Northwood Crippled Children's Camp - Sesekinika, Ontario - by Mervyn Wells
Dedicated to the devoted staff & campers every one!
It has been fifty years since I was at Northwood Camp in the summer of 1962. People move one and change, and regrettably some of us have passed on, so before we begin our sentimental journey down memory lane - may we have a minute or two of meditation / reflection for the ill and those that have departed.
Norman Bradburn
Marilyn Joanne "Jo" Dunn (Ne: Brown)
and so on...
So for those that remember - the campers, the counsellors, the staff, the families, the cottagers and the community - this is for you!
Northwood Revisited
The summer of 1962 was an idyllic experience for the staff, campers & counsellors. For many it was our Paradise. Even after 50 years it remains incredibly vivid! When I arrived Monday, June 4, 1962 I was immediately struck by the beauty of the landscape - hewed out of the Canadian Shield. I was also taken by the lay-out of the camp - the cabins, the swimming pool, the Main Lodge and especially Lake Sesekinika - the clean spring water, the fresh air and the clean shores and fields.
How can we forget:
· Mrs. Sayles - the kitchen staff and those tasty home-cooked meals
· the ambiance of the Northland and its friendly people
· all the wonderful campers, staff & counsellors
· all the great programs - Arts & Crafts, Singing & Drama, Fishing, Archery, Swimming, Dances, Special Nights & Productions, Overnights...
· Campfires, the Northern Lights and Red Pines
· our Camp Director Fran Smith
· Lloyd McGregor our custodian and his family
· Hector the night watchman
· the generous Service Clubs & Community
Yes, Northwood indeed has a rich heritage and history!
Arrive Sesekinika, Ontario - Mon. June 4, 1962 - 7:00 a.m. Lloyd McGregor (Head Custodian) was at the train station to greet us and transported us to Northwood Camp. Met Fran Smith (Camp Director) and Dave Appleyard (Program Director).
Tues. June 5, 1962 - The camp is very beautiful! We had breakfast at 8am. Started by cleaning up the camp - washing windows, sweeping floors, mopping floors and waxing & buffing floors. Gordon Killens (from the area) was hired to help. The food that Mrs. Sayles & cooked was great!
Wed. June 6, 1962 - Betty, Liz, Judy & Lil arrive. We continue to clean the camp. Dave and I go swimming in Lake Sesekinika in the morning (it is really cold!)
Thurs. June 7, 1962 - Jo & Daphne arrive. Some of us - like Dave, Betty and I go into Kirkland Lake to the show tonight.
Fri. June 8, 1962 - Friday we all worked at cleaning the camp - painting, sanding, washing, shaking sheets, making beds etc. Bill arrived today and helped Betty fix the shuffle board. We all go swimming at night. Later in the evening most of us went to Red Pines Lodge.
Sat. June 9, 1962 - Saturday morning Jo & Liz joined Dave & I for a dip in the lake. In the evening Mrs. Sayles sometimes has a "snack" for hungry bodies.
Adult Camp - June 10 to June 20, 1962
Sun. June 10, 1962 - Dave took the service today and a lot of cottagers attended. Tonight we had a sing-song in the Main Lodge. It was quite an experience for Glenn & I getting the adult campers settled for the night in Cabin #4.
Mon. June 11, 1962 - Up early - Neil, Norm, Rolly, Ron, Armand, Ronnie, Wilf & Ron. Tonight we had a "Beatnik Night" in the Main Lodge and Dave sang some folk songs.
Wed. June 13, 1962 - Rolly, Norm and Neil have really been doing some great fishing at the dock & trout pond. Tonight - showed a film to the campers in the Main Lodge. P.S. (Can Rolly, Norm & Neil really cast!)
Thurs. June 14, 1962 - Warm and lovely weather. Tonight we had a Special Party in Cabin 4 and Dave came and showed some sliders after evening program.
