The Nawakwa Outdoor Association of New York, Inc.

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The Nawakwa Outdoor Association of New York, Inc.

100 Years: In the midst of the wilderness

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A series of posts as we look forward to the 100th Anniversary of ADKNY in 2023

Our Camp on Lake Sebago was popular from the beginning.

“Water was the big problem.  The pump at the lake with the pipe line to the auxiliary tank provided ample service water.  Drinking water was another matter.  For this we tapped a weak spring down the road where it dips almost to the lake beyond the parking area.  Of course there was no road then.  The distance is about 500 yards.  All the drinking water was carried up to the house in pails.  Light drinkers were the order of the day.  Naturally, when the Park water was on it served adequate for drinking.  As traffic in the area increased, this spring was abandoned.  Then, our only source of drinking water was a spring at the New York University camp – now the family camp.  The water squad went over in boats and brought back full pails.  A Chinese yoke was devised for bringing pails up from the dock. (1)

On a weekend shortly before Memorial Day a fire broke out near the drinking water spring.  A chapter member with a group had lunch and a camp fire at the spot where the forest fire began.  The entire camp turned out with pails and other items to help fight the fire and save the camp.  Our efforts were successful, but an extensive area to the north and west were badly burned over.  (1)

Recognition – Major William A. Welch writes – “I want to assure you that we very much appreciate the work that members of the Club did in helping us fight that fire (at Sebago) and that we realize very fully that the Club as such, is in no way responsible for it.” (2)

“During the first six years of the camp life, there was no road in from the highway.  When the lake was clear of ice, the supplies were brought in by boat from a point near the dam.  When the ice was good, the large flexible flyers were used to bring in the supplies.  One sled had skis attached for use on snow.  During all the time between these 2 periods, everything had to be backpacked around the shoreline.”  (1)

The headquarters of the NY Chapter was located at 347 Prospect Ave in Hackensack, NJ.  We had a headquarters!

“It did not seem appropriate to continue calling our place “the new camp”, so word went out for a better name with the winner having a free weekend at camp.” We remember that this is the same prize given to the member who name The Trail Marker.  “Katherine Williams won the prize with Nawakwa.  This is an Indian word meaning “in the midst of the wilderness”. (1)

 

Should you think that the NY Chapter members were only a rough and tough crowd, the June 21, 1926 issue of The Trail Marker notes: “Cancelled – The “Moonlight Sail” scheduled for Friday, June 25, is hereby officially cancelled by order of ye chairman.  The Social Committee investigated the Mandalay and found it wanting in many things, including refinement that the Chapter seeks in all its doings.”

Beginning in 1923, in addition to The Trail Marker, a quarterly booklet was published “Schedule of (Season) Outings”.  It was beautifully designed as a four fold, single sheet that easily fit into a pocket.  Each issue listed the Chapter leadership and included the weekend hosts, hikes and outings.  Each quarterly schedule was ten pages long.  The summer schedule was twelve pages long.  Every holiday was celebrated at Nawakwa including Valentine’s Day, Lincoln’s Birthday, and Washington’s Birthday.  Every weekend there were three to four activities.

And how exactly did one get from the Sloatsburg train station to Nawakwa? “The station agent at Sloatsburg will gladly assist anyone in reaching the dam by auto.  The driver may sometimes be found at the barber shop near the station.  The fare is $0.50, if there are four or more.  Distance about four miles.

Another method of traveling from the city was to take the boat from 132nd St. to Bear Mountain; $0.60 one way on weekdays; $1 on Sundays and holidays.” (3)

  1. A History by Ira Ayres 1985
  2. The Trail Marker – June 21, 1926
  3. Schedule of Summer Outings 1926
  4. Photo – Thanks to Geoff Weaver who has donated his father’s photo album

Let me know if anyone comes to mind who might like to receive these highlights,

Ellen King

Archivist

Touring the Camp

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Since we can’t get to the camp, Glen has shared some pictures from his collection to remind us….

If you have any pictures to share, please contact Martymcd at me.com

 

100 Years: Building up camp

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A series of posts as we look forward to the 100th Anniversary of ADKNY in 2023

We left off last time with the grand opening of the camp on Lake Sebago on April 17-18, 1926.  At that time it was yet to be named Nawakwa.

