Comments
on Camp Paradox (made possible by Loquacious)
I also am curious if there are any other Paragonian lurkers, however a Paragon site
might not be necessary because mostly we were just interested in the boys! (am I a sexist
or what) I was friends with Avi Ronnel and she must have lived close to Andy because I
went to her house to see him (only once) during off camp times. I was 14, Andy was 17...I
was very cool back t
Contributed by Ellen Rosenfeld Sall (ersall@aol.com)
on September 13, 2001.
well, a lot has happened in the world since anyone has posted. i am still reeling from
the events of 9.11.01. like jfk's assination, we will always remember that day. i recently
made contact with steve berkowitz (berks@att.net) - alive and well in randolph nj - via
classmates.com. that is an excellent way of contacting campers -- if you know where they
graduated high school. so check it out and if you know any high school info send it over!
THE RESPONSE TO THE SURVEY WAS PRETTY SPARSE. lake george looks like the place and i
plan to make reservations for the sagamore (pricey) and another place (less pricey) to
accommodate everyone. need to double check, but it looks like either a weekend in july or
august. but that info is home. any other comments or responses PLEASE let me know ASAP. i
will have a travel agent with an 800 number who will take your info and make travel and
hotel reservations for you. but i still have no idea how many of you will come.
SO GET THAT KEYBOARD OUT AND LET ME KNOW.
be well.
bill
Contributed by bill rice (drbill@writeme.com)
on September 28, 2001.
It has been a trying two weeks in this household. I hope all are well form our intrepid
camp and that no one was injured. Was thinking about Cramer and glad to see he is OK.
Contributed by Howard Benson (maxibenson@aol.com)
on September 28, 2001.
Lake George sounds good to me! Let's move past this terrible tragedy and get this web
site moving again!
Contributed by Ken Greenfield (keng.rph@verizon.net)
on September 28, 2001.
amen!
REUNION - 1st CHOICE DATE WAS WEEKEND of 19 JULY 2001! 2nd choice was 23 august. just
to reiterate -- i need to know who & how many are planning to attend so we can get the
ball rolling.
thanks, steve berkowitz for providing your brother, ken's email address
(berko2@aol.com). another physician (pulmonary) from port chester, ny. hope he's reading
this and throws in his 2¢.
Contributed by bill rice (drbill@writeme.com)
on September 30, 2001.
While rummaging around in a bunch of boxes in our attic, I finally located the
"Redbook" and "Bluebook". I knew they were around here somewhere. One
section in the "Bluebook" mentions Le Gastronamique - something GER did. Here's
what it says:
Three or four times per season, GER will spin the wheel of fortune in the dining hall
with a lucky cabin group winning the privilege of attending his very exclusive Le
Gastronamique in Ches Paradox -- this means the winning cabin group will be served dinner
on a designated evening in Ches Paradox with GER himself as Chef! Your cabin group may
invite counselor guests (other than your own counselors) up to a total of three persons
for this gourmet feast.
I have absolutely no memory of this. Does anyone remember going to these. What kind of
food did he serve?
Contributed by Jim Anderberg (jamesa@ctel.net) on
September 30, 2001.
Ahhhhh!, Le Gastronamique!!!, What a splendid affair it was. The venerable GER would
indeed actually award a “lucky” cabin group with this exquisite little soiree’,
held in the Chez. Apparently Gerry thought himself to be quite the chef, among his many
talents, and wanted to share this with the camp. I weaseled my way in most of the time,
under the pretense of “helping”, so I could partake in the goodies. The menu
usually consisted of some sort of steak that Gerry would marinate in red wine (the secret
ingredient). I must admit that it was pretty good, as I recall. Certainly a lot better
than Clifford and Francis attempting to cook breakfast!!!
Contributed by Neil Neuschatz (nneuschatz@capitaltempfunds.com)
on October 1, 2001.
