Hughes.
After drinks (except we Mormons) and some food we left about 11 PM for the dance. Meyer Davis Orchestra, a green and white striped tent and 1,000 people. 2 AM saw the drawings for 1-Ford Thunderbird, 2- Gold and diamond bracelet. Dance floor was like a Turkish bath. We danced until 4 AM Beautiful party.
June 16, 1957
Did a dirty trick and slept right through my Sunday School and Priesthood meetings. My conscience bothers me. Real hot again. Our afternoon was spent at the Voriseks. Gert had a lovely potato salad and a delicious green salad with soda. Bob was chef and did a good job with franks and hamburgers. We made some joint plans to meet the Voriseks in Canada and drive to Nova Scotia with them this August for a few days vacation. The children had a good time playing in the lawn sprinkler. We returned home and dressed for church. The drive over in the car was cooling but the church house itself was terribly hot. It was cool driving home but once inside the house it was again like a Turkish bath.
June 17, 1957
We picked up the Vorisek’s beach umbrella, called school to keep the children home, (to my children, school in New York went until June 21st each year) picked up Don O’Rourke, ran some errands in Glen Cove and headed for Jones Beach and a cooling dip in the Atlantic Ocean at 11 AM. We were off the beach and dressed at 2 PM. We had lunch at the main restaurant and were on our way home via Crabtree bridge when we realized that all of us were quite badly sunburned. I am amazed in less than 2 hrs. Showers and sun-burn lotion- a quiet period in the shade of the back yard and then Don, Julie, Helen and I drove to Roslyn to the show. Air conditioner was doing a 100% job and the theatre was warm. Tired and sunburned we stopped at a diner for ham and eggs and collapsed into our beds.
June 18, 1957
Everyone is burned. Perhaps I’m the worst-having stood in the sun watching the children. We are working hard at the club getting set for summer program. Don and I are making last minute checks on Canadian camp gear. Don and Julie drove to Mineola to get plates for the “56 Ford wagon. My Pontiac wouldn’t start for them-but a push got them on their way home.
Kinnear and I worked the little major league baseball games while Cullum and O’Rourke worked the 1st of the summer basketball league games. We have players from several outstanding college teams. These teams have large followings and our club was crowded with a nice crowd of people. To beat the heat I bought a couple of fans for the office. Park East appliance on Forest ave. let me have $95 worth of fans at $65. Also called the glass people to make a solid window a sliding one to get a breeze into the office.
June 19, 1957
Still hot! I brought the fans home-which helped a bit but now they must go back to the club. My sunburn is a very painful one. We all line up taking turns rubbing each other’s backs with sunburn medication. I borrowed Mr. Pratt’s pickup truck and got a yard of washed sand with grit from Charles Savinetti, who works for a large construction Co for the girls sandbox. With Bob Vorisek’s wheel barrow I hauled it across the lawn to the box where the girls will have a great time.
Attended a county meeting on alcoholism at Westbury with Mr. Pratt. I’m chairman of the social agencies sub-committee. Was late for dinner at home. Helen had Don O’Rourke and the Andersons over for a Lasagna dinner. Back to the club for a few hours and then I showed slides (35mm color) to all the folks.
June 20, 1957
It has cooled off a wee bit-however my sunburn had me sleeping on my hands and knees. A busy day for all my staff. Cars to wash and polish, final day camp plans to go over and I’m busy with our accountant getting a ’57-’58 proposed budget ready. We had a big staff meeting outlining our summer responsibilities. Our summer staff will be +Mr. Alpy and one other as maintenance-Mrs. Foss-my secretary and club receptionist-Wm Cullum-Program Director-Wm Kinnear-charge of games room and day camp-Walter Larking and Dominic Giovinazzo-day camp staff-Don O’Rourke Canadian staff and Phy. Director for the summer. We had grilled steaks outdoors and then Helen and I took Julie to Glen cove to see “Face in the Crowd” and “Sixteen”. Weather changed and a 20 degree temp dropped has come about.
June 21, 1957
Sunburn is in the peeling stage for most of the family. So now it is scratch, scratch, scratch !. Our 23 month old daughter is the cutest baby we have ever had. Her vocabulary and adult mannerisms are astounding. She keeps us in a steady roar. My flower beds are doing quite well. The tomato plants are blooming, dahlias, zinnias, pinks, 4 O’Clocks, etc are doing very well. I went into the office early and dictated several hours to Mrs. Foss as time runs out on us.
After a good amount of afternoon work I knocked off for dinner and the rest of the day. I drove Julie and the boys into NY where we saw the Yankees beat Chicago White Sox 4-2. We were a part of 53,985 people at the game-a record attendance so far this year at any ball park. We bought some souvenirs and had Julie’s flight home confirmed.
