Elyse's Reminiscences

 I was really, really quiet in those days. I think my tentmates were Carol White, Rosemalie Uht, and Toby Lipschitz. The reason I remember their names so well is that way back then, I actually wrote everybody's name on the back of my photos. I wish I had been as careful about doing that when it came to the rest of my life. I certainly remember Peri and the other Minnesota twin, KB (although KB was not our counselor) and Ellen Muth because they were just so dynamic and fun. I also remember Boni (isn't her real name Bona?) who came from Texas. I can't remember Karen at all though. One of my picture shows Peri, Ellen & Mo McConnell. Weren't they the Neppie's Counselor? My memory is playing tricks on me; I remember some things so well and others not at all. 

I know Joey Tyson and Sandy Dunbar were in Neppies because I have them in my pictures and recognize their faces in them, but not because I have real memories of them at this point. I do remember the Kesner girls, Debbie, Diane (Debbie's twin who I don't think was in Neppies that year) and Libby, who I did a lot of canoeing with. I also remember Doggie Grossman and her sister Babs; Doggie always seemed like everyone's older sister somehow.  I don't remember Laurie Schultz or Grace or her cat.

I have some additional names for you, thanks to the backs of my pictures. Do you remember Lois Sotinsky, Pat McBride, Rose Weitz, Gwynn Danielson or Kathy Barbarsuli? Or someone named Shelley? Or Pam Crabtree? She & I suffered as kitchen aides in 1968. Do remember bear scares?

By the way, the Swedish counselor's name was Lena Nillson, not Oleson. I just found it spelled on the back of a photo.

It's good to know there are other women out there who were as affected by their time at Camp Quidnunc as I was. Forget Disneyland, Camp Quidnunc was the happiest place on earth.

Cheers,

Elyse

Two Potgirls: "Daisy" and Elyse

My name is Elyse (Springer) Ellinger and I attended Quidnunc from 1965 through 1968. My first year I was in Sports & Games. Counselors  I remember were Jackie O'Brien, Ruth Klein, Swede, Terp and someone from Georgia with a gorgeous southern accent, and "Cokie", although I'm confused about who was counselor when. There must have been a Danish counselor too because I remember a Danish song that she taught us (sounds like - Den serman han ma leeter, lan meer unt es comp, comp, comp...komfederah hurrah un meer unt es comp), plus having a Danish penpal the next year)   I remember  lots of softball and hiking with those old woven basket backpacks that were filled with food. I remember sleeping in a bedroll and cooking green blueberry pancakes using the lid from a trash can as the griddle (that's why they turned green  - and we survived!).

I also remember the night a bat flew into our tent and we had to wait in some kind of cabin (what was that room?) while the poor counselors bravely tried to get the thing out of there. I most vividly remember my time in Neppies with Peri, Ellen Muth & Maureen "Mo" McConnell; KB and Lena Olson were around too. That was also because my best friend Carol White was there (we met at camp by the way). Carol & I just found each other online after all these years and are having a blast remembering all the great stuff we did at Quid. I loved the canoe trips, especially going down the Susquehanna, shooting the rapids and sleeping on the banks of the river (although the spam is NOT a fond memory). I was never so tan or my arms so strong as after that trip. There was also one doomed portage trip one year; they made us take those dreaded salt tablets (remember those?) and we trekked for miles down the road in the blazing sun with aluminum canoes over our heads. Almost every kid in the unit got sun sickness and we spent a day or so recovering back at camp.

I loved the singing in the dining hall and to this day shake a pot to make sure it's really, really dry. And then there were those great campfires, with more singing. Those camp songs really stuck.

I also remember being a kitchen aide in 1968 although I would most certainly have liked to have that experience wiped from my brain. I will never forget the MacNab family and how they gave us all derogatory, sarcastic nicknames (mine was Speedy) or how they would smilingly chat with one of the black campers and call her "Oatmeal". I'm sure Pam Crabtree would agree that that summer was a horror. The only blemish on my happy, happy memories of Quid.

Camp Quidnunc was what I waited for all year long. It was the reason I remained a girl scout through high school. We did so many fun activities and I made so many great friends.
I had no idea the camp closed down because I've lived in California since 1972, so I'm really sorry that more girls didn't get to experience what was one of the highlights of my life.
I haven't thought about all this in years, so now it's really flooding on back. I'm so glad I found this website. Thanks for making me remember.

Elyse 64-68

OMG!  I just came across your site and I am so excited!  I was in Camp Quidnunc from 1963 to 1967 (12yrs old to 16yrs old).

Ellen Muth was one of my counselors!  Also Boni Evans!  Oh the memories are just rushing back.  My first year I was in Gypsy Skies which was next to Sports & Games just beyond the Dining Hall.

The other years I was in the Waterfront Unit, which was Neppies and then Caravan I think.  My last year I was a pot girl. 
I am a photographer and have dozens of old photos, but am getting a new scanner soon, so it will be a while till I can contribute. 
Do you have a list of emails?  I would love to contact Ellen or Grace Aldag or ?

Please write back, I love your website!!!  My mother also went to Quid in the 1940's and even she's excited!  We were originally from the Bronx, but I am in Minnesota now and she is in Ohio.

Thanks for the blast from the past!!!

Carol "Daisy" White (the Daisy is from when I was a pot girl)

Who are You?

Hi everyone...I have been glad to see new names on the blog as people find it and post their comments and memories. The problem is we don't know who you are...so we can send on info about reunions or try to connect old friends. It would be helpful if you could email me directly and give me your real name and address, so we can update our "Quid Alumni "list. This is only if you feel comfortable sharing this. My email is :klena @roadrunner.com, and the people I am interested in hearing more from are: Carol White, elyseglenna, Lennie Kauffamn Friedman, "footprint" among others...Someone may be looking for you!