I think maybe Jim has no recollection of this is because this only happened in the
early days. As time wore on my recollection is that this was a skills department type
thing and there really wasn't a rolling of the wheel in the dining hall. GER would usually
have some great dinners for those in the skills department. Besides a mean here and there
in the Chez, he would take people to the infamous Cafe Guy (where the undertaker was
either a waiter, matire'd or bartender) or I seem to recall some place in Montreal as
well. (He didn't take me but I recall some folks talking about it) He also drove a jaguar
didn't he? The wheel spinning stuff was in the early pre-Anderberg years. Besides Neil
Neushatz helping, I seem to recall Bruce Inglis always getting in on the deal too. I
managed a few gourmet meals but not that many. The Blue Book had alot of stuff in it that
was conceptually there but not actually done. At any rate that's my recall on it. Hope you
are all well and faring okay after the events of three weeks ago. It is really nice to sit
back and reflect on these simpler happy times in all our lives and when we see the carnage
and tragedy that has befallen us it really does put these great times of our youth in a
very special place in all of our hearts. I spoke to Alan Miller Saturday who as a reporter
for the Los Angeles Times has been working twelve hour days and more covering these
events. Hopefully he will post with some of his thoughts one of these days. I will close
with the hope that none of us in our longtime paradox family was effected directly by
these tragedies. If so we pray for your families and are thinking positive and happy
thoughts for you and your loved ones..............
Contributed by MICHAEL SALNICK (lioneyguy) on October 3,
2001.
O.K., fellow Paradoxians! It has been over 3 weeks since anybody posted, so I thought
that I might break the ice with some comments on what's been happening in the world.
True, the world has dramatically changed since the events of September 11, 2001. We can
never go about our lives without the lurking possibility that other acts of terrorism
might occur at any time. Who would have thought, several months ago, that we would have to
worry about opening up letters and exposing ourselves to Anthrax contamination! We are
living in a surreal state of existence that far exceeds the imagination of any Hollywood
screenwriter or television dramatist!
That is all the more reason to keep this Paradox web site active. We can share our
memories of a time long ago and far away when the most we had to worry about was that if
we played a Beatles record backward, we were confronted with the spurious news that Paul
was dead!
Remember the great UFO hoax? I was frightened back then, but at least it all turned out
to be a hoax! Who is going to assuage our fears now? Will we wake up one morning and find
out that everything is really alright with the world? I don't think so.
It therefore behooves us to hearken back to a time when we shared our youth together in
a world that was, at least on the surface, a lot less menacing.
Remember in the '64 Parents Day musical "The Love Campaign", Dave Steinman,
as the presidential candidate Wintergreen, sang "Love is Sweeping the Country"
and followed it with the carefree song "Who Cares!" with the lyrics:
Who cares if the sky cares to fall in the sea? Who cares what bank fails in Yonkers? As
long as she's got a kiss that conquers!
Why should I care? Life is one long melody! As long as I care for her, And she cares
for me!
Remember the summer of '65, when we had our own musical group, The Moths, with Neil
Neuschatz singing the lead in "Mrs. Brown, you've got a lovely daughter!"
How about Rich Ward having his own personal rifle that came equipped with its own
scope? How could any aspiring marksman compete with that! How about riflery counselor Mike
Blake, zooming around camp on his motorcycle, all the time espousing the "Zen"
philosophy!
Remember in '68 when the Harlem Wizards came to town, and dribbled around our counselor
basketball team?
How can anyone forget when in '66 we had "candy" in the Program office in the
form of straight-haired blond Candy Snydeer?
In '67 we had riflery counselor Denis Anderson, who had his own 12 string guitar. That
was the same season that counselor Ken Moore wanted absolute quiet in the Senior Unit when
he patrolled on "O.D" duty on Tuesday nights. I remember I was scared after I
dedicated the Rolling Stones song "Ruby Tuesday" to "psycho-counselor Ken
Moore" over the WCP airwaves. I was certain that he was going to come after me if he
heard that dedication.
If the posting activity on this web site remains dead, how are we ever going to get the
plans for a 2002 reunion realized? The world is in a pretty wierd state of affairs, but we
shouldn't let that stop us from celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Carpenter-Landis
regime at Paradox.
I did my part in trying to get the ball rolling again on the web site. I hope somebody
else will pick up the ball and run with it.
Contributed by Ken Greenfield (keng.rph@verizon.net)
on October 25, 2001.
Paradox now seems even more remote - like two lifetimes past after these terrible
events. But I still want to do the reunion although certain Paradoxians that I know, and
are close to, have a more wary view of their Camp life vis-a-vie Larry Carpenter et
al.They do not want anything to do with the reunion or this web site. It seems that there
was a sad undercurrent of events at Camp that younger campers like myself were not aware
of that has surfaced in off board conversations.
