May 1957
WRH Diary May 1957
May 1, 1957
With the shift in program to the school field and baseball games starting at 6 PM the club has changed to a 5-6 PM dinner hour. We close the building for the dinner hour. The Pontiac came back from Paddison’s with a new transmission and new universal joints plus greased, lube and oil change. $60 bill was taken care of by Mr. Paddison. Drove to the school field to watch some or our little major league teams in action. Ronald is a 3rd baseman and Scott is a batboy for the Indians. Last year they only won 1 game but this year they are off to a fast start and have yet to be beaten.
Met with Mrs. Robertson and Mrs. Wahn concerning Girl Scouts. The meeting lasted for several hours and wound up with another hours conversation between Mrs. Robertson and myself. The National Administrative structure of Girl Scouts from council to area has caused a lot of local concern.
May 2, 1957
The monthly meeting of the Federated Girl Scouts of Nassau County’s Board of Directors (of which I am a member) met at the Boys’ Club. Our council was on hand to serve coffee and cake and milk to me. It was a long meeting lasting until after 12:30 PM.
After working at my desk I drove to Mr. Batterman’s to present him with a Boys’ Club Oscar. He is nearly blind and is very old. He gave $48,500 to our building drive a couple of years ago to build our Boys Club gymnasium, He is a most pleasant person to talk to and I really enjoy my visits. Upon returning to the club I found we had again been given 6 box seat tickets to Ebbets field. Bill Kinnear rounded up some Jr. Staff boys and took them in my wagon.
May 3, 1957
Drove into Brooklyn. It is an hour to an hour and 20 minutes drive via Grand Central Parkway-Interboro Parkway and down Atlantic Ave to downtown Brooklyn. On Mesorole St. I picked up a rebuilt Rowe Candy machine and our old national machine that we had overhauled. Next stop was the Brooklyn Army Base where I picked up 24 army pack boards that we had requested through surplus materials.
Had lunch at a diner and drove back out to Locust Valley. We put the candy machines up and had them in operation that afternoon. Put the pack boards in the rifle range until we need them for summer. Jack McCann cracked up his father’s automobile and put three of my “Golden Rod” hot rod club members in the hospital. Tony Leahman is quite bad with broken pelvis and legs. Worked at my desk and attended the monthly committee meeting of Boy Scout Troop #135 of which I am the outdoorsman. Big discussion about 50-5.
May 4, 1957
The Boy Scouts rolled up the paper from the gym floor and Mr. Peters and his crew from school made final clean-up of arts and crafts show. The money from this show will go toward sending a Boys’ Club member, Joe Rogers, to Italy for a 3 month period as representative of Locust Valley’s “Operation Democracy” program.. This is an experiment in international living.
Put the morning in at my desk. Drove up to school to watch the afternoon games at the Locust Valley public school field. Ron and Scott’s team won. As we started a fast at noon time we had no evening meal. Daylight saving time is in effect and this has somewhat upset the children’s feeding and sleeping habits. Quiet relaxing evening at home. Prepared Sunday School lesson.
May 5, 1957
Off on our regular trip to the Uniondale chapel. I gave Ron $2 to give to the ward clerk for fast offerings. His actual handling of the money will be more meaningful to him. Sunday school went well. Our Sunday school superintendent’s meeting went well also. Testimony meeting followed. Ron was able to maintain his fast until after the sacrament and then went out to the car to eat an apple. He let himself think about food until it nearly got the best of him. I bore my testimony and was very pleasantly surprised to hear Scott bear his testimony for the very first time.
I spent Sunday afternoon preparing a financial statement of the East Sunday School-This is in anticipation of a new budget. We left for sacrament services early because all the children were to take part in the program presented by the ward primary. The Bishop complimented Teri on her excellent behavior. Ron did well remembering all of his lines and Scott was fouled up which made my heart ache for him.
