ANOTHER APPEAL: Up to date, we have only about 50 cards returned to us. They are quite essential in determining the fate of many lively young broilers and for many other arrangements we would like to make. This is the second and last reading of the banns.
DATA REPEATED: The barbecue is scheduled to be attacked at about 6:30. There is no stigma attached to arriving considerably earlier than that. Our plans this year include full provision for inclement weather. Like the fabled umbrella, this is the best insurance of a dry evening. That condition will certainly prevail when the director mounts the hemlock stump in the light of the embers of the bonfire for his annual address.
INCIDENT: Speaking of bonfires, the wood is already being collected. On one expedition, several of the boys, acting as eager beavers, as well as the unfortunate director were stung by inhospitable bees. The director’s score was 8, which established a lifetime record. The previous high for stings was 5 -- stung by bees, that is.
RESERVATIONS: Without any reservations may I say that you had better make yours if you have not done so. Unkind commentators have said that Cooperstown has two seasons, August and Winter. This is August and most places are well filled. We will help you if you so desire. Indeed we have already nailed down numerous rooms for the prudent among you.
DRAMA: The final set of plays were so fine that we will give them upper righthand first page billing. The candy went to Walter McManus and his tent for an amusing glimpse of the poorer residential section of the Hereafter. Ward Kerr proved one of the most brilliant actors of the season, Whi1e John Weber was acclaimed the most delightful actress. All this in the senior section. We had five plays this time. Awards were given to the winner of the two smaller boy tents, while there were three groups in the older age. In the novice class, Charlie Classen’s 53A tent won the candy. In the other tent, Johnny Great was acclaimed the best actor with Ricky Coupe as his leading lady. It’s been a good dramatic season to the great credit of producer Phil Schwartz, his able associate Stan Heuisler, with musical adviser and general assistant, Mac Mellor. Their season has now ended, because next Saturday will find us watching our famous Cooperstown magician.
SUNNY AND WINDY AND MONDAY: Sailing of course. Sixty boys and councillors went by hired bus to Doubleday Field, where they saw the Senators defeat the Phillies in the annual big league game on this famous field. A lunch was eaten in the lovely grove at Fairy Springs.
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Some boys watched the game, but most concentrated on incorporating the maximum amount of hot dogs, ice cream and pop.
TUESDAY OF THE CLOUDLESS SKY: A one-day Susquehanna trip left in the morning under the inevitable Eddie, assisted by Dick and Benny. At 5 that evening, the redoubtable Jack Garver with native guides, Classen and Stanley, took a numerous group to spend the night on our Mount Nebo. Between these episodes came a softball game between Klassen’s Klowns and Hendee’s Leaches. The Leaches licked.
FAIR WITH A LIGHT WIND: Oh yes, it was also Wednesday. Naturally, sailing races all day. The Nebo trip returned with no casualties. A few hours later, the river men came back in equally good condition. Later we went down to Cooperstown and beat sundry citizens of that metropolis who were 12 years and under -- on famous Doubleday Field, of course. At night we rocked with laughter as we viewed Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz in “The Long, Long Trailer.”
THURSDAY: Early showers retreated before clouds and sunshine. After a night off the ground and under canvass, Eddie led out a two—day Susquehanna trip. This time his assistants, Bill and Pete, were joined by a famous man in the Hyde Bay past, a tireless old tripper named Sandy Jencks, who visited us for a few days. Some of the voyagers were brought back after one day by Pete Stanley as they had not yet earned the distinction of the longer trip.
AN “OTSEGO”: Among the Hyde Bay legends none is more subject to question than the quick, fierce and sudden storms we call Otsegos. Late Thursday night a real one hit us. All four sailboats went over. The blue canoe was blown some 20 feet, while the aluminum canoe not needed on the Susquehanna trip was wafted almost to the dining ball porch. Mouldy and most of the council and older ULs rushed to the rescue, brought in the boats, bailed them out and tied them to the dock. After the ordeal, the American Red Cross in the person of the Directress served hot cocoa.
FRIDAY WITH CLOUDS AND WIND: More sailing, much tennis, the return from the Susquehanna of the one—day boys and two who were ailing.
SATURDAY: The two—day trip returned. From milk and Crackers on, the annual nature hunt raged. The team of Este Fisher, David McManus, John Mercer, Freem Allen and Ned Atwater won the free movie trip to town with ice cream also gratis, while four other teams received the four lesser prizes.
NEXT—TO—OUR—LAST—SUNDAY: Phil Schwartz preached at 10 o’clock. Numerous hot showers were taken under scrutiny. A rigid inspection ensued. Brooks defeated Classen in softball with the aid of sundry campers. We ate our hotdogs out—of—doors. The elder councillors defeated the younger mentors and sundry ULs in softball. We saw two fine movies, one on Yellowstone Park an Williamsburg, the other the story of the birth of an oilfield.
REPORTS: In this same envelope, you will receive the last report our councillors will send you. There will be many fond adieux. Next week, no Home Letter -- just listen to our personal representative in your family who will be with you. Final bills and a last Home Letter will be dispatched some time. Till then.
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