Fri. June 15, 1962 - Elaine is a very charming camper and I'm delighted to assist when I am free. Today a whole group of U.S. newspaper editors dropped into Northwood while on a tour of Northern Ontario. Tonight Jo staged a take-off play of "Macbeth" using camp counsellors as characters. (It was excellent!)
Sat. June 16, 1962 - Mrs. Sayles meals are wonderful! We had a dance tonight. Bed 1am.
Mon. June 18, 1962 - Tonight we boys in Cabin 4 had a poker party. Norm & Neil coached me. I made about 50 cents but Gary Corscadden really cleaned up- about $7.00! The girls came in later from their Pyjama Party. We all had a great time!
Tues. June 19, 1962 - Adult Campers Banquet Night - Tonight the girls were having a little party of their own in Cabin 2 after the Banquet. Meanwhile, some of the adult campers (Cabin 4) recruited me to pick up some refreshments. I obliged and almost got caught by Hector (the night watchman) carrying it into Cabin 4. Jo got wind of this and didn't think it was a good idea! Jo and Judy removed the refreshments and disposed of the contents over at the overnight. Needless to say - Neil, Norm & Rolly were a little disappointed. The Staff Show featured many comical routines (French Beatnik Kissing routine etc.) so the disposal of the refreshments was soon forgotten.
Wed. June 20, 1962 - Well this is the last day of adult camp. Everyone is feeling pretty sad! As someone leaves - more tears fall. I really feel bad! Jo and I clean cabins for the next group coming.
Thurs. June 21, 1962 - Day off for everyone! Most slept until 10:30am. After noon meal I went into Kirkland Lake with Bill, Glenn, Pat & Marilyn. Toured Kirkland Lake and later went over to Bill's place. Back at Northwood went to archery with Jo.
Fri. June 22, 1962 - Again all the counsellors slept in. I was one of the first up. Went down to the dock and did some fishing before breakfast. We had pancakes & sausages. Walked around with Jo in the rainy weather. Finally decided to rent a "putt-putt" and take some girls for a ride. Got lost. 2 pike. Had a great time!
Sat. June 23, 1962 - Up late but beat Miss Helen Wallace (from Crippled Children Society) to the breakfast table. Later moved from Cabin 4 up to Boys' Staff. In the p.m. went waterskiing with Ray Morin. Some of the staff joined me.
Junior Girls & Boys Camp (June 24 - July 8)
Sun. June 24, 1962 - Raining. During breakfast I learned I would be going to Timmins to meet the plane bringing in campers from Sudbury. Met Barb Hazelwood who arrived on the plane with the kids.
Mon. June 25, 1962 - We had to close the pool today due to a high count so I joined some of the Interest Groups. Met Barb tonight Cabin 4. Tonight Daphane, Jo & I attended a movie in Kirkland "Jessica".
Tues. June 26, 1962 - Up a little late today. After dinner went over to Pierini's Resort and went waterskiing. Later met 5 great girls from Virginiatown camping - Diane (Di), Pam, Lynne, Willy & Merile - and we went back to their cottage.
Wed. June 27, 1962 - Got into Northwood in the wee hours of the morning. The weather was quite nice.
Thurs. June 28, 1962 - Ate a hearty breakfast and dinner today. Taught a lot of swimming lessons today. Tonight Barb and I walked over to Pierini's Resort. On the way said "hi" to the girls from V-town. On the return to Northwood we met up with Hector & Fran. (I guess we were a few minutes over the curfew!)
Fri. June 29, 1962 - Up about 7:25 a.m. Had 2 periods of swimming in the a.m. and 2 in the p.m. Started to rain late in the afternoon so checked all the campers out of the pool. Later went down to say goodbye to Diane & her girlfriends from V-town. Returned to camp and was on Cabin Duty. Barb & I went for a walk later.
Sat. June 30, 1962 - Donna Tompson my swimming assistant got in today. Jo, Barb & I are off tonight. Barb & I went to Red Pines Lodge.