To quote from the April 30, 1926 issue of The Trail Marker “Being a Bulletin issued every now and then by the Chairman of the NY Chapter Adirondack Mountain Club, Inc.”  There actually was an Editor who put the publication together.

“The official opening took place on the following weekend of the 17th.  Over fifty members were on hand to give their approval and voice their enthusiasm.  No wonder! A great camp with its large living-dining room, its attractive open fireplace, its spacious kitchen, its comfortable sleeping quarters, its admirable view of the lake and surrounding country – no wonder!

Reservations – We must remind our members that reservations for accommodations should be made early, although ten beds will always be held until the Wednesday proceeding any weekend for late applicants.  Already two weekends in May are filled to the quota of fifty-full capacity being sixty.  The camp is so arranged that small groups can spend a few days or longer in one of the small cabins that is partitioned off for that purpose so that the main building need not be opened.  Reservations for such use should be made early to Miss Antonia H. Froendt … for dates up to July 1st.

Lake Sebago – The lake is now undergoing its final construction work.  The retaining wall is being filled in and the old road re-laid at a higher elevation.  It will not be long before the lake can be raised to its final level.  When it is, and even now, the attractions will be boating, swimming and fishing in season.  Boats are being purchased and will be delivered about May 15th.  The swimming will always be good as the beach slopes rapidly into deep water.  There will be a crib for the non-swimmers and a float for the experts.

 

Lockers – Many have inquired about locker space, so that it has been definitely decided to purchase this needed equipment.  The charge made for rental will be about $3.00 per year.  Please let the Camp Committee know through Miss Froendt that you wish to be so accommodated.

Trails – Trails are being marked to and from the Camp.  The new water-level route to Tuxedo is well marked with signs at the strategic corners.  Other trails will be opened up in the near future and marked with ADK markers.

 

The $10 Assessment – Many have not been heard from in answer to the call for the $10 assessment, either through carelessness, procrastination, or because of lack of enthusiasm.  To that last group, we say re-read page 1 of this bulletin and if that procedure does not stir you, spend a weekend at camp.  Some of our members who rarely went to Blue Bird promise to return often to the new camp……..so will you, when you see it.

Act Now – So please save the administration a lot of extra work by coming across right away quick, otherwise we must hound you by personal letters and actual contact when we see you on a walk or at the camp.  There can be no middle course.  All must pay their share of ……We must be fair to those who have paid in of $1,300 to date.  Sit down now and write your check to the order of the New York Chapter, ADK and mail it to the secretary, Miss Dorothy Roest …

P.S. Don’t wait to be invited to the new camp – just write in and say that you are coming.  Except for the popular weekends, there will always be room.”

Harriman State Park was a busy place during this period.  “The Palisades Interstate Park Commission was in the midst of acquiring the small hamlets including Queensboro, Pine Meadow, Johnsontown, and Sandyfield to create the Park.  2,200 people were settled in the area.  As part of the 1910 donation of the Harriman Land, additional funds were donated to acquire private homesteads to enlarge the park.  The PIPC was empowered with eminent domain to require homeowners to move.  In the 1940’s park police lieutenant James Gazaway shared this reflection with his family, “The hardest thing I ever had to do was to remove those people from their land.” The original NY Chapter camp, Quannacut was on land purchased around 1918.  It was formally Brooks House, home of Harvey Brooks.  This home, barn and orchard became the Camp

At the same time our Camp was opening, areas of the new Harriman State Park were being reforested.  The bare hills that had been clear-cut for lumber, charcoal and firewood for the local brickyards were replanted.  Within 20 years, the denuded hills were alive with trees, shrubs, flowering plants and ferns. (1)

  1. Reference – Image of America – Harriman State Park, Ronnie Clark Coffey

Ellen King

Archives Committee

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Founded in 1923, the Nawakwa Outdoor Association of New York, Inc. is a membership organization dedicated to the enjoyment of the outdoors through hiking, walking, camping, swimming, skiing, sailing, canoeing, and kayaking, and to the conservation and preservation of our wilderness, particularly the mountains, lakes, trails, and camping areas of the metropolitan New York region.