1949 Lake Fairfield Ripple

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THE RIPPLE

Within these pages are a selection of some of the best things that were written at Merrie-Woode during the summer of 19^9. We hadn't enough room to use them all, and many excellent things are not included. However, these will give you a taste of the kind of thing we created last year, will bring back memories all of us cherish. #**#***##* All of you will want to know about our Christmas present to Doctor Id for the children of China...Baba painted the most lovely Christmas card. It was enormous, as it would have to be to get all our names on it. In the foreground there was Doctor Ed, smiling that sweet way he has, and a Merrie-Woode camper. The Merrie-Woode camper had in her hand a little slip of paper - our message to him and the check we were asking him to use as our g if t to the children of China. In the background there were Chinese children and MerrieWoode campers - and such a happy group all of us werel It is exactly the thing you would have wanted it to be...We cut all your names from the cards you had sent in, and we pasted them on the inside of the card, and painted a Christmas tree so that all the signatures were the tree's decorations. This is the message that we sent him: TO DOCTOR ED

There is no way, no adequate way, To tell you how large a place you hold in the hearts of all of us Who had a chance to know you at Merrie-Woode last summer.

You made us understand In your gentle, loving, laughing way, That hearts bridge oceans, That people, because of the mere difference of being born half a world apart, Need not be strangers.

When the heart is great The world becomes a small and friendly place And love and understanding crowd out hate.

There is little we ourselves can do To help abate the needs of children whom you knew in China, Those whom you will come to know when you go back there.

We want to help. Through you we're sure we can.

You will take back to them the knowledge You are gaining through your training here.

- 2 Living can "be a happy thing, but living isn't easy Through a time of learning, And we hope that this will help to make The time you spend here with us Easier for you.

So, Ed, through you, We of Merrie-Woode Would like to send our love and Christmas greetings And greetings for years to come To the children of China.

We wish that his reply could have gone to every single one of you in his own handwriting, because he meant it for each of you. This is a copy of his letter, which belongs to all of us: Dear "Merrie-Woodersr: I do not know how to express my appreciation and gratitude.

When I received your surprising Christmas gift and was reading the accompanying message, I stood motionless for a long while, only managed to swallow the tears which came to my eyes.

Never in my life had I received a gift wrapped in so much warmth from so many hearts.

This is one gift that will forever be treasured in my heart.

Merrie-Woode is one place that will forever be cherished in my memory.

I will strive hard to be worthy of such concern and affection, although I know it is an unattainable goal.

No matter what circumstances might keep us apart, my love for every one of you will be eternal.

May God bless you alii Ed Lee

- 3DAMMIE

At dinner today when we spoke about the Ripple, Dammie mentioned that if anyone felt inspired, she should contribute to this little medium we have for exchanging thoughts and ideas. At that time it occurred to me that surely none of us at such a lovely place as MerrieWoode could lack inspirations, if not to write, at least to think.

My idea was directly started by the talk Dammie gave at the morning service--so full of insight and wisdom. But basicly I think my thought was inspired by Dammie herself. You might say she is inspiration itself. She stands for so many things that are bigger than one nice talk, or one person, or even one camp. She stands for love and devotion, high spiritual ideals, unselfish work, a wholesome outlook on life, deep understanding, humor, good clean fun, and innumerable other things we can feel and appreciate when we look beyond ourselves.

An appreciation of Dammie's inspiration grows with each new association with her. I didn't always completely comprehend her last year, but now in my second summer at Merrie-Woode, perhaps helped by my own growth, I can see Dammie more clearly. I try to listen to every word she says, and to think about it so I won't miss one drop of the inspiration which flows so freely from her.

"M.F." Jones ********* WHAT MERRIE-WOODE MEANS TO ME

A winding road, the waterfall, The sound of rain aside Old Bald.

A shimmering lake, enchanting sounds, The dinner bell, and evening rounds.

Our reveille, and midday naps, The soft, sweet voices singing Taps.

A summer full of fun, then soon our voices swell.

Good-bye to friends at Merrie-Woode, The camp we've loved so well.

Caroline Sauls ***********

IMPRESSIONS

The mist, a fleecy blanket of snow.

The rain, a sheet of silver tinsel.

The earth, a Christmas tree decked in its beauty.

