Spring/Summer/Fall 2011 Volume 6, Number 1
THIS EDITION Purity Spring Celebrates its Cenetennial p2 Polar Express Promotion p2 A Sweet and Unexpected Valentine Gesture p3
Purity Spring Celebrates 100 Years
John Nute Memorial and “JN” Pin Purchase Info p3 Purity’s Group and Theme Weekends p4 Six Couples, Eight Adopted Children... One Family p4 “I Love It Here” Photos, Winners and Information p4-6 King Pine Multisport Weekend p5 Thomas Jefferson... a scrapbooker? p5 Danforth Bay Hosts the 2010 Great Escape p6 The Bluffs Florida Reunion p6 The Laura Foundation: News and Upcoming Events p7 Traditions Restaurant & Pub: Updates and information p8
The Inn in the early 1900’s
The Inn overlooking Purity lake E. Milton Hoyt, Jr and Milton Hood
1251 Eaton Rd., East Madison, NH 03849 (603) 367-8896 (800) 373-3754
The original Mill in the early 1900’s
Camp Tohkomeupog: Continuity by Jake Mehlman p8
HAPPY 100TH PURITY SPRING!
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF LAKESIDE HOSPITALITY Purity Spring Resort is celebrating its 100 year anniversary in 2011. Owned and operated by the Hoyt Family of East Madison since the late 1800’s, original founder Edward E. Hoyt first operated The Hoyt Natural Mineral Spring Water Company, shipping bottled “Purity Spring Water” to Boston and New York City. A decade later, Hoyt had already begun to invite guests to his lakeside country inn before deciding in 1911 to devote more of his time to his lodging guests. Originally named Purity Spring Farms and Cottages, guests from around New England were attracted to the over 1,000 natural acres of fields and forests which surrounded springfed Purity Lake. The Hoyt Family made land preservation a priority and even during the lean years around World War I when business dropped considerably, remained focused on keeping the property intact. “My grandfather was devoted to keeping his land and passed on valuable lessons to my father, E. Milton Hoyt,” mentions Ted Hoyt, Senior Operator and 4th generation owner of Purity Spring. “People often offered my grandfather a lot of money for the lakefront property, but he refused, even though he could have used it. It was tough,” he continued, “but grand-dad always impressed
“Originally named Purity Spring Farms and Cottages, guests from around New England were attracted to the over 1,000 natural acres of fields and forests which surrounded springfed Purity Lake.”
upon us the importance of not selling off the land, of preserving it, and keeping it intact. He wanted Purity Lake to remain one of the last undeveloped lakes in New Hampshire.”
Centennial events, activities and momentos
The centennial anniversary will mark 100 years of family traditions with ongoing activities around the resort, contests, vintage photo opportunities, stories and photos from prior guests. In addition to a centennial weekend celebration June 3-5, 2011 and a possible music fair in late August, Purity Spring is also putting last minute touches on the following ideas:
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
historic walking and kayak tours historic photos slide shows museums throughout the resort photo memories from guests diplayed on walls of Traditions Restaurant trivia scavenger hunts letterboxing weekly birthday celebration at Thursday night cookout coffee table books around the resort to share memories weekly storytelling old fashioned lawn games pie eating contests sack races three-legged races local parades collectable pewter ornaments 18-month Purity photo calendar 100 year celebration t-shirt engraved pavers
Can anyone guess where this photo was taken? Let us know at info@purityspring.com!
The above list will be finalized soon. For additional events, dates and details, visit the website at PuritySpring.com/centennial
Polar Express Centennial Promotion One of the many promotions in honor of the anniversary will entail a grand prize offering a two-night, first class Polar Express package for a family of four! All guests staying at the resort for three or more nights from May 1st - Oct 16, 2011 will be entered into the drawing! For additional promotion details, PLUS an “insider” secret on 4 additional giveaways, visit PuritySpring.com/insider.