May 6, 1957
Up real early and away to New York City. The children are being cared for by the Anderson’s. Our income tax return has given us a real shopping day. To a clothing manufacturers for our first stop, two pair of flannel slacks, a gray with black stripes, Ivy league style sport coat, a summer suit, a pair of slacks for Helen and a wash and wear pair of slacks for me. Uptown we go to Paddy’s clam house for lunch. Helen and I both like sea food. Next came Macy’s-which lasted 7 hours. I staggered out with pkgs containing clothes for the children and a lovely skirt and blouse for Helen. Also shoes for Helen.
We took our packages to the car and went on up to Broadway in the Times Square area and saw the movie “Dragon Wells Massacre”. Our next stop was the House of Chan for a complete Chinese dinner. Returned home broke and tired but happy-thrilled-and absolutely in love with my charming and gracious wife . God bless her.
May 7, 1957
The national convention in Detroit draws close. Looks like Bill won’t make it because of his broken jaw. His doctor wants to work on him some more. I spent the morning checking the building with the maintenance people. The next few hours were spent preparing the monthly bills for payment. I then took them to our accountant and went on to other administrative duties. One such duty required a visit to our printers. I dropped by the local tailors to have Helen’s and my slacks cuffed.
We checked our staff assignments for the balance of the week and started working on our hard surface play area. Mr. Langer dropped by and we went over the possibility of starting a tennis clinic. I spent the evening at the Locust Valley Girl Scout council meeting. What started out as a routine meeting turned into a very potent situation when we all let our hair down and began to talk about organizing and establishing a Girls Club on the opposite corner form the Boys’ Club. A most challenging situation.
May 8, 1957
This started out as a happy pleasant day-turned into a horrible day of hard work. I mowed my lawns, worked on my flower gardens and washed the car. Billy Kinnear came over and helped me finish the wash job. We had the hood and front fenders waxed by lunch time. Then spent the next 4 1/2 hours finishing the wax job. My arms ached!
We took Teri Ann to Glen Cove and bought her a new pair of shoes. I looked for shoes for myself but couldn’t find anything I liked that would fit. The Nassau County Department of work has installed a curb and sidewalk along Forest Ave. fronting on our property. This was at our request and will keep water from draining across our property. (this is Boys’ Club property not his house)
May 9, 1957
Another day spent working on the car. She looks nice-all shined up. Scott upset our household by bringing a note home from his teacher that indicated he was in a few boyish pranks but even worse was un polite and disrespectful. For these last two things he accompanied me to the basement where he had my belt used good and hard on his bottom. He must apologize to his teacher and improve in behavior and attitude by the end of the month. (the transcriber remembers the thick envelope sent home by Miss Chard, the thick belt and the several good and hard swings)
Dale Macdonald came by to enjoy a delicious stake (sp) dinner with us and then to officially become my ward teaching partner. After giving the lesson at our house (of which Scott was unable to sit for) we went to make calls on our other four families. We found everyone home. I pray the Lord that I may do such a good job as a ward teacher that those people on our list may be re-activated and become eligible for the blessings of the Lord that can only come through active church and Priesthood participation.
May 10, 1957
We drove to Glen Cove to do some shopping. Didn’t find the clothing items we were looking for. I picked my shirts up at the laundry. Helen and the girls stayed behind to buy groceries while I came on back to the club to keep an appointment with Mrs. Johns and Mrs. Pennoyer. We went over the tea we are having for the Ladies of the dance committee.
Back to Glen Cove to pick up my girls and back to the office. I cooked up a deal with the boys to take their mother and the Andersons to the movie on Sat. as a surprise mothers’ day gift. Helen and I drove over to Macy’s at Roosevelt field and shopped for some luggage. We bought a 24″ woman’s Leed’s bag and matching car bag in a blue plaid. Very sharp. Packed my bags for tomorrows trip and made love to my wife!
