The original
swimming area below the camp flag pole has always been in that location,
since 1927. The bank was just eroding sand and the first improvements
mostly consisted of hand-made devices such as docks and a “tower”
made of lashed-together logs. Over the years we have had a metal
slide in the novice area, a turning board in the intermediate pool, a diving
board on the swimmers side of the docks, and several floats for the swimmers.
The docks themselves developed from all wood structures to a more advanced
system with metal stanchions (which rusted out in a few years) and back
again.
Boating was based on Chipmunk Point from the start, with canoe racks and rowboat docks rebuilt every few years. The sailing fleet has been anchored mid-way between the two areas for most seasons until moved to west beach in 1999. When troop swims and the Eight Point Defense Plan were introduced, troop swim areas were needed. One was opened on the far side of the Tenny bridge, near the pump house, as a spot where troops could practice running a safe swim. For many years the bank overlooking the main waterfront area was protected with logs to prevent erosion. The logs also served as seating for scouts and parents watching the activities and for Sunday evening waterfront orientations. The current retaining walls, designed by Jim Keene, were paid for and constructed by the Order of the Arrow. The enclosed tower now in service was built in 1965, replacing an open structure which had decayed. That tower featured a boxing ring bell, operated by a spring trigger, which was used to signal buddy checks and “everybody out.” The metal flag pole was a gift of the SD Warren Company of Westbrook. |
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Dean B. Zaharis Created: December 18, 2010 Last Update: May 28, 2011 Send comments to: FriendsOfHinds@gmail.com |