“HAVE A PLEASANT DAY”
A SWEET AND UNEXPECTED VALENTINE GESTURE FROM A DEPARTED FRIEND For the 45 female employees working throughout the resort and ski area on Monday, February 14th, the day kicked off with a very special surprise. Pretty little corsages, mini pink carnations with red bows, awaiting each of them; a sweet and unexpected valentine gift from a departed friend. This kind gesture, first initiated by John Nute some 13 years ago, had become a somewhat anticipated and highly appreciated tradition on Valentine’s Day. With John’s passing last fall, on October 15th, the anticipation leading up to the day this year was with rather mixed emotion. John’s wife, Pat, made certain his tradition carried on, at least for this winter. She did this because it was significant for John. According to Pat, his motivation was simple and sincere - “It brought John joy to do something that would brighten somebody else’s day.” It was in this spirit that John became our first official ‘Ambassador’ at King Pine Ski Area, a position he proposed to complement existing customer service efforts. He recognized the powerful importance of a friendly greeting and a warm welcome. John often positioned himself by the front door of the ski lodge. His was the first smile visitors saw in the morning, his guidance was available throughout the day, and his kind words at each parting always left people with a positive outlook for their next return. He knew this was good business practice,
yes. But for John, it was so much more than that. John was innately motivated to help every individual appreciate the best of every day. It was in this role that most winter guests will fondly remember him. Summer guests to the resort may remember John as Director of the Tennis Center, a position he held for 14 years, up until the summer of 2006. During summers, however, John spent much more of his time working with the boys at Camp Tohkomeupog. While John’s influence is felt throughout all parts of the company, his first and foremost lure to the valley was Tohkomeupog, where he started as a camper in 1944. By the time of John’s death, his involvement with camp had spanned an incredible 64 summers. John had been a counselor, encampment director, waterfront director, assistant camp director, and tennis director… not to mention being a mentor and role model to countless individuals throughout the generations. When alumni returned to the valley, his was often the first face they hoped to encounter. Even as his role at camp evolved throughout the years, John remained steadfastly spirited with one very specific effort. That was, he strived to impart upon all of us the importance of keeping good manners… and to guide young boys on the path to becoming young gentlemen. This effort remained his primary focus, one that in recent years received validation from appreciative alumni for whom these life skills had proved valuable towards success. “Please and thank you are words that will never get you in trouble”, a mantra permanently etched in our minds.
“This kind gesture, first initiated by John Nute some 13 years ago, had become a somewhat anticipated and highly appreciated tradition.”
JOHN NUTE REMEMBRANCE PIN AVAILABLE NOW ONLINE
The ‘Remembrance Pin’ was introduced during the 2011 ski season as a way for people to remember John… and to honor his wish: give as many boys as possible an opportunity to attend Tohkomeupog. Sales profits will go directly to the Tohkomeupog Alumni Association in support of the Scholarship Fund.
Pins can be purchased online at www.KingPine.com/jn-pin for $6.15 (includes shipping). Camp Tohko will match all donations to the Scholarship Fund, dollar-for-dollar.
MEMORIAL SERVICE INFORMATION Saturday, May 21st, at 2PM at Purity Spring Given the size of the extended community associated with Purity Spring Resort and Camp Tohkomeupog, it is possible that the news of John’s passing is reaching your ears for the first time. If that is the case, we are truly sorry; we very much want to keep you informed. The loss we feel in John’s absence is immeasurable. His spirit, however, permeates this valley and will not fade. He helped each of us feel appreciated, whether by a handshake and a smile, a kind word or the unexpected appearance of a pink corsage. In that way, he will forever be our valentine. If you would like to honor John’s memory, donations may be made in his name to the Camp Tohkomeupog Alumni Association: mailed to 1251 Eaton Road, East Madison, NH 03849. This was his wish - to give as many boys as possible the opportunity to enjoy the Tohkomeupog experience. All donations will go towards supporting the camp scholarship fund, established to relieve some of the financial burden for boys to attend Tohkomeupog. Monies donated in John’s name will be matched, dollar-
“Preceding the service on Saturday will be the John Nute Memorial Race, a 4-mile run/walk on the trail system around Purity Lake; proceeds to benefit the camp scholarship fund.” for-dollar, by camp itself. Together, we will help make John’s last wish come true. A memorial service will be held for John on Saturday, May 21st, at 2:00PM at Purity Spring Resort. The service will be held indoors at the Evergreen Room in the King Pine Ski Lodge, to be followed by a social reception. Please contact Purity Spring Resort for reservation information. Preceding the service on Saturday will be the John Nute Memorial Race, a 4-mile run/walk on the trail system around Purity Lake; proceeds to benefit the camp scholarship fund. The race will begin at 10:00AM (registration at 9:00AM). For details and advanced
registration visit www.kingpinetri.com. Steve Harding, Director of Tribal Relations Tohkomeupog – Camp for Boys
3
PURITY SPRING THEME WEEKENDS... LET US MAKE YOUR GROUP GETAWAY A REALITY!