Sun. July 1, 1962 - Dominion Day (Canada Day) - Barb & I went down to see Jo this morning. Dave is preaching the sermon today. Today is my day off and the big "Fishing Derby" - sponsored by the Lake Sesekinika Cottage Association. I was supposed to meet Ray at 5:30 a.m. - but we rendezvoused at 7:00 a.m. instead. Got a little refreshments and went fishing!
Mon. July 2, 1962 - Well back at Northwood again,. Jo is writing a play. Barb & I went for a walk. The stars and Northern Lights are bright. Met up with Hector. To be 12:00 a.m.
Tues. July 3, 1962 - I guess I must have caught a cold last night - but continued to teach swimming at the pool. Fran was at the pool. I was coughing quite a bit in the p.m. and did a poor teaching job. To bed 10:00 p.m.
Wed. July 4, 1962 - A bad day for me! Due to my cold I have been quarantined and confined to bed. Lil brought me breakfast & dinner in bed. When she realized that Barb & Jo were visiting me - she was quite angry that they were in my room. After dinner Fran called me down to her office. She asked me to resign. I was devastated. (I was only getting $5 per day - the year before I had earned 7 or 8 times this amount as a Lifeguard on the St. Lawrence Parks and in the evenings working in Upper Canada Village a total of 10 times what I was currently making - but I loved my job, the Northland and the campers.) I resisted and she fired me on the spot! I was totally devastated! I left in a dejected state. I met up with Jo and told her what had happened. I felt terrible! Jo went and talked with Fran and got my job back! Wonderful Jo!
Thurs. July 5, 1962 - Hector woke me up at 7:00 a.m. but I still felt ill so I stayed in bed. The nurses brought up my breakfast. (I'm to stay in bed all day.) I'm still coughing a lot. Bill & Jo visited me in the p.m. Letters from home cheered me up. Even Lil is being very friendly to me.
Fri. July 6, 1962 - Have been in bed 3 days now. It has been very hot! Donna has been taking the swimming lessons. (Many forest fires around as it is very dry!) Had our play tonight - "Snow White". It was wonderful. To bed early. Didn't get a chance to say goodbye to Barb.
Sat. July 7, 1962 - Junior Banquet Night - Again had breakfast in bed - but was allowed to get up later. Mailed some letters home. Then went to the Point and took down the tepee and tidied up. Went to the pool in the p.m. and taught some swimming lessons (was quite weak.) Banquet tonight - handed out Swimming Awards to the Juniors who are leaving tomorrow.
Intermediate Boys Camp (July 8 - July 22)
Sun. July 8, 1962 - "Whites Day". Was up early and washed & ironed my whites. The Junior Girls & Boys are leaving. Betty found the little tame rabbit - DEAD! She is quite sad! I preached the sermon today. Bill & I are in Cabin 4 with 9 campers - Joanne helps us - she is great! I am on Cabin Duty tonight. Jo did not relieve me. Did she forget?
Mon. July 9, 1962 - Awake just before Hector arrived. We were the first cabin ready. Quite cool and windy - so had Water Safety classes instead of swimming. On Cabin Duty.
Tues. July 10, 1962 - Have been on Cabin Duty for the last 3 days. Bill is off. Jo came in. She is going out to Wendy's tonight. We'll miss Jo.
Wed. July 11, 1962 - Taught good swimming lessons. Coughed a lot tonight - so went down to the Infirmary to get some cough medicine from Lil. Met up with Jo. She is back from her day off. Later she came up to Cabin 4 and stayed a while.
Thurs. July 12, 1962 - Another nice day. Taught good swimming lessons. Jo is on Cabin Duty - so I spent the evening with her. 5 staff members have "measles". 1 staff has "mono". Forest fires are burning quite close to Northwood. A little boy camper falls and breaks his arm. The Department of Lands and Forest stock the trout stream with "Rainbow".
Fri. July 13, 1962 - Donna is off. Taught good swimming lessons. John, Jo-Ann & Donna went on a hike to Sesekinika. Tonight I went over to Pierini's Resort & General Store. Back to Northwood and to be early.