June 22, 1957
Had word of Sheriff E. A. Hansen’s death! Came as a great shock. “Hans” was one of my father’s closest friends. After Dad died “Hans” did a great deal for mother and us kids. He certainly helped straighten me out. He made Ron-Scott-Teri members of the Western Sheriffs Association last summer and gave them all badges complete with their names. For 18 years (a new record) he has been deputy or Sheriff of Madison County, Idaho. He died at 67 yrs of age of a heart attack while driving the Sheriff’s car to make an arrest. (There is a letter from Hans to dad encouraging him to return to Rexburg and become the sheriff as Hans retires)
Busy at the office making last minute plans before leaving for Canada. Went over some budget figures with the club’s accountant. Packed the ’56 Ford station wagon with camp gear and supplies and delivered it to Mr. Peters-ready for his trip Monday. Hurried home for a quick shower and took Helen and Julie out to Walls Beach, a rather nice Bayville Restaurant for dinner. Picture window of the sound and some sail boats set the stage for a Lobster Thermidor dinner for the three of us. We enjoyed it! Julie went to a surprise party for Bill Kinnear with Don O’Rourke. I shined shoes and the John Egans came over for a few minutes.
June 23, 1957
We left Julie asleep and drove to Sunday School. Attended prayer meeting, taught my class and enjoyed priesthood meeting. Drove straight home-dropped the family off and returned to Glen Cove for Chinese food. We had a real nice Chinese lunch with Julie and all the children present. My flowers and tomatoes are doing well. the battle of the crab grass is on. I’m going to win or know the reason why.
I spent the afternoon preparing all of my Sunday School records to turn over to the new Sunday School Superintendent. Everyone else napped all afternoon. We took Julie back to church with us in the evening. Enjoyed the speakers. Stopped at a Carvel for ice cream and had our usual Sunday night family hour picnic. I’m feeling the strain of work so retired early. I have a big day tomorrow. Still no let up from the hot humid weather. Many farmers are already ruined as a result of the lack of rain. Don’t ever remember June being so dry.
June 24, 1957
Up at 4:30 walked to the Boys’ Club and saw Mr. Peters, Rev. Dykstra, G. Tomlinson, A. Giovinazzo. R. Conger and R. Bauer off on their way as the 1st contingent to Pratt’s camps. Back to the house-called Helen, boys and Julie. Prepared breakfast while they dressed. (Bacon, scrambled eggs, rice fried in bacon grease, toasted corn bread, butter, jam and milk). After eating we all drove to the club. Here we met other parents and boys. Don O’Rourke and I loaded our station wagons and with Julie and Mr. Edwards as guest riders headed for Delaware, N.J. and camp Mohican of the Boys’ Club of Bethlehem, Pa. 10 AM and 110 miles later found us at camp.
After a brief tour and seeing that the boys were all settled (Ron and Scott are among those staying for two weeks. Cost $25 per boy per two weeks) Drove back home and washed the car. Dressed and drove back to New York City with Helen and Julie. Ate at the Stockholm Restaurant, smorgasbord style. So many good things that we went back 3 times. Our next stop was Radio City Music Hall where we saw a gala stage show and Marilyn Monroe and Lawrence Olivia in “The Prince and the Show Girl”. Our next item was a walk through Times Square and along Broadway to show Julie the lights and sights of the big city. I drove home and eagerly went to bed.
June 25, 1957
Made final deposits to cover our camp projects. Each boy going to Canada pays $50. Mr. Pratt subsidizes the balance. To date, for this year, he has given $3,500 for the Canadian Camp. The Boys’ Club’s alumni basketball team started the summer league off by defeating the Hofstra College team. This was the league’s first game. Julie and Helen and the girls walked over to the club for a few minutes. The playoffs for the turkey dinner in the Little Major League baseball group started with Ron’s team the Indians beating the Cubs. Ron will be pleased to hear when I write to him at camp.
Home and to work packing my bag for Canada. Only old clothes that can be relaxed in are necessary. Don took Julie out for a pizza. Helen and I were still packing when Julie returned. Her last date with Don-did I detect that she had been crying? Finally all was ready and by midnight we were all in bed.
June 26, 1957
I over slept. Instead of getting up at 4:30 AM I slept until 5 AM. Hurried through breakfast and was at the club at 5:30. Loaded both cars and were off for Canada, Whitestone Bridge, Merritt Parkway, Hutchinson State Parkway and a diner stop to stretch and wake up. Thence on to the Massachusetts’s turnpike, route #128 and lunch at a little Mass. town. We picnicked at a roadside table. Toll road to New Hampshire and on to Maine and York Beach. We spent the night at a youth hostel in York.