SIX COUPLES, EIGHT ADOPTED CHILDREN... 1 FAMILY
Let us customize a group getaway for you and 19+ of your friends. Whether your interests include shopping, golfing, boating, crafts, dancing, getting back to nature or something else, Purity Spring Resort is the perfect spot! Our spacious function rooms can accommodate a variety of themes or act as the hospitality suite.
A SAMPLE OF OUR THEME WEEKENDS FOR 2011: April 6-10 April 15-17 April 22-24 May 9-15
Scrapbook Extravaganza Ballroom Dance Mother/Daughter Scrapbook Mystery Quilting Retreats (Mdwk, wknd and full week) May 20-22 King Pine Multisport Weekend May 27-30 Ballroom Dance September 9-11 Ballroom Dance September 14-18 Scrapbook Extravaganza Sept 30 - Oct 2 Fall Foliage Covered Bridge Tour October 7-9 Peepin' Paddlers Tour October 21-23 Ballroom Dance October 30 - Nov 6 Mystery Quilt Retreats (Mdwk, wknd and full week) November 11-13 Quilt Workshop Retreat November 18-20 Mother/Daughter Scrapbook Nov 25 - Dec 18 Polar Express Adventure Wknds December 30 - Jan 1 New Year's Eve Celebration
Dates are subject to change. Please visit www.purityspring.com for updates or contact Laurie Campbell at (800) 373-3754 x225 for more details.
Together for the first “family” Purity Spring vacation in 1990.
19 years later after the annual baseball game at Purity Spring last summer.
This June will be our seventeenth June weekend at Purity! We are six couples with 8 children. If it weren’t for our children, this would have been the most unlikely group of friends ever to form. In 1989, on a Tuesday night in September, we all met for the first time in a counselor’s living room to the possibility of adopting children. It took the next twelve Tuesdays before it became clear that we all wanted to go ahead. Starting in 1990, the babies came one by one, and month-bymonth, year-by-year, we celebrated birthdays, Halloween, Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day and any other occasion we could come up with. But perhaps most important of all was our trip to Purity Spring every June. Twenty years later, this family of families, our kids drifting in from college, is again headed back to East Madison. 5 Millbrook Lodge was our choice from the very first visit. Here, for this one full weekend a year, all six families were under one roof – in sickness and in health, unexpected events a guarantee. Aside from spacious living quarters for all, having one living room for parents and one for kids became imperative as they grew older – the days of curling up to a Disney production are long gone. We can thank and count on Purity as the setting for some
of the most memorable discussions and dramas that we will ever have. During our second year, with the children 4 and 5, we discovered Purity could provide babysitters for our Saturday night dinners, a much needed respite from parenting, and appreciated by the other Purity dinner guests. A few pizzas, some movies in the Millbrook living room, supervised by brave sitters, was our formula for peace. What Purity represents for us is a wide range of entertainment and space to spread out. Whether kayaking or rowing, swimming inside or out, lolling in the sun, or trolling for sunnies, we had options for a relaxing afternoon. Conway shoppers or mountain hoppers, there was something for everyone. We now have an annual baseball game that is required participation by all, whether cheerleader or all-star. On our downpour weekends at Purity, a true test of cohabitation, we still had plenty of ways to entertain ourselves. We talk about what we will do in the coming years when our kids are not around in June. Will we reconvene? Yes, so we can once again gaze out over the shimmering, peaceful lake and appreciate this opportunity to be together.
“Twenty years later, this family of families, our kids drifting in from college, is again headed back to East Madison.”
Congratulations to our I Love it Here winners Congratulations to Scott Miller and friends from Lynn, MA! Their picture taken at Danforth Bay won our version of the "I Love it Here!" photo contest (thank you to VisitNH.com).
Purity Spring’s winner was of Mabel and Olive “loving” the beach at Purity Spring last summer. Congrats to both families who won a weekend stay at Purity Spring this past winter!