Contributed by Howard Benson (maxibenson@aol.com)
on October 27, 2001.
I attended Camp Paradox from 1966 through 1970. Those summers are etched in stone
forever in my mind and the Paradox memorabilia that I have lugged around for over thirty
years will stay with me wherever I go. Everything ended abruptly after the 1970 summer and
so did some of the close friendships I had with fellow campers and counsellors. My life
changed as I went off to college then before I knew it, I was down in Florida with a wife,
children, and my accounting practice.
I missed not only saying goodbye, but also keeping in touch with some of the best
friends and memories, in a period of time that had a tremendous impact in my life even as
I live it today. Other than my wedding day and my children being born, there is not a
block of time that I remember so vividly...as if it were this past summer, than my five
years at Camp Paradox.
This website is just what the doctor ordered (a sincere thank you to Tom Field!)and we
need increased participation. In trying times such as now, coupled with economic slowdowns
and being oh so busy as a husband, a father, a business owner, a Temple president and
other...reading about all of you and allowing fond memories to just pour out of some of
the best times of my life....this is actually only about ME. For the most part I was
protected from and oblivious to the outside world and its elements and my world and
responsibilities was only me.
I have since spoken to Mike Salnick and Billy Rice and look forward to seeing them
soon. I've heard from others via E mail and although we are very dispersed, I would hope
most would be receptive to a reunion next year in the good old Adirondacks. Fond memories,
I'll name a few: The bunk 17 cherry bomb incident, Water Ski Club with my '66 buddy Jeff
Menkes,Marty Kocivar who was one of my best friends my first year of camp and who shared
the same birthday with me, The kingpin of bunks..bunk 30 and how I never got there, the
Chez and the best burgers in town (OK, so it was a small town), Freihoffer cakes and
cookies at Pfortners, Idewild (wasn't that the name of the store on Rte 73 between Paradox
and Paragon?), and right out of the delivery truck, Lake George and gobbling up all that
junk ( I still have this gaudy medallion I bought there), climbing Giant Mountain with
Billy Rice and a few others in a lightning and rain storm ( actually Mr. Andeberg, I was a
46er wannabe but only climbed 15-20 of them), Conquering Mt. Marcy and inhaling a half
dozen "Michigans" (hotdogs on a roll with special chili sauce)on the way back to
camp,Coe vs. Grinnell, Red vs. Gray, my Paradox mug which is sitting in my bedroom always
visible-filled with pens, Alan Uhrs bionic throwing arm, Howie Unimans' grit on the ball
field, Jerry Shiers' speed and athleticism, Richie Franks' "speed" on the base
paths, Mike Salnicks excellent archery skills, Ranzy Tuckers massive muscles and his even
more massive homeruns during the staff softball games, Three-two-One visiting day and our
massive exedous to our parents. I could go on and on and will in the future but hope to
here from more of you, and that even though we are all going through trying times today (
and of course my prayers and thoughts go out to any Paradoxian or Paragonian whose family
was directly effected by the Sept. 11th tragedy) let's try to recall part of what got us
here today. I certainly have a smile on my face right now! Rick Mittelberg
Contributed by Rick Mittelberg (RickeyM5@AOL.COM)
on October 29, 2001.
A week ago, Sunday, Bill Rice came out to Bridgehampton for a visit with his dog, Roxy.
It was wonderful to see him and to meet Roxy, and to have Roxy meet my dog, Lucy. We spent
a relaxing day, took walks with the dogs down to Mecox Bay as well as to the Ocean. We
ended the day with a Sushi dinner in the Village of Water Mill along with my wife, Bobbie.
I just want to thank Bill for making the effort as it was about an hour and a half
drive for him. Hope we can get together again soon either here or in Florida.
Contributed by Tony Braun (TonyBobbie@aol.com)
on October 31, 2001.
I also wanted to say that my 17 year old son, Derek, three weeks ago, won a National
Championship when he won the grueling, three day United States Equestrian Team Talent
Search Finals at the USET Headquarters and Training Center in Gladstone, New Jersey. This
weekend he will try to win another, the ASPCA Maclay Finals at Madison Square Garden
during the National Horse Show. We're keeping our fingers crossed for Derek, he's truly
amazing. (Billy Rice has heard all of this. Sorry to repeat myself, Bill.)
