WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27: We have told you about the arrival of the boys. It was a clear and windy day, devoted to the domestic problem of getting settled.

THURSDAY, JUNE 28: Another clear and warm day. The entire fleet of boats was in almost constant use in the shallow water between the dock and the shore. Many boys passed the “D” test in swimming. This involves going out around the tower and back to the dock, a feat which would extend many parents.

THEN CAME FRIDAY: The rainy morning gave place to a fickle afternoon. Toward evening the sun decided to stay out. Councilors Russell and DeSibour led out a mammoth expedition in search of legendary sleeping apes. No simian slumbers were disturbed, but sore feet took various minds off homesickness. Rumor has it that Phil Howard caught three of these synthetic aboreals. At least, Phil was carried back into camp on the shoulders of his comrades.

OUR FIRST SATURDAY: Again it rained but repented around four o’clock in the afternoon. The weather caused us to advance the movie schedule from its usual evening place on the calendar. We enjoyed Mr. Belvedere Goes to College.

SABBATH AND THE FIRST OF JULY: While it rained outside, in the theater the director preached (we hope) not too contrastingly dry a sermon. The afternoon witnessed a revival of the ancient Hyde Bay game known as The Hot Rock Contest. More than two hundred stones, each with its number, were placed inconspicuously about camp. Billy Barker von the grand prize, while many ether campers participated in the loot to a lesser degree. Bob Pickett limbered up the Hacker in the evening and gave rides to all who applied.

JULY 2: With only two days left before the Fourth, it was clear and windy, with excellent sailing. The camp broke up into two militant groups, who through the whole afternoon waged a terrific war on the fields along Shadow Brook.

STILL NEARER THE FOURTH: The first round-the-lake trip set out under the aegis of councilors Chandlee, Geist, and Offutt. They did the complete circuit, including Natty Bumppo’s Cave and Leather-stocking Falls. They returned in time for supper. Meanwhile, the more terrestrially inclined followed geologist Manning in search of

—2—

the elusive fossil. Some interesting specimens were wrested from their centuries of immunity.

THE GREAT AND GLORIOUS FOURTH: Heavy wind overcame the gravity induced by Sandy Jencks and upset a Comet. After lunch all the firecrackers in camp were exploded, under due supervision, on the beach. Only minor burns resulted. Junior Life-Saving started with a class of sixteen boys. The afternoon rain made it a propitious time to show the movies taken in other years by Heb Evans. In the evening we embarked on the feature film, The March of the Wooden Soldiers. A sudden lowering of the voltage forced us to suspend operations until after inspection the next day.

A RAINY AND COLD JULY 5: At night we had a giant Bingo game in which the prizes were candy bars and pop.

FRIDAY_AGAIN: This clear, cold, and windy day made quick work of the mud and put us back into our usual schedule again. Our first softball game took place in the afternoon. Older boys went to town to the movies. COMMODORE LORD ARRIVED FOR HIS ANNUAL VISIT. You will hear more about this half legendary Hyde Bay hero.

THE FOLLOWING SATURDAY: Encouraged by a clear and sunny day, councilors Geist, Rouse, and Robb took a group, composed mostly of tutoring boys, on a circumnavigation of the Glimmerglass (ancient Cooper-Indian name for Otsego). This was a faunal day. Sherman Murphy’s mother brought in his pair of rabbits who had been pining sadly for him. We expect them to figure in the news later. Paul Clark’s black cat and five very new kittens came to spend a few weeks at Hyde Bay.

HYDE BAY THEATER: We inaugurated the season with a Variety Show. Space does not allow me to describe each feature. A hideous canvas bull, inhabitated by Blaise and Bobby Russell, put up a good fight before being dispatched by matador Cassatt. Commodore Spitalny’s All-Girl Chorus has to be seen to be appreciated. The graceful limbs and sweet voices of John Rouse, Tom Offutt, and Bob Pickett could be identified by the more astute in the audience.

SUNDAY: This is being written in midday. A thorough inspection of the whole camp has been held. Head Councilor Chandlee has preached. We have enjoyed an excellent turkey dinner (and I might say we had roast beef once this week).

SCAEVOLA: This will send you to your Latin dictionaries. Whereas, Puffy has been referred to previously as Chiefie’s right hand, the latter instructs me that he has two left hands: Bobby and Blaise.

MISCELLANY: We have had swimming team trials. There are twenty non—swimmers whose progress has been hampered by bad weather. Our four horses have been very busy in pleasant intervals under Sandy Cassatt’s talented supervision. Puffy Evans and George Callard have kept the sailboats busy, but Feinen has had a veritable beehive of incipient carpenters in the shop, especially during the rain. Our hot showers are well patronized. Johnny Hurst has many contenders on the local Wimbledon. Fortunately, our slate covered court dries off with incredible speed.