More chances to WIN! The 3rd annual New Hampshire Dream Vacation Photo Contest is returning and you can play during your visit at Purity Spring or Danforth Bay... for a chance to win some amazing prizes. Bonus!! Once you’ve uploaded your pictures to NHDreamVacation.com, upload them to our resort interactive maps at PuritySpring.com/NHDreamVacation or DanforthBay.com/NHDreamVacation for a chance to win a 2-night winter package at King Pine & Purity Spring!
KING PINE MULTISPORT WEEKEND
The Hoyt Family and Tri Tek Events would like to invite you to join us for the 5th Annual King Pine Multisport Weekend held at Purity Spring, on May 21 and 22. The weekend will feature events for the entire family. The Sprint Distance Triathlon is the perfect season opener for veterans of the sport looking to dust off the cobwebs as well as beginners looking to experience their first race. Open to all ages 14 and up, the triathlon includes a 1/3 mile swim, 12.5 mile bike, and 3.8 mile run. The Duathlon course, open to all
on the private property of the Purity Spring Resort will follow and finally a 1/2 mile run. A Sappling Youth Triathlon division is open to ages 11-15. The race will begin with a 100 yard swim in Purity Lake, then a 3 mile mountain bike ride and finally a 1 mile run. A Youth Duathlon will consist of a 1/2 mile run a 3 mile mountain bike ride and a 1 mile run contained in the base of the King Pine Ski Area. The Family Triathlon is open to all families and will host 2 divi-
THOMAS JEFFERSON... A SCRAPBOOKER? Purity Spring Resort has been hosting fun scrapbooking retreats for close to 10 years. These fun gatherings have led Purity Spring Resort to build custom tables and add more and more scrapbooking events. So what is scrapbooking all about?
New this year, NUTE’S MEMORIAL 4 MILER is a road race for our dear friend John Nute. All proceeds will be donated to John Nute’s favorite charity; scholarships for boys at Camp Tohkomeupog. The course is 4 miles and participants are invited to run, walk, bike for whatever duration they choose. Event begins Saturday at 10AM with registration at 9PM. ages 14 and up, includes a 2 mile run, 12.5 mile bike, and a 3.8 mile run. New this year, a relay division for the duathlon! The Seedling Youth Triathlon division is open to ages 6-10. The race will begin with a 50 yard swim in Purity Lake. Red Cross certified lifeguards will be present and a guardian may accompany the swimmer. Next a 1 1/2 mile mountain bike ride contained
sions. Division 1 is made up of 2 youths (ages 6-14) and 1 adult (ages 15+). Division 2 is made up of 1 youth (ages 6-14) and 2 adults (ages 15+). The race will consist of a 100 yard swim, a 3 mile mountain bike ride and a 1 mile run. Awards will be given to each team participant. Visit www.kingpinetri.com for race details, course maps and to register. Racers must pre-register. The Scrap Chicks have enjoyed scrapbooking retreats at Purity Spring for almost 10 years!