Sat. July 14, 1962 - Woke up when Dave got up but fell back to sleep - but woke up and stayed awake when Bernie, Judy, Jo, Jo-Ann, Bill, Donna, etc. came in. After dinner went into Kirkland Lake with Jo, Wally, Bernie & John. Got my haircut. After returning to Northwood went over to Pierini's for a while. Gordie drove me home around 12:30 a.m.
Sun. July 15, 1962 - "Whites Day”. Up early and feeling good. Donna and I cleaned the pool. "Open House" today at Northwood. Around 1800 people attended. Ray was over. Gordie drove me to get my money order from home. Cashed it at Al Pierini's.
Mon. July 16, 1962 - Hector had seen me over at Pierini's last night - so I played a trick on Hector - but he was too sharp! A nice day at camp!
Tues. July 17, 1962 - Another nice day. Everything seems to be going smoothly - but this will be short-lived!
Wed. July 18, 1962 - Another bad day! Everything was o.k. for the time being- but I didn't feel much like eating tonight. I was wondering when Fran would be calling me back into her office!
Thurs. July 19, 1962 - Was pretty nervous to face Fran again - but everything went better than expected. By noon I was busily working on swimming tests and lessons.
Fri. July 20, 1962 - Up fairly early and working on my swimming test lessons. Jo came up to Cabin 4 and asked me to help with the play. I was pretty busy - but I had to say "yes" to Jo. The swimming tests went well. The play went over very well. Later we took a group of campers on an overnight. Caroline was my counsellor/partner.
Sat. July 21, 1962 - Intermediate Boys Banquet Night - On the overnight I woke up a couple of times. (It rained quite hard at one time!) Up about 9:30 a.m. Went swimming in the lake. A crazy dinner - a rainy p.m. Banquet for the Intermediate Boys. Tonight Jo, Caroline & I saw the film "Premature Burial" in Kirkland Lake.
Senior Boys Camp (July 22 - August 12)
Sun. July 22, 1962 - "Whites Day." Jo & I did our whites last night in the laundry. The Intermediate Boys are leaving. Daphane is sick. Ray came to the R.C. service at Northwood. Supper, hike, bed.
Mon. July 23, 1962 - A beautiful day! Daphane is still sick. Her boyfriend has arrived at camp.
Tues. July 24, 1962 - Heard from Jo-Ann that Daphane is leaving camp and going home. Tonight Jo & I went for a walk together.
Wed. July 25, 1962 - Jo came tonight to say goodbye as her parents are taking her camping for a while. She introduced me to her parents.
Thurs. July 26, 1962 - Woke up to the gentle "pattering" of rain. Donna's day off. It rained all day - so had Water Safety in the Main Lodge. It was my night off - so I went over to Pierini's. Returned to Northwood and washed & ironed clothes.
Fri. July 27, 1962 - My day off. Slept in until about 10:30 a.m. Exercised for 1 hour this morning. Had a big dinner. Planned to do some sewing - but went to sleep and didn't wake up until 4 p.m. It rained all day - poor Jo and her parents camping! Paul Caron & I walked over to Pierini's tonight.
Sat. July 28, 1962 - A little "duty" confusion. Both John Guest and I on serving - John goes for breakfast - but he should be on Cabin Duty. Jo is still having stomach pains and is in the infirmary. After hike went up to see her (after rest period). She's feeling better. Baseball game. Up to girls staff until 11:00 p.m. Mrs. Sayles had some tasty muffins for an evening snack.
Sun. July 29, 1962 - Hector woke me up early this morning. We had to do a complete change of all the linens. Pancakes for breakfast. Jo ate with me. Judy preached the sermon on the Point - quite good! The Senior Boys in Cabin 4 have been a little messy lately!
Mon. July 30, 1962 - Donna off today. Baseball is the big attraction tonight. Our team lost - but we game a good showing. Jo is up and feeling better.
Tues. July 31, 1962 - Donna is off again today. Taught excellent lessons (side stroke). Jo is up and around and feeling much better. Took a camping group to the Overnight.
