6/13/2007:
On this date in 1940, the evening edition of the Grand Forks Herald printed a photo of the 190 women who attended the first annual Northwestern counties’ Homemakers Rest Camp; a three day, three night summer camp for homemaking wives and mothers.
Women from seventeen counties gathered at Lake Metigoshe between June sixth and ninth to take part in educational and entertaining activities "of interest to rural women". On the evening of June 6th, at six o’clock, the camp opened with a meal, and was followed by a fireside program conducted by the camp’s General Chairman, Emily Freeman. Campers and daily visitors, who raised the camp’s numbers to nearly 300, busied themselves for the following two days with craft demonstrations, discussions, and nightly entertainment.
Speakers and demonstrators traveled from across the country and Canada to join North Dakota’s homemakers in the Turtle Mountains during this weekend in June. Ursula Hubbard, a nationally known discussion leader of New York City, led campers on June 7th in a forum discussing, "What is Abundance in North Dakota?". That same morning, Evelyn Ames of Manitoba’s Agricultural and Home Economics Extension Department demonstrated and exhibited a variety of Canadian crafts.
Along with the demonstration of international crafts were two demonstrations of art and crafts by North Dakota natives. Lois Darling of Rolette country gave instruction to campers on the use of native grasses and corn husks in the art of basket weaving, while Julia Brekke, a North Dakota clothing specialist, gave lessons in belt making.
Along with mastering the art of craft making, Homemaking campers were able to attend an educational seminar on farm sanitation conducted by Lloyd Clark of the state department of health, and an exhibit and lecture on Native American Indian relics owned by Henry Klebe. On Saturday afternoon, the homemakers were given the opportunity to tour the State School of Forestry, Deer Heart Lodge, and conduct a biological survey of Upham, North Dakota; adding to the educational aspect of the women’s summer camp experience.
But it was the evenings’ activities that most resembled the average child’s summer camp experience. Each evening, the 190 women of Homemakers Rest Camp were treated to Fireside Hours that included "singing, games, legends, and county programs". Surprisingly, Lake Metigoshe was not alone in playing host to camping homemakers during the summer of 1940. A similar camp was located on the Sheyenne River near Leonard, North Dakota and hosted homemakers from 18 Southeastern counties. It seems that camp was once a very popular summer destination for mom.
The fee to send mom to summer camp was $3.50, and included "lodging, meals and admission to all camp activities", a price that today might buy you a 16 ounce mocha at your local café. Today, it’s not uncommon for kids to spend summer at camp with their schoolmates and friends, but can you imagine sharing a bunk bed with mom?
By Ann Erling
Sources:
"18 County Homemakers To Attend Vacation Camp." Grand Forks Herald (Evening), June 11, 1940. Page 2.
"200 Homemakers To Attend Camp." Bottineau Courant, May 29, 1940. Page 4.
"Dist. Homemakers Camp June 6." Bottinueau Courant, June 5, 1940. Page 1.
"17 Counties Homemakers at Lake Metigoshe." Bottineau Courant, June 12, 1940. Page 1.
"Homemakers Prepare for June Camping." Bottineau Courant, May 22, 1940. Page 4.
"Northern County Homemakers Camp at Lake Metigoshe." Grand Forks Herald (Evening), June 13, 1940. Page 7.