2010 Purity Spring I Love It Here entries
The Fisks enjoy a hike up to Bald Ledge behind The Inn at Purity Spring last summer
Lark and Izzy enjoy the lake at Purity Spring
Thinking of snowy days on a King Pine chairlift during the Hill Family reunion
Doing a flip over Purity Lake from the dock at the King Pine beach
In the history of scrapbooking, it is believed that Thomas Jefferson was among the first most famous American scrapbookers. He created a series of albums filled with newspaper clippings of his presidency for future reference. In 1825, the first serial of scrapbook idea books called “The Scrapbook” was issued. It included ideas on how to use pictures and newspaper clippings to fill a blank scrapbook. In 1826, a book called Manuscript Gleanings and Literary Scrap Book was published and it’s created by no, not a female but by a male John Poole! It’s a book filled with printed poems and engravings. The book also advised people on how to collect scraps and what to do with the scraps. This book created a scrapbooking craze among the middle-class Americans. The first scrapbooks in early 1800s were hardly about preserving photos as cameras weren’t created yet during those days. So what sort of scraps did the people collect in their albums? Mainly mementos such as quotes, poems, calling cards (decorated cards left behind at a friend’s home).... Continued at www.PuritySpring.com/scrapbook
5
DANFORTH BAY HOSTS THE 2010 GREAT ESCAPE On September 14 and 15, 2010, Danforth Bay hosted the Northeast Campground Association’s (NCA) annual Great Escape for over 100 campground owners from Maine to Florida. The NCA’s Board of Directors and members enjoyed a private welcome luncheon in The Bluff’s Clubhouse as well as dinner both nights catered in the Danforth Bay Pavilion with silent auction and entertainment the final evening. NCA members were taken on tours of other local campgrounds and were treated to a ride on the Notch Train from North Conway to Crawford Notch followed by lunch in the AMC Highland Center Lodge at Crawford Notch. It was great opportunity and privilege to showcase and market the campground during this event. There has been much excitement about The Bluffs
2010 Danforth Bay/Bluffs I Love It Here entries
Danny Holmes and friends atop Mt. Mary
4th Annual Garfield Day and Potluck Supper last August at The Bluffs
THE BLUFFS FLORIDA REUNION
within the industry and it is quickly becoming well known all along the eastern seaboard for it’s unique design and concept. This now annual event started out with 8 members of The Bluffs Activities Committee who were visiting Bob and Janice Smith in Vero Beach Florida, and Snow lovers greated to banner winter decided to go out to lunch in January of 2007. This winter, Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort When word got out the following summer at The hosted 68 winter seasonal campers, as well as Bluffs, other winter Florida residents asked to be a substantial number of cabin reservations and included the following winter. In January 2008 overnight site bookings. With the abundance of there were 37 attendees, so it was called The Bluffs snow this year, snowmobilers, skiiers, and winter Florida Reunion. For the fourth winter in a row enthusiasts were elated to get outside in the fresh Bluffs seasonal campers gathered in Florida for a air and enjoy all that winter has to offer in the White mid-winter reunion luncheon. Last year’s reunion Mountains of New Hampshire. took place at The Marsh Landing Restaurant in Danforth proved to be an exciting winter Fellsmere, Florida with 57 attending and was wonderland destination filled with fun activities. organized and hosted by Bob and Janice Smith. Conveniently located directly on Corridor 19, snow- This year’s event took place on January 25th and mobilers had easy access to miles of trails, plus was once again hosted by the Smiths at The Marsh with King Pine Ski Area just 5 minutes away, the Landing Restaurant with over 70 Bluffs seasonal options of winter activities were endless! campers in attendance. The building which houses The Marsh Landing Restaurant was built in 1926 as the land sales office of Fellsmere Estates Corp. founded by E. Nelson Fell. In 1927, after severe floods, and the depression of 1929, the Florida land boom crashed, as did the company. The building later became the Headquarters of The Florida Crystal Sugar Co. up until the 1980’s. After which it served the town as meeting places, offices and the town jail. In 1995 the building was bought at auction and restored to it’s original condition and opened as a Florida Cracker Restaurant serving traditional food as well as gator tail, frog legs, buffalo gator, fried green tomatoes and other exotic dishes. The Marsh Landing Restaurant provides a sepaChristina & Julia enjoy their 4th year at rate dining room for the reunion and allows the Danforth Bay group to order off their regular menu. But most importantly, they allow The Bluffs campers to linger in the room and just catch up and visit! Not to be left out, are The Bluffs seasonal campers that still winter in the surrounding New England area. There are several smaller “northern” groups who periodically spend time together counting down the days till spring when they once again will gather together at The Bluffs. Thanksgiving celebrations also took place this year at various homes in Florida where couples would gather to share the holiday with their friends The Majkut group enjoys their 7th year in a from The Bluffs. row with friends and family at Danforth Bay
HALLOWEEN TOWN
barn, thus expanding the program. Funds will also go towards winterizing the existing building; the upgrades are slated to happen this summer. Aside from riding, such things as music and art therapy will take place. Madison, NH (March 31, 2011) - The remainder of 2011 will be busy for the volunteer run Laura Foundation for Autism and Epilepsy, providing funding to develop and support therapeutic recreation and educational programs that enrich the quality of lives of individuals with autism and/or seizure disorders. The idea to create this Foundation came with the passing of Laura (Hoyt) M a h o n e y in April of 2008. Laura’s greatest joy came from her grandchildren, including Drew, who suffers from both epilepsy and autism. Laura saw first-hand how challenging these two disorders are for the individuals and the families caring for them. The Foundation was formed to honor her commitment to working with families affected by autism and epilepsy. The Foundation is in the process of building an adaptive sports and recreation center in Madison. It will provide opportunities for people to learn and participate in sports and leisure activities, increase independence and make new friends. The center’s activities are geared to enrich the physical, emotional and social lives of people with disabilities. In its infancy, the facility currently consists of an outdoor arena for therapeutic horseback riding and a previously existing building (not yet winterized). The riding program runs during the late spring, summer and fall, and funds are being raised to build a
“The Foundation is in the process of building an adaptive sports and recreation center in Madison. It will provide opportunities for people to learn and participate in sports and leisure activities, increase independence and make new friends.”