Contributed by Tony Braun (TonyBobbie@aol.com)
on October 31, 2001.
I was reading Ken Greenfield's account of his visit back to camp and seeing my name I
wrote some 38 years ago was just eerie. How can ink last that long? I visited the camp
back in 1993 with my wife and saw the same thing in Bunk 5 and it was very strange then. I
didn't participate in the survey because I'll come no matter when or where. Glad to hear
that so many people are being found.
Contributed by Chuck Muth (clmuth@netstartel.com)
on October 31, 2001.
Chuck, if I can remember your name was always written the largest and there were a lot
of them. I think in one of my bunks I slept under a Chuck Muth emblem - it was the last
thing I remember seeing every night.
Contributed by Howard Benson (maxibenson@aol.com)
on October 31, 2001.
It's Friday, November 2,2001, and the Yankees again are only one game from another
World Series. I know that there are probably a lot of Yankee haters out there, but the
Yankees didn't get to where they are the easy way. They seem to magically come from behind
and win, but there is no magic to it: They know how to compete. You never give up; you
never let a loosing score discourage you. That is something that I learned at Camp
Paradox, but I had to re-learn it later in my life: How to lose; how to fail at something,
and how to get back into the competition, and maybe fail several or many more times, but
if you really wanted something badly enough, then dogged persistence is sometimes the only
thing that really pays off. I was never a natural athlete. When I got to Camp Paradox, I
constantly was confronted with campers that could run faster, throw harder, catch better,
or hit further, yet I still wanted to play in the game. I still wanted to compete. I was
never a natural swimmer like my brother, but I still wanted to learn how to swim better,
so I started at "Beginner" level in '63, and kept on taking swimming lessons at
Paradox until I attained the rank of "Advanced Swimmer" in '68. In between I
managed to fail the "Junior Lifesaving" course, which I took again and passed. I
can still remember the fear I had when I had to attempt to rescue a drowning Jack Francis
from the waters of Lake Paradox. I remember his huge arms encircling my head, and pulling
me down to the bottom of the lake, as I attempted to break his vise-like grip on me. I
thought I was never going to see the light of day again, but I struggled and eventually
"rescued" him, and passed the course. The first time I took the "Advanced
Swimmer" course with Dave Hill at Camp Paradox, he failed me because my
"form" in some of the strokes was not satisfactory. I took the course again, and
remember how I thought I was never going to be able to complete the swim around Crawford
Island and back, but it was something I wanted, so I struggled through it and finally
passed. I was never a natural water skier like Billy Rice, Bob Atlass, or Jeff Cohen, but
it was something I wanted to learn to do, so I started by falling innumerable times in
trying to get up on two skis, until I finally made it and was able to experience the
thrill of riding on top of the water. After that, I wanted to learn how to drop a ski and
ride slalom-style on one ski. It didn't come naturally, but I kept trying until I
succeeded, and was finally able to execute a "dock start" on one ski, and earn
my "Water Skiing 1st Class" badge. When I earned that badge, I was very proud.
Nothing in life has come easy to me. I graduated second in my class in High School, only
to go through a series of "nervous breakdowns" and episodes of depression and
psychiatric hospitalizations during my college years. I have had enough "shock
treatments" to supply enough power for any energy crisis. I had one psychiatrist tell
me that I might be able to stack books in a library. Neither I nor my family members
accepted that prognosis. I never wanted to give up; I never wanted to "throw in the
towel". Finally, in 1985, 14 years after graduating from high school, I graduated
from Rutgers College of Pharmacy and became a registered pharmacist. I was just as proud
as I when I learned to water ski "slalom-style" on one ski at Camp Paradox. The
Yankees might not be the best team in major-league baseball. Even though they are ahead
"three-games-to-two", there is no guarantee that they will finally win the
series, but one thing is certain: They will never give up. They will never call it
"quits" and even if they are eventually defeated in the World Series, there will
always be next year. It's a kind of corny, often-used sports metaphor for life, but there
is usually something that cliches have in common: They are true. So if the Yankees win
another World Series, please do not hate them. They know how to win, only because they
know how to compete when they are loosing, and that is something I learned at Camp
Paradox, but had to re-learn later in life. It is only when you learn how to deal with
failure that you truly learn the key to success.
