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Remember the times we had here............On the 4th of July, all cottages gathered together and marched upto the Lilac cottage and sang songs to Mrs. bowen. She would come out on the balcony and wave at us. We always sang her favorite song. "We have a good time at the Bowen Country Club, the best of all the years." As time went on, Mr. and Mrs. Hicks got married between groups in the garden and their dinners and guest reception in our dining room, and dancing in Goodfellow Hall. I was invited to their wedding. -Jennie (Valerio) Sciacca What I remembered most about our days at B.C.C. was "stunt night". It took place toward he end of the second week. Each cottage put on a show o different acts. It was really exciting, especially if you were one of the performers. After the entertainment we each received an ice cream cone as we returned to our cottages. What a treat it was, what a night to remember. -Jennie (Ramos) Kempf Still meeting campers and staff that call me the "purple nursie". -Rose Ann Altier Oh so many, many happy memories singing in the dining room after meals, dancing in Goodfellow Hall, stunt nights with ice cream cone afterwards. Wienie roasts, campfires at Camp French, nature study at Birds Park, swimming, hiking, treasure hunts, vespers on Sunday afternoons. There were also the people who left their imprints in our lives. Ms. Dora Lund, Mr. & Mrs. Hicks, Barbra and Bobby, Buck Gaines and her mom and sister, Miss Mary at Rosenwald, Ruth Ann who lived with Mom and Dad at the Farmhouse & so many more who touched our lives. B.C.C. has stayed in our hearts throughout our lives. Remember? -Jennie (Ramos) Kempf Our warmest thanks to all you perfectly grand people. It's fun to be a part of the B.C.C. family. -Mom & Pop Hicks There was a song called Remember. Those who ever attended B.C.C. will know it. It really said it all, about the times and the people. What will stay with me forever are the last two lines. For you all belong to Bowen and Bowen belongs to you. We would sing this song usually at the last campfire to help istill in our minds that we experienced soemthing very special. -Angela Chiarello Memories of Bowen Country Club were warm and wondeful. Remember the song: I Love To Go To The Country- a line says "with the Hicks, the counselor & Mary, you'll never feel all alone; I love the beautiful B.C.C. next to home, sweet home." that says it all. Memories of haystack fights, treasure hunts, campfires, Goodfellow Hall, overnight hikes to the beachand fun filled tacky party nights. Two memories, which portray the essence of Bowen Contry Club, that of caring for one another, were our Sunday morning gatherings to see Mrs. bowen & love filled energies that went to "our boys" who were serving our country during World War II. With fond memories, 4th of July -June Marie Stolfa There was a feeling of family, based on the acceptance of each person as an individual. Among the staff was a feeling of being part of a continuing tradition and commitment to values and attitudes, which could change lives long after we left B.C.C. For many of us who have coninued to be involved in working with people, as teachers, coaches, social workers, counselors, and volunteers in community service, it is very easy, when asked what we do, to smile a little and reply, "I do BCC". For Bowen Country Club and what it has meant to my life, I can only say, "Thank you, Jane Adams and Louise DeKoven Bowen for your vision and generosity, and thank you Mom and Pop Hicks for giving me the opportunity to have been a part of it. -Margaret Carlton
Misiak (Mac) I realize that you cant live in the past, but I am grateful that I was privileged to have known Jane Adams and the wonderful people associated with her. - Cassie Padava "Beauty of nature, warmth of lasting friendships, roots & values that I live by to this day, respect for all races & creeds, understanding the importance of every individual God created, peace in a confusing world." Bowen Country Club plus my family equals "love". -Charlene Caruso Bless
them all Dear Boys: From the rafters of the big dining room in the Bowen Country Club hangs a banner with figures 257 on it, this number representing, ofcourse, the alumni from the Club who have responded to the call to arms and who are fighting in Europe and Pacific. There are more alumni than this number, but the Club hasn't their addresses, and the figures on its service flag represent only those whom we know are in the service. We all talk often of the boys who were once with us, of their skill at games, of their ready wit and their affection for the Club. This has been brought out during the last three years when we received letters from these boys written at the Front, and though they have nor been able to tell of their experiences, word has come back to us in other ways of their eagerness to get the job done, as they express it, and of their magnificient courage and unselfishness. Wishing you all a speedy
return, Mrs. Joseph T. Bowen
Dominic Malone breaks a long silence to write us a good letter from Okinawa Shima: ....... In closing, let me express my gratitude of my buddies and myself for the wonderful job you are doing in getting the B.C.C. news o us. Please say "hello" to Mr. Hicks and all my friends at the Hull House, and may God Bless you all. Sincerely yours,
From Munich, we heard from Jim Terracciano, June 28th: Just received my favorite newspaper, the "Chain", and after reading it through twice, I sat myself right down to send my appreciation. What I want to say I can't put in words, so I'll just say "Thanks again".
And from Guido- the originator of the B.C.C. Chain idea: By the time this letter reaches you, the good B.C.C. will be in full swing - with summer, that's a thought that always comes right to our minds. Because we are assured that children will be happy, well-fed, and enjoying fresh, clean air, we in turn fell happy. |
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LETTER TO AN OLD CAMPER By Mary S. Edgar You may think,
my dear, when you grow old You may think
some day you have quite grown up, You may live
in a house built to your taste, You may find
yourself grown wealthy, For once once
you have been a camper Have a look at some photos from B.C.C. |
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