The faint outline of the mountains, The humped backs of the majii's camels.

The wind, making the trees bow down to the Christ child.

The day, a summer Christmas.

Mary Stoll

TROUBLE

You really don't think much of it Till it happens to someone you care for, Then you know it's there.

You think it happens in books and movies only, But it happens everyday, -- everywhere.

That's the only way you know it really is there, And everywhere.

Laura Walthall

SUN, RAIN, AND TREES

Have you ever seen the sun shine On the freshly fallen rain?

Have you noticed how it sparkles On the trees along the lane?

If you have seen the diamonds Dancing on the leaves, Then you, too, know what I know Of sun, and rain, and trees.

Jeanette Kennedy

SOUNDS IN THE NIGHT

Taps has just blown, and is fading off in an echo.

There is a rustle of the breeze in the trees.

Somewhere a whip-o-will calls in the distance, a frog croaks in the lake.

The moon slowly climbs over Old Bald.

It shines in my cabin window.

It has a faint blue glow.

Three dark figures move down the line.

There is a murmur of voices, Then all is quiet.

The moon has risen so far That it is out of my sight.

The camp is still, silent, and asleep.

Nancy Carter

_ 5 GUIMPHl

GULUMPH! UMPH! I

I have a very strange story to tell you tonight and I really wish I could "be with you so that I could tell it to you in person, but I'm afraid that would be impossible, for I am sure you wouldn't be able to understand me - (and anyway, last time I came to Castle with one of you I had such bad treatment that I'm afraid to come again!)

Well, now to begin my story: Today, during "rest" hour I was calmly sitting under my favorite shack. (Now don't you think it was your shack 'cause it wasn't! the one who serenades you at night is probably one of my great aunts; they have marvelous voices'.) Well, to continue: I was sitting under the shack, minding my own business, when I heard the strangest sounds coming from within. I thought at first some of those silly girls from Atlanta were trying to imitate me, but I soon figured that they were mumbling about something called LUBB. What in creation is that? Well, this is what I heard: "LUBB, HJBB, LUBB. Do you know what that is? L - U - B - B. I don't'.1."

"I saw those signs in the Cabin and on each one LUBB took the place of love I Could that be a hint?"

"Of course not, lummoxi

There aren't any boys up herel"

"Oh, well, I was just trying to be helpful."

"LUBB1 It could be initials, you know. Let me see 'Leaves Under Bank Boxes' "?

what about

"Corn. Pure corn."

"I don't think it's so corny. After all there are leaves under band boxes."

"Poohl" "Maybe it's 'Let Us Be Bums::" "I don't think Ruth or Dammie would approve of that, do you?"

"Not quite I" This strangeconversation ended with a remark that grounded all of them and resulted in quite a few giggles. It was: "All I think it is, is a 'Bra' advertisement'."

"Oh, NO:" "Yes, I do, because on one of the signs it said 'LUBB LIFTED ME!" Signed (curiously) "Herty Gerty" (the frog) Clare Whitfield

- 6THE WIND

Late at night when the campfire is out There is a sighing breeze.

Louder and louder it will gradually rise,, Blowing all clouds from the skies.

Out across the lake, Out across the sea.

It "blows our sailboat with just we three, Sleep, Dreams, and Me. Judy Morton

THESE I HAVE KNOWN AND LOVED AT MERRIE-WOODE

The gentle stillness that pervades the misty air at dawn, and the call'of the whlppoorwill that "breaks its silence.

To walk in a fine, mist-like rain.

The enchantment of meeting minds.

The thrill of soul communion.

Courtney Knight *********** OUR OVERNIGHT HIKE

After lunch and work was done, I lay thinking about the trees, the wonderful mountain stream, and the good time we were having together. Camp fire at night when all is still, except for our voices singing our favorite songs; but best of all, all of us being together, for never again will every one of us experience this wonderful time together.

Snookie Brashear *********** (Tribute to a camp friend) WHAT YOU ARE TO ME

You are to shining You are as flowing You are as

me as bright as a star alone in a blacken sky. pure as the water of a spring from the depths of the earth; strong as the great mountains of God.

You are kind, gracious and good, as only you could be; You are my idea of a true friend.

You are an angel sent to me from God.

