Mauston Star
Mauston, Wisconsin, Thursday, August 9, 1894
Mauston People at the Dells
Camp Welcome is located on the highest point of the bluff near the Narrows between Artist's Glenn and Cold Water Canon. The camp grounds are simply perfect. North of the main tent, 32 ft. square, are five smaller tents placed in a semi-circle, with eight hammocks artistically arranged among them to rest in after long journeys either by boat or on foot to some of the many places of interest about the Dells.
Camp was pitched Aug. 3. The first dinner was served at "The Larks" by Mrs. Thew assisted by Mrs. Shannabrook, and, by the way, everything is as it should be under their management.
The three o'clock boat brought many more of our party which now numbered twenty. Supper was served in the dining tent.
The first night after affairs were fairly settled our campers being weary retired early to their downy (?) beds. Sleep came but not for long. Our sweetest dreams were broken by a sound as of Ringling's circus broken loose. Our people rushed from their tents, their pale faces betokening intense fear. However relief came soon as the word passed from tent to tent. "It's only the boys." They had returned from the 11:30 train, and as they had brought another friend to join our happy party, coffee was suggested, a fire was built and water hearted but the motion was overruled and peace reigned once more; but not for long. As soon as the first ray of light found its way to these Elysian fields our neighbor's dog Jumbo, a cur of small proportions but tremendous bark began his morning lay. No more sleep for us that night so one by one we gathered in the big tent where breakfast was served in a style seldom equaled and never excelled.
The table service shone like silver on a back ground of purest marble. The day was passed as are happy camping days till night came when the entire party which included J. E. Godding, E. A. Godding, C. Gray, S. S. Gray, Ralph Gray, Merton Gray, I. C. Baldwin, Kate Baldwin, Emma Alice Baldwin, M. J. Baldwin, B. C. Baldwin, Grace M. Baldwin, Alice MacNitt, Mary Schroeder, Justin Price, F. M. Pulver, Lillis Pulver, Jessie Pulver, J. P. Galiger, E. S. Galiger, Beth Galiger, Crade Langendorf, T. F. Godding, Bertha E. Godding, Wilma E. Godding. C. W. Potter, Jennie Potter, Roy P. Potter, Harry Potter, Avery Robinson being present "Camp Welcome" was formally dedicated, The entertainment commenced at 11:30 sharp with a green corn dance which was participated in by the entire party, though not without remonstrance from some whose feet were heavy with sands, not of time, but of the sand bar across the river. The dance was followed by an impromptu menagerie. Most of the animals were captured in the wilds of Africa and were very dangerous except when well fed. In the absence of a straight jacket a small bathing suit was fitted to JoJo the pie faced boy which held him securely while his chief food eggs were given to him on the half shell.
Apparently the fishing is good. One of our party came in before breakfast to report a fine catfish of immense size. A committee of five strong men was appointed to take the fish to camp, after which a sixty foot rope was used to measure it. Measurement around the body was three feet; from nose to tail ten feet; weight fifty-seven pounds, two ounces.
An attempt to describe the pleasures of the party is useless, but the reports
of what we have seen, how we have enjoyed the time come at noon time and
evening, and can furnish but one conclusion, and that is that all from the
youngest to the oldest are enjoying themselves hugely and except to continue
for another week.
contributed by Joan Benner