Wed. Aug. 1, 1962 - After returning from the Overnight and a free swim - I was asked to take Group 4 and plan a gambling booth for Las Vegas Night.
Thurs. Aug. 2, 1962 - Was able to ship in to Kirkland Lake at 1 p.m. with Gary to get my cheque cashed. Tonight helped Dave with the evening program.
Fri. Aug. 3, 1962 - Rained all day. Cool & cloudy. Went with Group 2 - Glenn & Jo. We planned a College Day. Had a football game with some of the campers after rest hour. Saw "When the Ship Sails" & "The Last Haunt" in Kirkland Lake tonight.
Sat. Aug. 4, 1962 - My day off. Awakened about 7 a.m. when Hector came in. Got up dressed, talked and looked at some pictures with Jo-Ann & Donna. After dinner Jo & I hiked to Sesekinika. Met Bill Bailey and wife. They invited us for supper. Great people! She was a "Wells" from Toronto (but not related to Uncle Leland.) She had recently broke her leg and had a huge cast. (I did not mind carrying her around as this is what I am used to at Northwood.) Went to Red Pines tonight.
Sun. Aug. 5, 1962 - "Whites Day" After seeing Jo to her dorm (after returning from Red Pines) I walked down to Cabin 4 and talked to Hector for a while before bed. A beautiful day! Went to the Lake Sesekinika Water Show / Regatta. Surprisingly, I met Carol Williamson (a nurse from home), Pam & Diane etc. Went over to Di's for a while. We went over to Northwood and I showed her around the camp before walking her home.
Mon. Aug. 6, 1962 - The Senior Boys are so full of life (and I think that's great!); however it does make for a few conflicts at times. (Untidy vs. tidy cabins.)
Tues. Aug. 7, 1962 - The big event was the dance held tonight at the Northwood Main Lodge. The Girl Guides came and make quite a hit with the Senior Boys. I met Norma Redden who is a swimming instructor as the Girl Guides camp.
Wed. Aug. 8, 1962 - To bed fairly late last night and tired this morning from all the dancing, twisting etc. at the dance last night. Norma has invited me to visit the Girl Guides camp.
Thurs. Aug. 9. 1962 - Went with Jo to the show in Kirkland Lake (instead of to Red Pines). Saw "Jessica". It was good.
Fri. Aug. 10, 1962 - My day off. Jo was in to see me. I left camp and went down to Tony's in Sesekinika. Rented his little "putt-putt". Stopped off at the Girl Guide Camp. Got some letters to deliver to Northwood. Delivered them and got some more from the Senior Boys to deliver back to the Girl Guides.
Sat. Aug. 11, 1962 - Senior Boys Banquet Night - A really hectic day! On Cabin Duty, O.D. camp, Red Cross Exams, swimming tests, regattas, the Banquet (I'm serving) & campfire. Larry Hillman from the Toronto Maple Leafs was present - so many pictures were taken with the campers, counsellors & Larry. Later many of the campers & counsellors tried to throw me in the lake. After all the excitement quieted down - Jo & I took a relaxing walk to the Overnight. Bed 2 a.m.
Senior Girls Camp (August 12 - September 2)
Sun. Aug. 12, 1962 - Well today is camp change. Bill and I were awakened by Paul Caron as we had been all night (the boys are fairly emotional). We got up and got them packed but it was a hectic day! Most were crying as they had a great time at camp and got very attached to us. I managed to get my laundry done and missed Norma in the process. (She delivered some more letter and things for me.)
Mon. Aug. 13, 1962 - Still tired from yesterday - being on Cabin Duty & General On Duty for the camp. The girls are good! I have been assigned to Cabin 1 (the more handicapped girls). Have met Jo-Ann & May - they are quite nice. A lot of lifting will be required.
Tues. Aug. 14, 1962 - Hector woke me up. Boy, I was tired! Was 15 min. late for breakfast. Fortunately, I was off 1st period so I rested. Had swimming - was it ever cold! The Senior Girls are really great! Tonight Mary, Jo & I went on an overnight camping trip. We rented the "putt-putt" and went to 1st Island just below the Girl Guide Camp. I went over to the camp and met Norma again.