Joanne Kemp

(I

- 8TWO AND TWO ARE FOUR A A A A

rock and a tree are a mountain. tee and honey are a song. look and a thought are a friend. "bit of nature and a feeling are a camp.

A A A A

violet and a violet are a remembrance. remem'brance and a need are a yearning. yearning and an aspiration are a dream. dream and a feeling are an ideal love.

Courtney Knight *********** ONLY THIS MOMENT

When people go riding few of them take notice of the things around them, the beauty of the lake, the trees, the birds and wild flowers.

Some people say Oh, why look now? I'll see some other time. But little do they know, for they will never see those things exactly as they were then.

Snookie Brashear

ONI TEASPOONFUL The clouds on Old Bald are gathering, The sun in his bed lay; From yonder a shivering voice shouting, "Nancy, is this a blue-jean day?"

The after-Castle rush keeps them late.

A headache to cure, a crick to ease.

What a marvelous chorus they create When everyone starts to cough and sneeze.

M.F. has a twisted tendon, And Mary Julia a painful boil; Big Snookie is just like little Ivans When asked to take Castor OilI Thursday brings a great commotion, For everybody is weighed in the morning.

If the scales show a five-pound deviation You can blame nothing but that fourth helping!

Doctor Ed

- 9Patterned on FIREFLIES An intricate pattern of ice - a snowf.lake.

Five small delicate leaves, One slender green stem, A few dainty petals, A splash of color, A dash of perfume A rose.

Though the tiniest dewdrop may soak in the reflection of the beauty of the earth in an hour, The human eye could never hold as much in a lifetime.

Only the respectful are ever really respected.

It is easy to hold the whole world in your hand, If only you grasp it.

A wink of the eye, A warm smile, An understanding A friend.

Mary Fitzhugh

FEELINGS - MEKRH-WOODE

I am happy. It is a complete happiness without "blight or conditions. I feel contentment tinged with true fulfillment.--I must say tinged for I realize, not painfully, that it is not utter or ultimate fulfillment--not "my moment somewhere", tout an o-so-pleasing prelude, a glimpse, an awareness of ay real soul, a slight and sweet taste of my potentialities, an unending and unbridled thankfulness for the unforgettable intangibles this summer of Merrie-Woode has given me.

A feeling pervades me drenching my body with a feeling of bliss.

Contentment and happiness well up and overbrim to make my mind at rest except for a thankfulness, my body relaxed and supple, my spirit pervaded by a misty glow.

I am thankful, adamantly so. I am filled with my own kind of camp spirit. It is love: a love of the fullness and richness which can be found in each day well spent, and there are so many ways and so many people with which to gain that well-spent feeling.--The fun, the frolic, the friends, the fellowship, the beauty, and the civilized seclusion form this feeling or spirit of camp.

Courtney Knight

- 10 -

TALL GRASS Tall grass that is stirred "by the wind, That blows through the maple boughs and the winter snows, Is the harp of Springtime reflected the while In every glad heart and each happy smile.

At sunset the brightness that shines from the skies, Pauses to linger and then though it dies, Leaves "behind it a picture in each waving blade That adds to God's beauty born there in the shade.

Nanette Mangel

HOMING THOUGHTS You awake in the morning to the glory of a new sunrise. The day drifts in and the trees stir within the breeze. The sun spreads a warm coat on nature's being. The mountains, as if huge soldiers, protect and shelter a small community.

The silver clouds roll sleepily over the tall tree tops.

As all of these things work together in the beautiful puzzle of nature,. we are busy in the task of this new day, heardly realizing the splendor of a new morning at Merrie-Woode.

- Debby Newman

ATOM'S CHILD

Am I to die here At the height of Is death so soon With the Godlike

so young, youth, at maturity's inception? to silence my thought weapons of man's conception?

LIFE, I love — the earth,the sky, the night and day, The farms and pastures, the harrowed fields, The great cities and the people, and what people say..

LIFE, not death, death and gangrene, and twisted steel.

What happens then to dreams and plans?

Do they die with the brains that are scattered in the dust, When the atom splits and melts the sands, And leaves the cities to corrosion and rust?

Then the hope that springs eternal can spring but low, And the pursuit of love and the desire to know That drives youth on to maturity's glow, Seems futile now, or nearly so .....

Betty Jardine

11 n (SMALL FRY STILL TALKING)

Our Nancy says, "Don't you veep Just because it's your time to sweep."