May 11, 1957
A rather fantastic day! Arose at 5 AM. Helen prepared breakfast and I called for Wm Kinnear at 3 minutes of 6 AM We drove to Roslyn only to turn about and drive back to Locust Valley because I forgot my briefcase-this journal included. Our next stop was the Boys’ Club of Mt. Vernon at 7:15 AM. We picked up Andy Semansco and Kick Kaputa and drove to Dion Hoffarth’s home in Yonkers. Dion, Harold Wilson and Paul Smithson joined the group with Dion’s 1957 Lincoln Convertible.
We hit the New York State throughway at 7:45 AM less than 1/2 hour later I blew my front spark plug out of my motor head. A pair of pliers replaced it and on we went. At our first stop for gas I had a new set of plugs put in. Next stop was along the throughway at exit #49. (last before Buffalo) and through the Niagara Frontier Communities over the rainbow bridge and into Canada by 4:30 PM.
Took a wrong road and was in Brantford Canada for dinner at 6 PM. Took another wrong road and was in Galt, Ontario before we checked. Made a 100 mile correction by back tracking and re-routing and was in our hotel rooms at the Statler Hotel in Detroit by 11 PM-700 miles from New York City. We were crazy in driving 80-90 MPH all day. I will take two days to go home. The occasion is the 51st National Convention of the Boys’ clubs of America.
May 12, 1957
After a late pizza with the boys late last night Bill Kinnear and I took to our beds and slept until 12:30 PM. We awoke to Chuck Lawley’s telephone call. After showering and shaving we dressed and went out for brunch. Ate at the “Brass Rail” and had a lovely steak w/eggs, toast milk and salad. Registered for the convention, picked up free tour trips and made reservations to see “Around the World in 80 Days”. checked the crowd in Hoffarth’s suite and ran into Chuck Lawley. Enjoyed a nice chat in my room and went out for a breath of fresh air. Had a nice “window shopping” trip and picked up tickets to “The Ten Commandments”.
Had a big dinner party of 10 at the Brass Rail. Enjoyed my shrimp! Then Andy Semansco and I went to the movie showing “The Ten Commandments” It was 3 hrs and 39 minutes long. It was a very good picture and made me aware of a lot of religious points. To my room and to the writing of these pages in my journal and a note to my wife and my secretary.
May 13, 1957
51st annual convention of Boys” Clubs of America opened at the Hotel Statler in Detroit, Michigan. Bill Powers, advertising manager, Chevrolet Division of General Motors did the grandest job of making a “Keynote address” that I have ever heard. Hospitality is great. Lounge provides daily drawings on assorted gifts. Free soda (coke-which does me no good) and hand outs such as ash trays, model cars, airline bags, etc. Dr. Peters from Wayne State University did a great job with the session on Discipline. Attendance seems fairly large. It is fun renewing old acquaintances. I believe Billy Kinnear is enjoying his first convention.
Put in a meeting with my National Committee on Library. Looks like we will merge with National Culture and Fine Arts Committee. Boys’ Clubs of America’s Professional Association held its annual fellowship dinner at the Elmwood Casino in Windsor Canada. We truly had a wonderful time. Chuck Lawley had 2 American Airline Hostesses to help promote the Los Angeles convention in 1961. The food and service was excellent the floor show was better than average and one that everyone enjoyed. Speeches received the rest of the evening helped by Vernon MacAdam’s “Canadian on Canadian Soil”
May 14, 1957
Up early and down to the café Rouge here in the hotel for breakfast. Consisted of hot chocolate, jam, toast and orange juice. 1st speaker of the morning was Dr. Dobson of New York University who spoke of Intergroup Problems in Changing Communities. Next session was a clinic on Personal Relations (Guidance). Made several notes that I can use in regard to our own club program. Visited some craft displays and ordered a couple of things for the club. Also bought a couple of craft books for our instructors.