Wed. Aug. 15, 1962 - Last night the Girl Guides dropped by our camp site and entertained us - singing, story-telling until 1:30 a.m. Jo & Mary put out the fire - but they started it about 4 a.m. when they got cold! Today we rested, sun-bathed & swam in the lake all day. (The huge blueberries and the tame partridge - fantastic!) When it looked like rain we got the "putt-putt" going and left.
Thurs. Aug. 16, 1962 - No swimming today - really cold! Rescue breathing taught in Main Lodge. Stopped off at Girls Staff to say goodbye to Liz Bradley. She is still sick so she is returning home to Oakville. Scavenger Hunt tonight (Cabin 1 won.) Finished my laundry tonight.
Fri. Aug. 17, 1962 - On Cabin Duty. Very cold & windy. No swimming - had Water Safety. Tonight we had Interest Groups ( I was in charge of gymnastics.) Fun was had by all!
Sat. Aug. 18, 1962 - Dave woke me up this morning (Boys Staff.) We had all planned to get up early and hide on Pat's Wally - but they were already here from Timmins. I went around and woke up all the counsellors - Jo, Donna, Lucy, Evelyn etc.
Sun. Aug. 19, 1962 - Raining. Dave preached the sermon in the A/C building. Dave & Jo are off tonight - but they stayed in camp.
Mon. Aug. 20, 1962 - Today I really went all out (especially with Marg's help) putting on a Halloween Party for the campers. Jo, Judy & Bill worked at producing the Camp pictures. Mary, Eve, Glenn & I worked at Halloween Decorations. The party was an overall success - enjoyed by Fran and the Senior Girls.
Tues. Aug. 21, 1962 - Donna off today. Warm & sunny. Splendid swimming lessons at the pool today. Over the summer the staff have been very good to assist campers.
Wed. Aug. 22, 1962 - Lovely and warm. Had swimming. The new volunteers - Lucy & Evelyn are wonderful to help at the pool. Dave, Lil & I played a little gag on Lucy in the Infirmary. Red Pines tonight! Idyllic!
Thurs. Aug. 23, 1962 - My day off and the last day off for me at Northwood. After dinner to Kirkland Lake (haircut and bought some clothes.) Stopped at Difblee's pit. Norma Redden left me some Girl Guide treats. Norm & Elaine visited us and later retired to Red Pines.
Fri. Aug. 24, 1962 - Fran off all day. I was with an outside group in the afternoon. Norm & Elaine (2 of our adult campers) left Northwood after a short visit. Tonight swam down to Moose Island with Jo (Judy rowed the boat.) A bad storm appeared but passed. Had a wonderful day!
Sat. Aug. 25, 1962 - Rainy - no swimming. Play practice in the Lodge. Jo & Judy staged the production of "Annie Get Your Gun." Miss Wallace at camp again. Managed to get some mending done (Marg helped) and packing.
Sun. Aug. 26, 1962 - "Whites Day." I can't believe that 3 months have come and gone and this is the "LAST DAY" at camp for Jo & I! Warm & sunny. Marg preached the sermon. Had a wonderful dinner! But unfortunately the day unfolded tragically sad! Lucy's mom (who had visited earlier in the day) had been tragically killed in a vehicle/school bus accident near Pembroke. Fran asked me to break the news to Lucy near the time I was leaving. I tried to prepare her for this terrible news - one of the hardest things I have ever faced. As we left all the campers were crying. Very sad! As Lloyd drove us to the train in Sesekinika. I will always remember the incredible sunset. And thus this saga ends.
Sat. Sept. 1, 1962 - Senior Girls Banquet Night - Jo & I had to leave early to get ready for teaching - so were not in attendance for the banquet - but I am sure it was a memorable experience. The Senior Girls would have left Northwood on September 2, 1962. Remaining staff would have prepared Northwood for Fall Camps and winter.