Slow Flo says, "It's too early to rise," But condescends to open her eyes.

And Dale uses the waste "basket to catch a frog, Then leaves it sitting on a log, Then Peggy stands on her head, And then falls down like she was dead.

Lolly Robertson (age 10)

THE SILVER MOON

When everyone is sleeping, And all is q.uiet and still, The silver moon is shining, O'er the peaceful hill.

It rises slowly, surely, Until it shines afar, And peeping from "behind it, Is a tiny, silver star.

Mary Tod Baker •*#*##*#•*** SENTINEL PINE

The pine, a solitary soul, lifts its head high into the heavens.

He seems lonely, so straight and tall, yet sociable, with out-stretched arms. He is one of the first to see black clouds approaching in the east, and as they pass, he is still first to see their silver edges soon after the storm.

When the clouds are gone the rain is too, with its warm, dull patter. The pine still remains tall and sedate, although changed "by a sparkling fringe. Then "blue skies arrive with the wind. His coat.of water evaporates.

The sun shines forth, and once-wet firs gleam with warmth. In a forest, firs and pines are like "brothers, warding off unknown enemies from one another.

As the years pass, nature rewards them by showing their wisdom with height.

Debby Newman

- 12 FRIENDSHIP What is friendship? Friendship consists of people you like, love, trust and confide in. People who help to solve your problems and troubles. People with whom you have fun day after day. What would this world be like if no one had friends?

Betty Girdle r

A PRAYER Why are we so selfish? I ask you, Lord. We who see and know your love, and the beauty of your world. Why do we not bring others to you, show them your way, instead of hiding our thoughts and faiths away in a quiet place in our hearts. Why do we not give to the children of our world your love, and a heart for your beauty? Let me, 0 Lord, who is aware of your greatness, lead others to you, and may I grow more gracious in your eyes as I bring others into your lifted world . Amen .

A Counselor •**•*#*#**#*#*

RAIN She comes in quite quietly, gently--like a real friend would enter a room where death sat beside you. Her step is soft, slow, and soothing.

This is the friendly rain one loves to walk and think in. It is fine and mist-like, silent, seemingly ceaseless, and seeking.

Courtney Knight •***#*****#•*

NIGHT WIND Through the darkness of the night, Comes a weird and rustling sigh, Swift it comes, as swift as sound Descending from the sky.

From the sky it rushes swiftly, Wailing through the trees, Sweeping o'er the grassy plain, And out across the seas.

Mary Tod Baker

- 13 (Untitled) What do we dream of And feel At the sudden moment in our lives When we want to know all things on earth, To see and feel all places, All countries and continents on the earth, And all time. . .?

To contain within one ' s being The experience of all life and all people: To know the great men of all ages, And the little, unknown men, The men never named or recorded, Lost in numberless anonymity, And forever gone . . .

But who have lived To know and feel the greatness of all beauty, All music and poetry, philosophy and science, To know the stars and the earth, The great mountains and waters, And also the cities...

Leaving nothing untouched, unseen, unfelt, To grasp all that is... to hold it, feel it, Make it ours forever.

And we know then the highest ecstacy...

And frustration, And we cannot speak.

We remember things past, lost, forgotten, Forever gone, now, and irretrievable, Never to be known again...

And we feel the vastness of things Never to be known, Never to be seen, Never to be felt, Shortness of our lives, We feel also that these moments are known by oil men Who have ever lived upon the earth...

Betty Jardine

So, here within these pages, we have caught impressions, feelings, thoughts experienced by each of us in her different way. Here we have expression of the many facets of our summer life together: friendships and fun, silences and reveries, the wonder and the beauty of the people and the place, the wonder and beauty of creation and the Creator.

THE END

Dear Susie: I am having a wonderful time. We went on a hike; and the horses are grand.

My counselor is named "Red" because she has red hair. All the girls in my cabin are nice. We sometimes make noise after Taps and during Rest Hour.

That's fun, "but people get mad at us.

If you can, send me some chewing gum. We're not supposed to have candy.(1111111} Write me, so I will get a letter.

Luvya, Ann

P.S. Sometimes they call me "Calamity". We have some funny letters that she wrote home years ago - Calamity Ann, that It. You would get a kick out of them.