Lunched with a group at a nearby Chinese restaurant . Afternoon session was good. Dr. Shane McCarthy-Director President’s Council on youth fitness-did an excellent job. After this session I chaired a clinic on community service. Talked to Susan Mathias about Joe Rogus going to Italy. Had the best steak at the Brass Rail that I have ever eaten. From dinner I sent to see Mike Todd’s production “Around the world in 80 Days” Magnificent!
May 15, 1957
I am a member of the 1957 Northeastern Executive Director’s Administrative Conference’s Program Committee. We held a 7:30 AM breakfast meeting to handle some of the preliminaries. The regular morning convention session was on fund raising and featured the Executive Vice-President of the Detroit Torch Drive. Next came a clinic on camping. It was stimulating and gave me the opportunity to compare our camp programs with other clubs. I am quite satisfied with our aims and objectives.
Bill Kinnear and I hurried out to Hudson’s Dept Store (Macy’s of Detroit). I bought Helen a nice car coat $17.95 reduced to $8.95. Teri Ann a dress and cluster (duster?)combination @ $7.99 and each of the boys a nice cotton shirt @$2.99 each. Something for Debbie and I will have a gift for all when I return. (Teri always got the most expensive gifts)
The afternoon was spent at “Greenfield Village” Dearborn, Michigan. This restored spot depicting great places and items of American history was lovely to see. I want to bring the family to see it. Next came a lovely dinner at the Dearborn Inn. Entertainment was by the Ford Motor Co’s choral group named the “Continentals”. They were wonderful.
May 16, 1957
Had breakfast with Mr. Sherman Pratt, President, Board of Directors, Grenville Baker Boys’ Club who flew out to Detroit for the layman’s day program. We attended the session on government surplus and the annual meeting of the national council of Boys’ Clubs of America. Since we have recently been chartered by Congress this was also the 1st annual meeting of the BCA national council operating with a Wash. D.C. corporation.
We are lunch at a Chinese restaurant and I had the chance to discuss a Girls Club Program and a Day Camp program for our Boys’ Club. Girls Club will take additional selling. Day camp may materialize soon as Mr. Pratt will have some property for me to look at when I return to Locust Valley. Our afternoon session was “Personnel and Salaries”. After that Mr. Pratt napped and I went shopping. I bought two pairs of shoes. $27.00 a pr. Very expensive but because my feet are hard to fit and these were comfortable I bought them. Annual convention dinner was very good. Final speaker was Pres. of Burroughs Machines Co. Mr. Pratt retired early and I talked with Chuck Lawley until 3 AM.
May 17, 1957
Packed-checked out of the hotel and was on our way home by 10 AM. Drove through the tunnel to Windsor Canada and had breakfast on the outskirts of that city. We took Routes #2-#4-#3 across Ontario Canada to Fort Erie. We were in Buffalo, New York about 5 pm where we had a snack to eat. On through Buffalo to the New York thruway and mile after mile slid by at 70-80 miles per hour. At Syracuse N.Y. we left the thruway and registered at Hotel George motel. This is a lovely motel. We paid $14.00 for a lovely double room with television etc.
A lively game of hearts held Hoffarth, Semansco and myself for several hours. We went out for something to eat-pizza, ravioli, eggs and peppers etc. and then back to our hearts game. We played until 5 AM before hitting the hay. This man Hoffarth is a fantastic character!.
May 18, 1957
Slept until 10 AM. Showered and had breakfast in the coffee shop. Beautiful pool for the guests. Hit the thruway and hurried through the miles heading for home. Made a couple of stops en route to service the car and have a sandwich or an ice cream. We were in Mt. Vernon about 5 PM took Dick to the YMCA and dropped Andy Semansco off at his home. We chatted for a bit and Kinnear and I hit the road for Locust Valley-home by 6:30. Great to see the family. Had dinner with them and talked to the Rev. John Dykstra about a local family who have bad problems. Gave my gifts to the children and enjoyed their excitement. Helen’s coat was too large. visited with Edwards about their trip.
