Comments for HSR Staff Alumni Association

Comment on Purple Bead Award by Jim Stewart

Jim Stewart — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 02:22:11 +0000

I was a little surprised when I read the history of the Purple Bead above. It was awarded to me in 1966 as a camper in a composite camp on Twister.
A secret vote was held by all the campers on our second last day. We were told to vote for the camper we most would like to return to camp with and to make a thoughtful choice because this was the most important award of the camp. Three other awards – Red Beads – were awarded to outstanding campers as chosen by the scouters.
As he presented it, I remember Skipper John Leroy saying that it was purple for the importance of the colour and because of all the coloured beads available for purchase, there were no purple ones. They painted a bead so no one could just buy one and claim they won it. (Not sure how complete that reasoning was.) The paint on the bead was wet when I got it and it has a texture to it from being handled while still wet. Looking at the beads on their thong just now, there are a red, two blue’s and a natural coloured one. The blue are for badges earned during the camp but I cannot remember what the natural one is for. It may have to do with swimming.
I’ve also dug out the “Thunder Bird” that we were given at the end of the camp. It says: “Flash: Congratulations to Jim Stewart who won the purple bead.” I can scan that news letter to you.
Just above that there is, I think, a fine example of the power of this camp. Skipper John wrote; ” You are not the only ones who have learned something new. For our ears were always open to opinion and I myself have learned something new” It happens I know exactly what he was referring to and to me it shows the breadth of learning at camp.
I want to mention that Stig Anderson was TL at our camp which was, I think, the year after the canoe adventure he shared with someone else and which is written about elsewhere on this site. As campers, we heard little snippets of the story but didn’t get the whole extent and depth of their efforts. I’m happy to learn it now. I know every camper enjoyed the quiet fellow who had his own beloved canoe which he paddled so strongly and well.
The letter also talks about how much rain there was on our overnight canoe trip but I don’t remember it. I remember the ice cream while waiting for our sleeping bags to dry at the laundry mat.
So, now they are out, I think I’ll hang the beads in my office.
Jim Stewart

Comment on Steam Train by Bill Glover

Bill Glover — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 18:00:41 +0000

PLEASE FORWARD TO F. BRUCE RYANS. Bruce, you wouldn’t be the son of Fred Ryans by any chance? I spent many summers myself in Haliburton at the family cottage and really enjoyed your article on the Highlander. If you are indeed Fred’s son, I am married to your first cousin, Jo-Ann Ambrose. Anyway, enjoyed the train story.
Bill Glover
Phoenix, AZ

Comment on 1963 Camp Staff by pat edwards

pat edwards — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 04:22:17 +0000

My name is Pat Edwards-I was on staff-1960-63. One of the other guys on staff in 1959-61 was Monty(Ed) Macpherson who I had known since cubs. I lost track of Monty after 1968- at which time he was working on his Phd in Chemistry. In 2006 I looked up Monty- finding that there were 43 Ed MacPhersons in Ontario- but found him on the first phone call. Monty has turned into a serious canoeist- out 100 nights a year and we have been on 5 canoe trips in northern Ontario- totally enjoying our reconnection. I am a retired tax partner from PWC and a municipal councillor in Muskoka and remember the great summers I had at HSR! a great place to spend the summers!

Comment on 1969 Camp Staff by John Simerson

John Simerson — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 19:20:32 +0000

John Simerson – started in Country Store as a clerk in Mid-July till end of camp in summer of 69.

Comment on Logan Hunter Illsley by Gregory Dobey

Gregory Dobey — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 11:55:08 +0000

congratulations from the Dobey family 1974

Comment on Welcome Gavin Masato Fuchigami by greg dobey

greg dobey — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 03:34:33 +0000

congratulations from the Dobey family

Comment on Congrats to Dave Sandomierski by greg dobey

greg dobey — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 03:31:39 +0000

congratulations from the Dobey family 1974

Comment on 1974 Camp Staff by Gregory Dobey

Gregory Dobey — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 22:07:48 +0000

Hello to every one who was there in 74 ,it was a great building block for me ,if you recall I was in MOK and became a Mechanic .I did leave 2 weeks early and canoed up to James Bay which again was a blast .I still think about the good times there even wining the bran muffin eating contest for a 110lb kid at the time lol .Hope every one is well my life is great 3 boys and married 31 years come MAY.

Comment on National Venturer Scout Adventure Event 2012 by katrinaangel

katrinaangel — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 01:55:09 +0000

Web site for the Jamboree, for anyone interested, at
http://www.scouts.ca/adventure2012/index.html

Comment on 1974 Camp Staff by Jamie Kissick

Jamie Kissick — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 14:20:21 +0000

Ken Orr came up as a volunteer initially, I believe, but then became Trapper after John Simerson left. He subsequently left before the summer was over, and I took over trapper duties as well as being Indian and occasional outripper.