AN EVENING AT STONE MOUNTAIN ARTS CENTER Friday, May 20, 2011 The Laura Foundation has been raising money through donations and events. One such event will take place on Friday, May 20 beginning at 6:30 PM. The Foundation will host An Evening at Stone Mountain Arts Center in Brownfield, Maine (15 minutes from North Conway & approximately 20 minutes from Purity Spring Resort). There will be a cocktail hour with an open bar, a sit down dinner with wine, a silent auction, and performances by singer/songwriter Carol Noonan and Comedian Mike Miclon. Costs for the event are $75 per person, and seating is limited. More information can be found at www.thelaurafoundation.org.
3RD ANNUAL HALLOWEEN TOWN Saturday, October 22, 2011 On October 22, 2011, Halloween Town will return to Camp Tohkomeupog for the third year. Free to the public, this extremely successful event brought over 1,300 Halloween fans to the summer camp turned ghoulish “town” in 2010. Hundreds of volunteers from the extended Camp Tohkomeupog and Purity Spring Resort communities combined creative enthusiasm in support of the Laura Foundation. The main event was the Trick-or-Treat
Trail - 25 rustic cabins transformed into Halloweenthemed adventure with plenty of candy for trick-ortreaters to enjoy. Carnival type food sales, as well as donations from local businesses and attendees have helped raise nearly $25,000 in the two inaugural years. It is hoped that the 2011 event will be even more exiciting and successful!
3RD ANNUAL 8K TRAIL CHALLENGE AND 3K FITNESS WALK October, 2011 (specific date TBD) Also in October, the Laura Foundation’s Third Annual 8K Trail Challenge and 3K Fitness Walk will return to Purity Spring Resort’s Sunset Beach. The eight kilometer trail course takes runners through challenging terrain and b e a u t i f u l scenery; the Fitness Walk begins shortly after the trail runners take to the course. The walk is a three kilometer trek following a private, country road through picturesque Audubon property. In the past, raffle prizes and awards have included eyewear from Smith Optics, gear from Mountain Hardwear, skis and more.
The walk is a 3k trek following a private, country road through the picturesque Audubon property.
2ND ANNUAL WINTER FAMILYFEST December, 2011 (specific date TBD) Wrapping up the 2011 fundraising season will be the second annual Winter FamilyFest in December at the Fessenden School in West Newton, Massachusetts. It’s a wonderful afternoon of skating in an indoor rink, gingerbread house making, and refreshments. There will also be a silent auction for the adults with skis, outdoor gear, resort lift tickets, lodging packages and more for great holiday shopping! For specific dates, to make a donation, or for more information on the Laura Foundation, visit www.thelaurafoundation.org or e-mail Amy Mahoney at laurafoundation@gmail.com. 7
TRADITIONS RESTAURANT & PUB The Hoyt family would like to welcome you to Traditions Restaurant and Pub. For 100 years the Hoyt family has been serving guests meals at the Inn. It began as the dining hall for our local work staff and boarders. Soon, Milt’s father, Edward E. Jr., and his family moved from their home at the corner of Horse Leg Hill Road into the Millbrook building and began taking in vacationers at Purity Spring Mountain Farm Resort. The Inn was not only a place for guests to sleep but continued as the dining hall, and East Madison Post Office.