Contributed by Ken Greenfield (keng.rph@verizon.net)
on November 2, 2001.
Wow, Kenny, what an amazing story you told, so completely honest and heart-felt. I keep
coming back to this site and reading the messages because of posts like yours. It's fun to
share the memories from those halcyon days but the fact is we have all grown up and
experienced life each in our own personal, individual and private ways. This bulletin
board serves as sort of our collective unconscious (made-conscious) of a time that can
never be recovered but which was filled with (what have become) symbols, archetypes, and
lessons that each of us has internalized and carried forth to maturity. Even though we
weren't close at camp, Ken, I feel for what you went through and I'm delighted that you
were able to call on the lessons of persistence and success from camp to overcome your
"failures." When I get off track in my life, it helps to recall how those days
shaped me and filled me with the confidence to believe in my own creativity. I only wish I
had climbed all the mountains and learned how to slalom and become a junior lifesaver. My
interests and accomplishments were important to me but, in retrospect, they kept me from
experiencing everything CP had to offer. I suppose this is probably true for everyone who
went -- no one could do everything -- but now, through our varied postings and memories,
we can all share everything. I guess this is how camp and those far-away summers reside in
our collective memories.
And as a Yankee fan who grew up worshipping Mickey Mantle, I have to say those last two
games with their dramatic ninth inning homeruns were FREAKIN' AMAZING!!
Love and Peace
Contributed by Bruce Singer (saltcreek@charter.net)
on November 3, 2001.
It is nice to see the site active again. Paradox had a substantial effect upon all of
us. My experiences there certainly have had an effect upon how I practice law and look at
the world. I think it taught me a tolerence and live and let live attitude that I would
not have gotten anywhere else. I was never active in footlighters but I went to all the
plays. Experiences that I would not have had anywhere else.
Contributed by Marc S. Stern (mstern @
abanet.org) on November 3, 2001.
I was just checking in with the CP website and read then re-read Ken Greenfield's
comments about life. It really is amazing, if you really go back in time, to see what an
impact Camp Paradox had on each of us. I was a di-hard Yankee fan coming from New Jersey.
I still love the tradition and will always respect it but I found myself rooting for the
Diamondbacks. They are laden with former Marlins and like the Marlins did in 1997 to the
Indians, to see an expansion team de-throne the "Kings" was something special.
Nonetheless, it was a magical series and just goes to show you that you never give up and
to quote one of the most famous Yankee players, Yogi Berra, "It aint over till its
over". Did anyone stay up to see those two games in full when those incredible two
run homers were hit in the ninth inning? Anyway, life is full of lessons and this is one
we should live by and teach our children.
Rick Mittelberg
Contributed by Rick Mittelberg (RickeyM5@aol.com)
on November 5, 2001.
Excuse me, folks, but I’ve been lurking on and off over the last year or so,
wondering when someone was going to notice the 900-pound gorilla sitting in the corner.
Mr. Benson finally alluded to it on 10/31. It was ignored even so, and the remembrances of
Camp Paradox as some sort of boyhood Shangri La continue.
What’s prompted me to post is curiosity of what those disaffected campers are
saying offline. Sure, Ole Lar’s dead-on portrayal of Uncle Ernie ultimately led to
the camp’s downfall in 1970. But the campers most affected by those felonies had
already graduated to become CITs or, worse, passengers on teen tours. As for me, I
attended camp from 65 through 70. I was a freshman when Larry left and young enough to
have taken at face value the story that he had moved to a sheep farm in Australia. By the
time I reached the senior bunk line in 1970, Larry was a dim memory, replaced by
counselors who used the camp as a rest stop on their way to Canada to avoid the draft
(well, one at least).
So why do folks want to have nothing to do with this site or a reunion? Why were some
campers’ experiences so wildly positive and others so negative? There seem to be few
middle-of-the- road, take-it-or-leave-it perspectives here. I’d appreciate reading
your thoughts. I’m sure you’ll also let me know if I’m out of line here.
Contributed by Michael Zuch (mzuch@bestweb.net)
on November 5, 2001.
Michael Zuch, you are not out of line. Larry Carpenter, and his acts, are the biggest
unspoken truths on this website.
