SMOKY HOLLOW

[Welland Tribune, 12 August 1898]

(Written for the Tribune)

The very jolly crowd of Wellanders camping at Lake View grove this last week have spent a most enjoyable time. The tents were pitched on Thursday, since when “sounds of revelry by night” have broken the quiet stillness which pervades this pretty spot. Both tents are situated on rising knolls and carefully sheltered by pine trees. Two natural canopies of pines form the resting places of two hammocks. Many pleasant little tete-a-tetes take place in these, but we are not privileged to enter into these further details. The camp, or, as the girls call it, the “Angel’s Retreat,” has had many callers. The following have registered in the log book of the camp during the week: — Mrs. R. H. Harcourt, Mrs. H. A. Rose, Mrs. W. L. Beatty, Mrs. Coulson, Mrs. J. E. Cohoe, Mrs.McCollum, Mrs. McMullen (of Buffalo), the Misses Page, Miss Brown, Miss Schooley, Miss EthelCarter, Miss Coulson, Nellie Ross, Clarabelle Buchner, Orphie Wilson, Nettie Morin, Lizzie Morin, Fannie Hobson, Gordon Casper, Charlie Coulson, J. Gillam (of Buffalo), W. Raymond and C. Donald (of Toronto), L. C. Raymond F. Griffiths, H. Macoomb, R. Cassells and others.

Breakfast at 8 o’clock is our first knowledge of the world after the sun rises; then comes a swim on the sloping sandy beach. Several of our young ladies are like mermaids in the water, and all enjoy this morning plunge. With so many military men in camp, drill is an important feature and our squad acquits itself in a very able manner. Sunday we were busy entertaining guests and nearly all attended divine service in the morning. We regret to say, however, that the pleasing accents of the parson were too much for some of us, and a quiet snooze soon made the morning pass away. Blue Monday, as it is called, quite appropriately states the condition of affairs on Monday, and the soldiers in camp at Santiago know just what we felt like in the drizzling rain. Monday night we had a glorious camp fire on the beach, and a party from St. Catharines joined us. We had a pleasant evening singing old songs and many new ones, and all regretted when the last dying embers of the huge fire announced to us that it was time to turn in.

Tuesday evening we had a most enjoyable dance in the pavilion, and on Wednesday the campers gave a large dance, to which many from outside invited. Last week five of the boys went out for a sail. The weather was a little squally, but we were prepared, as we thought it advisable to wear bathing suits. When about three hundred yards out our boat upset, and some gallant rescues took place. All that could be seen of Harry was a little red hat on the top of every wave as he bravely rescued an oar. With the exception of a thorough wetting, we fortunately escaped. Several midnight parades have been given, which were strictly dress parades. On evening a crowd of nightingales serenaded the boys’ camp, but the owls were wise and merely blinked their eyes. Revenge is sweet ! but at this time of writing we are unable to give detailed accounts of the manner of attack. A court martial was held at midnight on Wednesday on two of the boys. The finding of the court has not yet been rendered, but there is no doubt that a just verdict will be given. A great deal of evidence was heard. Another name has been given to the girls’ camp, and we believe it is placed on the opposite side of the placard – Angel’s Retreat; anyway it is the opposite to Angel’s Retreat.

Saturday three of Welland’s finest in the dancing line acted as judges on the prize waltz for married and single ladies, and also for the jig. Frank, Harry and Hugh were satisfied, but the girls didn’t see it that way. Well, we all danced with the prize winners, so I guess we ought to know.

The following poem addressed to our chaperone from one of the guests at our camp may prove interesting:

It sorely grieved me
To have to say to thee,
That I am unable to be
With the camping partie
On Wednesday, see !

The reason of my distress,
Is pressure of much business?
I should like to take a seat
In the shades of the Angel’s Retreat;
But a serious obstacle I meet
In the way of business, I repeat.

However, my regards to you and Nell,
Donna, May and Bessie well.
Remember me to the noisy crew,
Frank and Fred and Bob and Hugh,
Harry and ‘Gene, do not forget,
For all of these I recently met.

Wellandburg, Aug. 1898

Gene thought he had lost his wheel, but special detectives soon brought it to light. He has been buying cigars nearly all week. Did you say six fingers?

All the boys received little tokens on Wednesday morning as rewards for past services. Cigarettes chiefly. Give me a match please! Smoke all the time! Everybody smokes! Our camp was quite appropriately named “Smokey Hollow.” Everyone has his own little camp fire every night. Hugh and Fred are the champion pedro players, but there are some good seconds.

We have had a merry time, and the photo group which was taken on Thursday morning will be cherished by all as a souvenir of a most pleasant fortnight. Our hosts at the motel have been kindness itself, and the whole camp take this means of expressing their very grateful thanks to Mr. and Mrs. White. The boys held an informal reception on Wednesday afternoon and ice cream and cake were served.

The discipline at camp is very strict and those out late at night must run the gauntlet of the sentry, and woe betake he who has forgotten the pass word for the mystic sign. The young ladies are all becoming delightfully tanned, and a most beautiful healthy brown. They say that flour is a good thing to keep the tan off. Well, they use enough!

A very pleasant concert was given on Saturday night at the hotel. Mr. Donald kindly responded to the numerous encores. He has a most pleasing voice.

//aj