News from Hanson Historical Society

I wrote to the Hanson Historical Society to try and get more information about the camp.  My last year was 1971.   I was 21 and head counselor that year.  prof and Mrs. Longley were still running the camp.  The following was their reply:

Camp Wampatuck is no longer there.  It was sold to a developer and the houses on Kings Landing Way are where the Camp was located.   The road is the 1st right after the Town Hall and Wampatuck pond. almost opposite Gorwin drive on the left.  When we moved into the town in 1978 the Camp was very rundown.  It abutted the Town Forest, as Kings Landing Way does today.  In the Images of America "Hanson" book, by Donna McCulluch Brown (an Arcadia publication) you will find on pages 118 ans 119 pictures and a little information on Camp Wampatuck.  The Hanson Historical Society sells the book for $20.00 plus shipping.

It is hard to believe in 7 years it could become so rundown. I am saddened that it all could end so fast.  Now I am curious as to when it actually closed etc.  

Postcard

While searching the internet last night, I came across this postcard for sale somewhere.  Actually it has already been sold.  It was pictures of some cabins at Camp Wampatuck.  I think the pictures of Mohawk, Blackfoot, and Merrimac.  Those were the original names.  As we get older it is harder to remember the names.  I may have to really sit down and think about these names and publish them later.  I believe I was in all three of them at one time or another.  I know I was in Mohawk my first two years at Wampatuck.  My favorite memory was the indoor greenie (chamber pot) that we used if we needed a bathroom at night.  Nobody would own up to using it during morning kapers.  So much for today..........

Flagpoles

I am reading a great book by Susan Wiggs. It is about a family owned camp. It opens with a flagpole scene and immediately, images filled my mind with the flagpole at Camp Wampatuck. The stone and cement structure was the central point of camp. Everyday began and ended at the flagpole. Roll call, pledge, announcements etc. It was also a place to gather and chat. A place to wait for your parents to show up for visitors day, or perhaps a place to wait and hope for a visit from your parents. Occasionally, a very loud cabin might be brought there at night for calisthenics. What memories! I wish I could go back and relive some of those times. The wonderful counselors, Two who stand out are Dottie Girling and Peggy Stackpole. They made such an impression on a 9 year olds mind. Here's to flsgpoles and the start of each new day!

Music

Music and songs can literally change a day. In my profession, I work with kids and truly love my job. It is amazing to me how getting kids to sing a crazy camp song can turn their day around. One crazy song at the end of a long day filled with tests and tension and they leave with a smile on their faces and the truly amazing thing is......... they leave happy and that is what they remember from the day. Those camp songs are indispensable!