Contributed by (TonyBobbie@aol.com) on November
5, 2001.
I forgot to sign my name to the previous posting.
Contributed by Tony Braun (TonyBobbie@aol.com)
on November 5, 2001.
I too appreciate Mike Zuch's comments and have wondered myself why the "dark
side" of those camp years (I attended from '66-'70) has occasioned so little comment
here. It was only a few years ago that it occured to me that Larry's abusive activities
may have had something to do with the abrupt closing of the camp. It's amazing what one
can repress. It feels somewhat tragic that a time and place which many of us recall as so
special is, for many others, a painful memeory. Maybe the only way we can really conjure
up a sense of community again, be it here in cyberspace or at a reunion, is by honestly
acknowledging that pain as well as the joy we knew.
And Bruce Singer, count me among the Yankee fans whose jaw hit the floor and whom
almost woke the whole neighborhood when Brosius did it again. I was sorry to see the
D'backs win last night and deprive us of one more (last?) celebration, but those nights in
the Bronx really were magical. I'm only sorry that it meant next to nothing for my kids
(boys 15 and 12), who find baseball unbearably boring. Deep sigh....
Hey, let's hear from some of your lurkers. Uniman, Frank, Cramer, Ross, I know you're
out there....
Contributed by marc margolius (ravmarcm) on November 5,
2001.
I have to side with the Rabbi on this one. Obviously, bad things happened to some
campers. In all honesty, Larry never did anything to me but after he left there were
certainly many rumors and stories. I'm not here to defend him in any way, shape or form.
If this website has promoted fond memories of camp, it is only because those are the
honest expressions of the people posting. Nothing has, in my view, been suppressed or
hidden. I would urge anyone who has anything positive -- or negative -- to say what they
want. We're talking about experiences that ended over thirty years ago. For those of us
who were spared Larry's abuse, those memories are fun to revisit. For those of you who
come here with a different perspective, I urge you to share that as well. No one will
condemn you. No one will think less of you. We were innocent boys; some of us were hurt.
It seems to me that this board might be a useable vehicle for a process of healing that
may never have been completed. I think it's better to shine a light on the worst secrets
than to keep letting them fester. For those of you who were hurt and abused, ask
yourselves, "If I talked about here, amongst the people who were there with me,
what's the worst that could happen?" The truth would come out, and with it, perhaps,
a sense of shame. But, I guarantee, there would be a huge outpouring of empathy and
concern from your fellow campers. Read some of these postings. The depth of feeling here
is indicative of the kindness and love you would receive back for being brave enough to
explore the unfortunate and lamentable dark side of LC's nature and the camp experience.
We all can handle it now and we need to put secrets behind us so no one feels left out or
views this board as simply some empty piece of nostalgia. Every contribution is valid. No
one has to make excuses. What happened happened and no longer has to be kept under a rock.
As I write this I remember Larry sitting in our bunk, on my bed, telling a long shaggy dog
story that ended with him saying something like, "I'm pulling your leg," as he
pulled my leg. I remember in the context of rumors about things he did after he left. But
I was only twelve then so I didn't know much, and certainly didn't understand how someone
could be a pedophile. That he might have -- or did -- prey on boys my age or younger is
something we should all talk about. Shining a light on it won't make it go away but it
will make this board more inclusive, richer in spirit, a place for safety and healing for
those who need it, and, perhaps, in the end, we will still all be able to appreciate the
good of those years with the full knowledge that good never comes without bad but that the
love and truth and honesty behind good will always be stronger than the fear and anger,
shame and guilt upon which the bad stands.
Sorry to go on for so long but I hope this will be seen as an unconditional invitation
to all views.
Even those of you who are Diamondback fans.
Love and Peace.
Contributed by Bruce Singer (saltcreek@charter.net)
on November 6, 2001.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I've done some routine
housekeeping, moving a lot of the messages to another archive to keep the loading of this
page from being so slow. The process of deleting old messages involves my manually
deleting each message, during which time I scan each message.
Rereading them all at
once, I'm impressed once again by how much heartfelt discussion has happened on the board.
I just hunted down
Fred Dorn. He's at Good Morning America. I sent them an e-mail asking them to
forward it to him...
