Some 90-plus years ago, one of the finest and most systematically organized girls’ summer camps in the eastern United States flourished on the west bank of the Mystic River. Named “Camp Mystic,” it was established by Mary L. Jobe, the famous and distinguished woman explorer and naturalist. The mission of the camp, according to literature provided to prospective attendees, was “to produce fine, big-minded, strong, healthy girls, to carry on and supplement all the good influences of home, school, and church.”
In the summer of 1914, Ms. Jobe, who was looking for the ideal place to establish her summer camp for girls, was invited to spend a weekend in Noank visiting her friend, noted artist Henry War Ranger. During her stay, she paid visit to the former property and temple where the once famous and greatly attended Universal Peace Union meetings were held on the River Road. The 10-acre tract, originally known as Fish Grove, was about a half mile north of Mystic village, across the river from the Elm Grove Cemetery. The property, which was no longer being used by the Peace Union, was available for purchase. Feeling that the site would be an ideal, ready-made location for her girls’ camp, Ms. Jobe purchased the property in October of that year.
Beginning in the summer of 1916 and continuing until 1930, Camp Mystic would become the home of more than 80 girls for the summer months of July and August. Activities provided during their stay at the camp included training in camp crafts, swimming, diving, boating, arts and crafts, nature study, patriotic service, horseback riding, dancing and field athletics.
Attendees were assigned into two groups, Seniors and Juniors. Juniors were from 8 to 13 years of age and Seniors from 14 to 16 or 17. Consideration for group assignments was also based upon experience and adaptability. The girls were under constant and direct supervision of a staff of councilors and expert instructors personally selected by Ms. Jobe.
Girls attending the camp were provided accommodations in spacious canvas tent bungalows, 16 feet square, with wooden frames and floors. Each had windows on their side and a wide double door at each end. The camp also boasted a complete system of flush water toilets with the best of sanitary methods and also the luxury of shower and tub baths. It should be noted in my research there was no mention of hot water for the shower or baths.
The camp had several buildings including a large two-story structure with a large “living room” with an open fire; a spacious roofed-in pavilion measuring 100 feet by 120 feet; an assembly hall and library, and a large open fire. A glassed-in sun parlor on the sides of this building could be opened or closed dependent upon the weather; and a large dining hall. The pavilion also served as the “life center” of the camp. It was here where all social functions, including dances, festivals, entertainment, musicals, and plays were held.
Much of the activities at the company were physical in nature. Besides daily swimming and diving, the girls participated in games such as basketball, tennis, baseball, volleyball, and kick ball. Then there were the frequent “tramping and camping” expeditions on Fishers Island and one-day trips up Lantern Hill in Ledyard. Another exhilarating and enjoyable program at the camp was horseback riding.
The girls were also provided training in various arts and crafts including basketry, pottery weaving, knitting, and embroidery. There were also classes in nature studies of plants, flowers, trees, birds, and stars. Music and dancing were also considered an important part of the summer program. Camp songs became part of the daily routine and instructions were provided in various forms of dancing.
“All work and no play” was not the norm the camp. There was a variety of entertainment each evening, including plays, music, dances, and storytelling by girls attending the camp. Periodically a well-known author or musician would provide special entertainment. On occasion Ms. Jobe would also give talks about her exploration activities.
The camp was very regimented and almost militaristic in nature. A typical daily program schedule appearing in a catalog for the camp reminded me of my military days: Rising bell (6:45 a.m.), Breakfast (7:30 a.m.), Tent Inspection (9 a.m.), Assembly – Mail (9:15 a.m.), Dinner (12:30 p.m.); Supper (5:30 p.m.); Entertainment (7 p.m.); Retiring Bell (8 p.m.); Silence Bell (9 p.m.). Also, all those attending the camp were provided a list of required clothing items to bring with them to ensure “uniformity of costume” for camp unity and attractive appearance.
The all-inclusive fee cost for attending the eight-week camp back in the 1920s was $375. Although it seems like a bargain, by today’s standards, its cost would be equivalent to more than $8,000.
After the 1930 season, largely as a result of the Great Depression, the number of applicants for the camp was so low that Mary Jobe decided to close Camp Mystic. Jobe died in 1966. Her will provided that the property be placed in trust for a nature preserve.
Today, the property is a Peace Sanctuary, under the stewardship of The Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center. The public is encouraged to visit and enjoy this wonderful nature preserve, which is opened daily during daylight hours.