Let’s Do Laundry!

Published on April 26, 2017April 26, 2017 by Kathy Baker

A lined page from a notebook in the archives dated 8/6/43 was titled “Sent to Greenwalds Laundry”. It included items used in the lodge, such as curtains, dresser scarves, bedspreads, blankets and rugs. A second page itemizing the linens in the hostess room closet listed bath towels, sheets, pillowcases, washcloths, kitchen towels and pads. Someone had to wash and dry these necessary linens, in light of the fact that early on a wringer washer may have been on hand, but nothing large enough to handle the larger items. Linda Greenwald, (1946-52) recalled a brand new wringer washer that was located near the camp store when she attended her sessions.

Molly Olson, who camped in the late forties, was the first one to mention laundry boxes. When her clothes got dirty, there were laundry boxes to send home your soiled clothes through the mail! Heavy, with lengthwise straps across the 20×20 rectangular box, the straps would hook around the box securely and the girls would address the box.

In the sixties, camp committee minutes stated each member took home a camp blanket to wash and dry to save on laundry costs, but notes also indicated that 20^th Century Cleaners would launder the blankets for a small fee. In 1963, a woman was hired for .10 a sheet, .05 a pillowcase and .10 a towel set!

Walls That Talk–

Published on November 9, 2016February 21, 2017 by Kathy Baker

The walls did talk, or at least the girls felt like they did, as a tradition developed to write their names on the walls in toothpaste or lipstick. “My Mom always wondered why we wanted extra toothpaste”, laughed Kim Moore (1968-1972), “but you know we just had to write our names on the cabin walls!”

Priscilla Johns saved the little bit at the end of the tube, in the sixties, to end her session with her signature. Others wrote in lipstick. Some of the campers had no recollection of names written on the walls and were horrified at the thought of defacement, but others say the tradition developed early enough that their previous generations had left their calling card.

“I remember putting my stuff on the cross bars of the wall, but we would have never written our names or put graffiti on the walls. There would have been hell to pay”, said Mary Lou Goggin, who was a horseback riding instructor in the sixties and one of the artists who created the muslin wall map of the camp. (Her way of leaving a piece of history still hangs on the walls today.)

Fresh Paint and Foliage

Published on October 31, 2016October 30, 2016 by Kathy Baker

I missed autumn at the lake this year, but my favorite little tree by the boathouse always gives me a hint of color before I leave for Florida.

My years growing up in Michigan meant there were always wonderful seasons to enjoy, and autumn with the changing foliage was always one of my favorites. It meant the end of summer, school starting and heavier clothes. It meant hayrides, Halloween fun and bonfires. For the Maqua campers, it probably saddened many with the knowledge that camp sessions were done for another year.

Around Camp Maqua and the lake, the leaf color this year was splendid, but all I got to see were the photos from friends who remained longer than I or who live year round in Hale. I cannot feel sorry for myself, as I enjoyed a beautiful balance of warm and cool weather this summer!

While the leaves were turning, our Maqua Association members voted on the repainting of the Craft Hut, along with some repairs, and the painting of the “Brownie”. I thought you might enjoy seeing the results! Our plans for the spring include some grassing near the beach areas and the re-staining of our decks to keep everything looking up to date and in good working order. But, for now association members have stored the docks, picnic tables, kayaks, water toys and chairs until the spring. Goodbye summer!

Traditions On The Way–

Published on October 5, 2016February 21, 2017 by Kathy Baker

When Beth Phillip’s parents drove her to camp in their pick-up truck (1972-78), there was a certain point where she would get so excited, because she felt like she was almost there. As they neared US 23 there was a pink tent and that was the landmark she waited to see!

“My Mom and Grandma would always drive me up there for sessions and my Dad would always pick me up and drive up to meet my Mom at our cottage near Harrisville,” said Jenifer Penzien (1969-71) of their yearly summer ritual.

For Maggie Young (1962), it was an adventure. “Even travelling in my Dad’s 1961 Corvair was an adventure. It ended up being my first car.”

“My family was not wealthy, and we didn’t even have a television until 1956,” said Ellen Hydorn (1954) whose aunt shared her vacation home in Tawas with the family,” but the rest of the girls I went up with were all fairly wealthy. I remember my Dad drove me up in the old Cadillac.”

Carol Requadt’s brother was in Camp Iroquois on Sand Lake in 1945 and when both camping sessions were over, their parents would pick them up and head to their rental cottage, which was also in Tawas. She was not alone in that double pick up, as many of the campers had brothers attending nearby camps.

“Camp Maqua Revisited”

Published on July 28, 2016 by Kathy Baker

Over the years-and there’ve been many since then, At least once a summer I reminisce when, My friends and I would pack up our trunks, and come to this place and Pick out our bunks. “What do you want” bottom or the top? Nobody really cared, We were there, up for the dare, And ready for fun–nonstop! Revelry in the morning—raising the flag, and maybe a bra or 2, Then choosing of activities, Oh soooo many, What’s a girl to do? Arts & Crafts, canoeing, or maybe learn to shoot a gun, Swims in the lake, (don’t forget the buddy system) or stepping on a snake, Or riding a horse, and the singing of course. WHATEVER you chose–it was FUN! I never minded the food too much, I’ll eat pretty much anything to this day, But I do remember a food fight HAHA Much to the directors dismay. The infirmary, the brownie, nature hut and yes, camp store, Our cabin with the little shelf, that held our toothpaste and more, Thad we’d use, when we found an empty space to write our names upon the Rafters, A reminder to all, that we were here, And to all who would come soon after. But the Lodge was my most favorite place, with the cookies and if lucky–mail, And everywhere you looked a smiling face—attached to a pig or pony tail. That place where we got our bellies fed, Sang silly songs that got stuck in our head, Then reluctantly trounced off to bed—Taps and giggled until the last goodnight was said…..Then did it all over again. These are just some snip its of my Camp Maqua memories, With a big heartfelt THANK You to Kathy for allowing this possibility, to go back in time–once again. <3 Written by Ann Niegarth Laskowski as she returned for the Centennial Reunion