May 19, 1957
Followed our regular Sunday schedule and was at church by 8:45 AM. Had a fair attendance at Prayer Meeting. I conducted Senior Sunday School and taught my regular Gospel doctrine class. Brother Wendt our bishopric advisor from the ward hinted that big and new things were cooking and that by next week I would be approached for a new position by the bishop. We installed a new 4th Elders Quorum President-Bob Clarke and two counselors-Krause and Van Tassle.
Back home for a big steak lunch. Helen gave the boys their primary lesson while I walked over to a neighbors house that is rumored being for sale. Back home for a nap. Stan Johnson and family drove over to look at the home for sale. Had them meet the Edwards. Went back to sacrament meeting with Ron-Scott and Teri-Helen has a cold. Had our usual Sunday night picnic and family night.
May 20, 1957
Rained nearly all night and continued to rain hard nearly all day. I took Helen and Debbie with me to cash my check and then to Glen Cove for groceries. We usually shop at a large Bohack chain store. Our grocery bill for today’s purchases was a little over $50. this large order buying occurs every two weeks with Helen picking up other things as she needs them. Because of the rain I picked Teri up at her bus stop.
I spent several hours and shined just about all the leather shoes to be found in our place. 1 pr each for the children and 5 pr for myself. Rain let up so I did a bit of gardening. Hilled some dahlias and put in some gladiola bulbs. Scott raked some leaves from front lawn. I started to clip the big hedge. Ate dinner and opened the club for the girl scouts to meet.
May 21, 1957
The weather has turned very cold. We are having frequent rain storms. Texas is suffering from floods-Kansas City was ripped by tornadoes and unseasonal colds have gripped other section of the country. I worked all forenoon trimming the big hedge between my place and our next door neighbors the Bruces’. Teri (after she returned from Kindergarten) Linda and Debbie all helped me. They were more bother than they were worth but you have to encourage them to help and work a bit.
I spent the afternoon at my desk catching up on the backlog of mail. Held several staff consultation periods. Mr. Rosado is not showing the progress we would like him to. Looks as if I will have to replace him. Showed Bill Kinnear how to work the duplicator and how to cut stencils. Spent several hours dictating to Mrs. Foss and clearing work off from my desk. Helen has a bad cold. Don’t know where she caught it. This kind of weather is miserable for her. She cooked a lovely turkey dinner that was enjoyed by all the family. Ron’s and Scott’s baseball team won to move into first place in the league.
May 22, 1957
As soon as the children have finished with the bathroom and have cleaned out for school I get up and get ready for my mornings work. I spent a fast 1 1/2 hours mowing the back and front lawns and pruning a few shrubs. I hurried to a 10 AM appointment with my accountant and reviewed final budget expenditure figures for the close of our current fiscal year. Ralph La Bella a young local boy is our accountant. He has just had his 4th child-a boy. Took his wife home from the hospital today.
Squared our outdoor back stops away with Mr. Baron at Nassau Suffolk for final completion. Spent a good portion of the day at my desk and enjoyed a good corned beef dinner with the family. Drove to the school field and watched two of our baseball games. Our little major league (12 and under) is a terrific league. It’s amazing to watch them play.
May 23, 1957
Spent a good portion of the day digging camp gear our of the attic. Archie Anderson gave me a hand. Archie and I are taking Scott and five of his 8 year old friends into the Catskills for two days. This is an appeasement move to make up to Scott for his staying home when Ron went with me on the 50 in 5!. (This is being written on the “Ocean Limited” Canadian National Railway just leaving Montreal heading East to New Castle, New Brunswick.
Had Scott and friends (Norman Curth, Kenny Vorisek, Clark Robertson and Butch Soper ) bring all of their gear to the club so that it would be all packed. Had to give up writing on the train to rough. Spent a good part of the night packing my gear, bathing, shaving etc. Helped Bill Cullem launch our first tennis classes at the Boys’ Club. Robert Langer (former scoutmaster troop #135, Locust Valley is the volunteer leader. About 8-10 boys were in this pioneer group. Our adult alumni softball league opened today. I will play with the “Birches”.