CONTINUITY by Jake Mehlman
Somewhere in the woods I had an epiphany. It makes sense, as I spent my entire summer outside, playing in the lakes, valleys, and mountains of New Hampshire. I spend every summer in New Hampshire and have since I was eight years old. Three boys eagerly followed me through the woods. I went up to a tree, grabbed a leaf, held it out, and asked who could identify it. These normally over-stimulated, energized, nine-year-old boys were quite calm and relaxed. They sensed my relaxed attitude and the serene environment and began to mimic it. One of the boys answered, “Oh, that’s too easy, it’s a Red Maple.” He answered correctly. We moved on to another tree. This was my morning, and a perfect one at that. I work at a summer camp in East Madison, NH. I was a camper for eight years and now I am a counselor. My father was both a camper and a counselor there, as were his brothers. This place is known as Camp Tohkomeupog, and it is my family. To an outsider, it looks like a typical summer camp for boys. We play sports and live in cabins. We make friends and learn outdoor skills. But to me, and to many others, it is the greatest place on Earth. One is not homesick at camp, one is campsick at home. Camp welcomes boys ages seven to fifteen. Almost all of these boys will have the best sum-
During the winter of 1938 Milt brought some of his summer campers to the area, and ski camp was born. Winter vacations became popular and the Inn was a dining hall year round. Purity Spring Mountain Farms served three meals daily. As the clientele changed so did our dining service. Weddings and group events became part of the resort. Bar service was added, and soon The Cellar Door was opened as the bar serving the Inn dining room. The Hoyt Family has always worked in food service at the resort. Susie cooked for a number of years behind the line at the Inn. Laura was the front of the house hostess. Bob continues to cook
and serve steaks at the Thursday night cookouts and toss eggs for the Monday morning breakfast cookouts. Steven cooked many breakfasts for winter guests during his college years at Tecumseh and occasionally assists in the restaurant today. Bob’s daughters, and Kathy’s daughter, Amy, have all served meals at the Inn and continue to return when assistance is needed. Continuing to provide quality food service adjacent to beautiful Purity Lake has been a fulfilling experience for the Hoyt Family.
mer of their lives. I am willing to guarantee it. That explains why the staff return rates average somewhere around 95 percent. Essentially all our staff members spent their childhood summers as campers. For this reason, the staff knows exactly what needs to be done in order to create the best summer possible. This extraordinary experience then drives the campers to become counselors. The staff has fun and the campers have fun. And through it all, these campers become part of the family. At first, I felt hesitant about taking these kids on such a long nature walk. I enjoy slowly meandering through the trees, but would they? I took them to my favorite tree, the Sassafras. I explained how odd looking it is and how easy it is to point out because it has three differently shaped leaves. We moved deeper into the woods, appearing before a trail that they had never seen before. They were young, but they had been at camp for two or three years each. They did not know this trail existed and were amazed to find a place they had yet to see. We then ventured even deeper into what is known as “The Bottomless Pond.” This kettle bog developed during the Ice Age. I told them how a shaft of ice once stood in place of the murky, stagnant water. People estimate this 50’ wide pond to be around 200’ deep. The pond surprised them even more than the unknown path. It was at this moment that I had my epiphany. I saw their fascination when I showed them new places and new trees. I felt their eagerness to learn. I saw their tranquility and how much they
were at peace. I saw that they enjoyed spending a morning in the woods, talking about trees. Then I realized that they had enjoyed it all along. More importantly, I realized that they were transforming into me. These kids looked up to me as their role model. When I took them into the woods and showed them what I believed to be “cool,” they then thought it to be “cool.” I began to understand that I am more than just a camp counselor. I am a mentor, a role model, a guide, and a leader. These boys follow me and mimic me because they look up to me. They look up to me the way I looked up
“...to me, and to many others, it is the greatest place on Earth. One is not homesick at camp, one is campsick at home.”
Continued at www.PuritySpring.com/traditionsnh
Jake Mehlman will be returning to Tohkomeupog for his 11th summer in 2011. Jake began his journey through camp as a camper in the Bear Clan (youngest age group), and is now a counselor in that same group. to my counselors. I grew into who I am because of who my counselors were, as they will grow into themselves because of who I am. The positive attitude we all share, our love for the outdoors, and our strong friendships all get passed down from counselor to camper, over and over. And that is why Camp Tohkomeupog will never die. It is imbedded in the hearts of so many. This place made me the strong, independent, outdoorsman I am today.