I have started the immense, and most satisfying, chore of writing the history of the Wipfler years at Kingswood. I have tons of materials to draw from but, alas, they are the equivalent of an enormous trash pile. READ ALL THE WAY TO THE END TO SEE MY PROPOSAL.
By using old newsletters, for example, I was able to piece together a basic chronology from 1985 into the 1990’s. But, soon my mind started summoning memories — crystal clear as many recollections can be — but I had no idea WHEN they occurred.
So, I gave up on chronologies and just started recounting stories as they came to me. I now have a file I have named “Sweet Daddy and other stories.” The first recollection is the time Alan “Sweet Daddy” Thomson set the record for Frisbee Golf. Here’s my story:
“I’ll stick with minus 16 (maybe better) until someone comes forward with cleaner evidence. Mike Phillips, Head Counselor, was playing with Alan and started making a huge racket on the back side as Alan kept nailing birdie after birdie. #16 was the same par 5 that it is today, starting at the far end of the soccer field but with a deep copse of trees to negotiate near the pin past the far end of the pitch. Alan sent his second shot right into and, miraculously, completely through the maze and hit the post for a double eagle.
Alan, reserved as always, said little, but Phillips went nuts and everybody within ear shot followed the twosome down the hill where Alan’s easy birdies on #17 and #18 ended the round and established the new camp record. I saw none of this, to be honest, but was one of many who responded to Phillips’ dramatic announcement over the PA system and came running over to the Main Lodge to see what all the hubbub was about.”
Is this accurate? Maybe. When? No idea. It took me 30 minutes to find a photo of Sweet Daddy (I have drawers full of old photos) but here it is!
By resurrecting an old external hard drive, I found that from 2002 forward, I have digital files by date. For example, all of the below are from 2002.
Fishing trips on the Connecticut River
Egg Drop
Records Day
Mud Sliding
Bow & Arrow skits
PROPOSAL:
Write me at Wiffs5@gmail.com with your stories about your time at Kingswood. YOU know better the dates of your tenure than I do. “Second session 2002 at Songfest….” I’ll do the editing and add your recollection to the camp history PLUS perhaps find a photo that ties into your report.
“I remember the time when Inspector “The Hammer” Beggs went ballistic over our poor cabin inspection. “COME ON” he screamed….
“I was never so frightened (in a good way) than on Haunted House night in 2002….”
I hope to hear from many of you one of these days. Wiffs5@gmail.com
P.S. And what did Klaus look like in those days?