May 24, 1957
Up at 5 AM as per Scott’s request. (sure love that boy) and a big breakfast of bacon and eggs. Archie came over and had breakfast with us. Drove to the club and picked up the other boys. Beautiful weather. Drove to Whitestone bridge, Hutchins on parkway, cross-country Parkway to the N Y throughway. Across the Tappenzee (Hudson River) bridge to route # 28 and thus through Phoenicia, Fleischmann’s to Ardville and back on a country road to the Seager Post office. Arrived at 9:30 AM just 4 hours of traveling. Spoke to the farmer at the Post Office and arranged to leave the car. Had a nice hike to a beautiful Glen and had lunch. Boys’ are bearing up well under their packs. Made the Shandoken Creek Lean to and made camp. boys’ helped pitch their pup tents and played with individual fires and fire places while I cooked supper-onion soup, hot chocolate, macaroni with tomato and cheese, chocolate pudding, bread and butter.
May 25, 1957
Temperature dropped to 30 degrees. We all suffered from the cold. A raccoon tried to get into my tent about 4 AM, words, a flashlight and a belt in the snoot scared him away. Cream of rice, stewed fruit, hot chocolate and bacon sandwiches made up our breakfast. We left out packs at the lean to and hiked up Haynes Mt. Good hard climb but the kids are great. Norm Curth got a little homesick, Clark Robertson was a little fatigued and Scott was enjoying himself as was Ken and Butch. Altitude over 3,000 feet!
Back down the steep path. Packs on our backs we left a clean camp and headed back for our car. We stopped at the Glen we had stopped at on the way up and had hot dogs and fruit punch. The last few miles dragged on to the car, but we all made it. Tired but heading for home. I became sleepy and let Archie drive all the way home. Kids were all glad to be home. Archie helped me clean and put away the gear. Had a nice dinner. Teri was all excited about the birthday party she had had. She will be 5 years old tomorrow. Shine some shoes and went to bed early. Police had me at the club at 2 AM. someone had forgotten to close the library windows.
May 26, 1957
Dog tired at 7 AM but up for Sunday School none the less. I put some discussion points on the blackboard for my Sunday school class and attended prayer meeting. Representatives of the Stake Sunday school were present I worked with the junior Sunday school and helped pass the sacrament. My class assignment went well and I lined the bishop up to teach for me next Sunday when I will be away.
During Priesthood meeting Bishop called me to his office. Said I was being released as Sunday School Superintendent. George Ward will move up so that he might start and be ready when the Suffolk county unit is ready to start. Bishop thanked me for a job well done and said to take it easy until September 1. If the stake doesn’t grab me then he said that he had a special assignment in mind for me to do in Uniondale. Spent the afternoon working with Ron on his cub scout awards and in preparing for my sacrament service talk. I started a new short speech series to the young people at sacrament meetings.
May 27. 1957
I set out a dozen tomato plants that Mrs. Edwards gave us. Transplanted some volunteer four-o-clocks out to the front walk, mowed both lawns, cut some flowers for the house and gave our new back steps a good coat of wood life. I tore out the old stairs cut them up for fire wood and fitted the new stairs. Helen put out a terrific wash and helped me with the stairs. She is a wonderful wife. She works hard at keeping her house clean and raising our children. She does marvels with them in home primary courses which she teaches them.
I spent about an hour at the Boys’ Club going through mail. Ran down to the printers to check some proofs and home for dinner. Up to the school field for the “Birches” first league softball game. We lost 13-4. (On earned runs we won 4-2). our team is mostly for recreation and needs experience but some of our errors were really “Dear Alphonse” productions. (comic strip between 1901 and 1937 featuring two bumbling Frenchmen) Helen, the Andersons and I saw Tarzan inTechnicolor and “the little hut” at the Glen cove Movies.