First thing upon arriving we sacked out for two hours. Next we drove to York Beach and after sightseeing we all wrote postcards home. We stopped at an A&P store for groceries and went back to the hostel for dinner. We had bread and butter, franks and beans and a salad. We drove to a drive-in theatre where we saw “The Beast of Hollow Mountain” and “Boy on a Dolphin”. Dead tired we returned to our hostel and to bed. We are 13 strong in two station wagons. Our alarm is set for 4:30 AM.
June 27, 1957
Up at 4:30 AM and started breakfast consisting of dry cereal, bacon, scrambled eggs, milk and a bun. Called all the boys, had breakfast over and dishes washed by 5:30 AM Packed our gear and hit the road. Maine turnpike is nice driving. Route #202 from Augusta to Bangor is narrow, twisting and full of dips. Route #9 (the airline rd.) from Bangor to Calais is fair but lots of ups and downs. We had lunch in Calais, Maine and then crossed the river into St. Stephens, New Brunswick, Canada and passed through customs. No trouble except to declare our cameras and my binoculars-the later a Xmas gift from Mr. Pratt. Through Canadian woods we sped to the St. Johns river, south down the river to Fredericton the capital of New Brunswick. We had the cars serviced and stayed at the Aula Motor courts. Stayed indoors-looked like rain. Usually sleep on the grass. Took the boys to a Chinese restaurant for dinner. Don and I saw a show “Between Heaven and Helen”? (maybe Hell). Bought some souvenir gifts for Teri and Debbie.
June 28, 1957
Slept until 9 AM and washed up and drove to the John Palmer shoe factory. We bought various types of oil tanned moccasins and took a tour of the factory. Our next stop was the office of the Hon. Norman B. Buchanan, M.C, Minister of Lands and Mines for the province of New Brunswick. We were warmly received by Col. Williams his assistant. In a few minutes the Minister received us. He came out into the hall to meet us and was introduced to all of our party. A very young man, handsome and most charming young man he invited us into his office where he showed us a butt cut from an English Spruce tree that was 3 years old when Columbus discovered America. He pointed out other historic data using the rings of the tree to parallel the tree with history. He also showed and told us of some hand carvings that depicted the people of New Brunswick at work.
I had the honor of presenting him with a “golden boy” award on behalf of our club members for granting free fishing licenses to our Canadian group for the 3rd straight year in a row. We also presented him with a stock certificate of membership in the club and granted him an honorary membership complete with membership card. He is the first to receive an honorary membership from our club. We all poised for pictures and departed in best of spirits. Ate lunch in the Chinese restaurant and drove on to Pratt’s camps at Holmes Lake for dinner.
June 29, 1957
It has been real cool and cloudy all spring. Lots of showers. Our regular cook is tied up at the air strip. Weather hasn’t permitted them to finish their bud worm spraying. Kiah Copp has hired John McIvor to cook until Ken can come down. We will do our own KP until Ken brings a cookie with him. Don and I drove back to New Castle after setting up side trips for the kids at camp. We met Kiah and had a tour of the court house. Kiah is a deputy sheriff. We then drove to the office and warehouse of Atlantic Wholesalers Co and I ordered a great supply of food materials. Our next stop was Stroutharts were we purchased some hardware supplies and other general store materials. Lunch at a sandwich shop and we met Kiah who had the truck loaded. It rained practically all the way into camp. Road in was real muddy and slippery. We unloaded our supplies in a rain storm. Cleared in the evening and Kiah went back to town. Had a camp fire program and hit the sack.
June 30, 1957
No special program. Straightened out the room Don and I are using as a bed room and office. Encouraged the boys to write letters home and to get their laundry done. At 10 AM Rev. John Dykstra held service for the Protestant boys-Mormon Hinckley included while Mr. Peters conducted services for the Catholic boys. Protestant services were well done. We had a nice Sunday dinner in the middle of the day. Roast Veal with the works including pie and cake. John is an excellent cook. Bakes very well.
After a nice quiet period we took the boys over to the main boat house for swimming tests. No real strong swimmers. Dennis Fowle is a weak swimmer and needs watching. Carmine Caggiano is a non-swimmer and needed rescuing . Don did a good job in bringing him in. We came back to the winter camp bringing several canoes and boats with us. Tried water skiing but the 15 HP motor isn’t strong enough to get me up on the skis. Some of the smaller kids are able to ski. Don and I put the 15 HP Johnson in commission. She was froze and required some mechanical work to free her. Set up the tether ball-basketball backstop-volleyball court. Handed out pack gear to the boys plus head nets . Early to bed.