The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1914-09-03
CastiDe Alumni Association
Observes irs 25th anniversa y at the Camp
at Standpoint.

ed ltS camp Aug. ZZQ WIN ABOUT Twelve
members present. but there were thrice
that number in enthusiasm.
The camp buildings were soon in or
der, as Mr.. and Mrs. Charles DeLalttre
from Minnesota had been occupying
them for three weeks with several par
ties Of friends from other States.
Twenty-Five years ago the Alumni de-
cided they must have settled camping
ground, where better accommodations
might be enjoyed, so a committee OF
Nathaniel French, Alton Jackson and
Fred Pitcher were chosen to select suit
able place. Several sites were under
consideration for some time; they finally
decided that Standpoint afforded the
greatest attractions.
1t is a high bluff overlooking the broad
bay of the Penobscot, fine grove of
mostly evergreen trees, a good beach
for bathing and swimming, the nearness
to rail and boat accommodations and the
plentiful farm productions near at hand
make it most desirable.
About seven acres of land with an ex-
cellent spring was purchased and large
building having hall On the first floor,
andthe second floor divided into two
apartments, for ladies on one side and gen.
tlemen on the other. There was deep
basement divided into kitchen and dining
room, which accommodates about one
hundred.
1t was only partly finished the first
year, but was an improvement over the
old tent, which had served for our camp
for so many years.
Each year new improvements were
made. The Misses Ella and Emma Nor
row were instrumental in having our
large, cheerful fireplace, which is such
comfort during foggy and rainy even
ings. There are comfortable chairs,
bookcases, tables for the hall and dishes,
seats and silver for the dining room.
Two stoves, large ice closet and all the
necessary accessories for the kitchen
have been furnished through friends and
the members. A new piano was pur-
chased for Castine Normal building and
through the urgent efforts of Mrs. Phil
brook the trustees gave the old one to
the association.
The members desiring recreation with
their school friends for few weeks
steadily increased until the camp could
no longer hold the many who came.
Rooms at the neighboring cottages sepa-
rated those members from the evening
sports and the way was often wet and
disagreeable, so it was decided that
dormitory must be built.
In the year 1908 a stock company was
formed, Mr.. DeLaittre taking the largest
share and furnishing the most money.
1t contains fourteen rooms and each year
brings many improvements, and furni-
ture is furnished. Almost every year
the rooms have all been taken. Mrs.
De Latte and Miss Helen Bragg have
furnished their rooms and many others
have given many needed articles, SO
with little bedding any one can have
comfortable room, and after an even
ing of fun, laughter and music, such as
only these campers know, our sleep is
like that of our early school days.
Mr.. Fred Pitcher has been president
for two years and with AN excellent
cook and efficient table girls our good
appetites are always satisfied ere we
leave the beautifully spread table.
There are larger numbers here every
year. From the sunny South to Canada,
from the coast of the Pacific to New
Brunswick.
The first week in camp was very qui-
ct one as all those present just desired
to eat, sleep and rest, just as all who
come must do for several days, and such
appettes, as only fun, frolic and good
cheer can do to aid digestion. We have
no dyspeptics here after few days.
Monday, the 9th, Mr.. DeLaittre kindly
consented to give lecture on his travels
through Mexico for the benefit of the
church at Standpoint. Mr.. DeLaittre is
we'll known there and large and appre-
ciative audience filled the church and
gave goodly sum for its benefit He is
clear, easy talker, gifted in description
so his audience sees with his eyes the
word pictures he Sc graphically paints for
their mental vision of the physical feat
ures of Mexico; it's stored treasures of
antiquity and the awful degradation of
the owners of the soil, not only by their
Spanish conquerors, but by many of the
rapacious plunderers of the United
States.
There was no special program for the
rest of the week, only all were ready to
rush to the boat or station to welcome
newcomers with such bright smiling
faces and joyful words as assured every
one of happy visit.
The 9Th of August was selected as
Class Day, which is the most important
event during camp. For several days
previous auto parties began to arrive
from Clinton, Bangor, Belfast, Sears
port, Cherryfeld and some other places,
giving our camgrounds very lively ap-
pearance.
The hall was decorated with ever
greens, flowers, pictures and notices,
conspicuous among them was the golden
hued banner with its clear cut letters of
'Votes for Women"
There were ninety-fve registered that
day. The dining room was also decorat-
ed with flags and flowers and an excell-
ent dinner ready at twelve-thirty. The
dessert was very nice ice cream and cake.
1t was thought not best to take up the
time with long program, but to call the
classes. Castine's first graduation was
in 1869, but no one responded to its call;
then for forty-four years nearly every
class responded with one or more voices,
1890 being the banner class with five
present.
Then the company divided into groups,
some to the grove to repose in the shaded
hammocks, others taking the boat given
by the class of N, and still others wan
dering along the beach, some raking to-
gether smouldering embers of our last
evenings revelry, while the older mem
bers took the easy chairs on the broad
ria1zo opd uisitod with lovad cchooIrn q + ac