May 28, 1957
I slept quite late and dug a bag out of the attic to start packing for Canada. I dressed in some new black flannel slacks, a pair of black loafer shoes and an Ivy League black and gray stripped sport coat with a blue button down shirt and what I considered the right tie to set me off. When I arrived at the Boys’ Club the Ladies Committee had already started to prepare for their tea. The business meeting went along OK. We had a nice games carnival on our outside play area. I gave Bob Rozado 2 week’s notice-lack of initiative and ability.
Mr. Pratt presented Nat Norris with a Boys’ Club Oscar in memory of Odile Norris his wife. I returned the Vorisek’s grill, gathered my briefcase full of papers and headed home to finish packing. Learned that Mrs. Edwards father had had a severe stroke.
May 29, 1957
Made a check at the post office for mail. Stopped by the club to make last minute plans with Mr. Alpy-head custodian. Mrs. Edwards father is still in critical condition-upper extremities are paralyzed. Dropped my shirts off at the laundry and bought 3 pkgs of carnation chocolate milk flavored drink to take to Canada. Picked up Bill Cullum and Col John Lloyd Egan, USAF and drove to Idlewild International Airport. Met Mr. Sherman Pratt, checked our baggage through and had a sandwich and glass of milk.
Boarded a trans-Canadian-Viscount turbo jet for a pleasant flight to Montreal. A lovely lunch was served during flight. Left our baggage at Mr. Royal Hotel and walked to Eaton’s Dept Store where we bought two mattresses and a pair of water skis for Pratt’s Camp. Saw the movie “Abandon Ship” with Tyrone Power and had dinner. Left Montreal for New Castle, N.B. on the Canadian National Railroad-“Ocean Limited”. Roomette space gave us considerable privacy. Nice chat with Pratt and Egan and off to bed in the upper berth.
May 30, 1957
We went on Atlantic timed during the night. Had a nice breakfast on the train and enjoyed the beauty of the New Brunswick countryside. The Gaspe country is most scenic and picturesque. Green valleys, wooded hills and rushing streams. Kiah Copp met us at the station and we drove to Kiah’s house. Met his wife and grandson and had milk, toast and marmalade. Bought $50 worth of groceries at the New Dominion food store. Ordered seven fly rods reels at Whyte’s Drug Store and saw Cleland’s about putting in a hot water heating system at the main camp’s “Mouse room”. (sp)(?) I drove the camp truck in over the new Frayer Road. Road is in excellent condition. Pratt’s camps are located on Holmes Lake. Met our old friend and guide Hiram Allyson. Changed clothes, unpacked and motored to the boat house. Fished from the boathouse and caught two small trout. Caretaker George Rolph gave us 7 he had caught and we returned to the winter camp for dinner and to bed.
May 31, 1957
Very cold last night. I enjoyed the comfort of my camel hair sleeping bag. Slept late and enjoyed a lovely trout breakfast. Crossed to Main camp via motor boat and showed Col. Egan the facilities. He was amazed. Repaired a lock on the mouse room and gathered a few things to take back to the Robinson (winter) camp. Enjoyed lunch, made inventory on Boys’ Club gear, checked fishing gear, dug worms and switch 3 HP motor on the boat for the 10 HP motor.
Hiram, Egan and I went to the dam at the bottom of Tuadock Lake. We caught a beautiful mess of trout. Several of the Brook trout weighing between 1 1/2 to 2 lbs. Our trout creel was jammed with fish. Worms was the best bait. Hiram caught them with a little alder stick and a 3 ft. piece of leader. John Egan and I use sport gear. Water was so clear that one could watch the trout strike. Caught a few chubs and some baby shad. enjoyed the walk across from the dam to the lake. Beautiful day. Enjoyed dinner, Spent the evening in the day room reading, writing and talking. It stays daylight until 10 PM Strange Sensation!!