Another memory which
has stuck with me for all these years: I recall that Jack Francis, while teaching us
the Red Cross Junior or Senior Life Saving course told us that he had once rescued a woman
using the standard cross chest carry but that subsequently she had the audacity to sue (?)
him for, in her opinion, improperly touching her. This is after he had saved
her life. Of course I never doubted that Jack had simply done his job
properly and gotten improperly accused. Jack, I tell this story with no intention to
embarrass you ... but, is my memory at all accurate?
Jim Anderberg told me
when he was here that GER had a private apartment behind the Junior unit that few ever
entered. Jim got in as a drinking buddy one night. Anyone else get in ... or even
remember that the place existed?
Speaking of GER, I
have posted on the site's home page a link to an audio tape-letter I received from GER in
the early 1990's. I gave some consideration as to the propriety of making public
this personal communication from him. But, after reviewing the contents, I don't
believe it's improper to publish the tape. It contains no personal or confidential
revelations.
To hear the tape,
click here-- the link to the GER tape will
appear at the top of your screen. It requires Real Audio; if you don't have it on your
computer, go here for a free download
using the "Real Player 8 Basic "-link. If your playback of the GER tape is
choppy, you may wish to save it to your hard disk first and then play it back from there.
The GER tape is 15
minutes long. It has the 1962 and the 1970 closing ceremonies monologues that GER
did. That he should still have them, after all these years, isn't surprising, but reveals
how much the institution meant to him too. Listen how his voice perks up when he
talks about the camp plays. The noise near the end was a technical problem on the
original tape. As I prepared the tape for posting on the web, I pondered the poignant
irony that I was using the very skills I picked up at WCP: cueing, cabling, setting
audio input levels, etc. Remember the Wollensak? Here's a link to a photo of
one. For some reason, the funky pause lever on the right has always stuck in my
mind... maybe because of its crudeness, or the nervousness I felt holding it down waiting
to start a tape??
The discussion here
has moved into a more frank disclosure of the dark side of Paradox ... the side which
haunts some lurkers to the extent that they don't post. I'll be frank: Larry
was a pedophile. I know this from immediate, first-hand experience. It was
said that he preyed frequently on those young campers who were at camp on a
"scholarship."
I don't blame anyone
but Larry himself ... not the Landis', or the counselors, many of whom must have been
aware that something of this sort was going on. Everyone handled the situation at
the time and in the aftermath as best they could... We were all much less well equipped to
recognize and respond to this kind of behavior than we would be today.
I don't doubt that
there are many Paradoxians who carry deep scars from Larry. And to them, my
heart goes out. I don't know if there's anything more we can do but be objective
about the facts and be mutually supportive. It's unfortunate that Larry's deep
betrayal of our trust taints the enormous gifts he gave us in other ways.
So, the Rubicon has
been crossed on this topic. I hope none of you will consider my remarks inappropriate,
insensitive, or hurtful.
Tom
PS Ken, I haven't
forgotten the photos you sent me to scan. Also, if someone sends me a photo of the
Paradox ring, I'd love to post it on the site...
Contributed by Tom Field (tom@canby.com) on November
11, 2001.
first, let me say i remember jack francis' titty story as well. and i had my problems
in the water. i flunked swimming tests because i couldn't float (still can't!) and it was
great to hook up with tony & his wife out east a few weeks ago. thanks for mentioning
that, tony.i am looking forward to the reunion. MORE INFO ON THAT SHORTLY! WATCH YOUR
MAIL. i'd like to thank the zookeeper for letting out the 900 lb gorilla! i, too, was a
bit dismayed that there were "side discussions" that people felt were not
appropriate here. tony & i had a very frank discussion of the larry incidents. ditto
for tom & i when we first spoke. this was not something that happened in anyone's
imagination. it was not a bunch of malicious "seniors" spreading rumors. we were
very young at the time and may not have realized what was happening. pedophilia was not
openly discussed as it is now. the same holds true for abuse. we grew up in wayne, nj, and
i can't remember anyone talking about such things at the time. now, we know that these
things did happen, but no one talked about them. (remember the movie "father's
delicate condition" -- they didn't even discuss alcoholism back in the "leave it
to beaver" days!) for me personally, i don't remember larry molesting me, but it is
possible. on the winter trip to paradox -- february 1964 or 65, i believe, we stayed in
cabin 30. it must have been 20 below zero that weekend. i was sent up with two sleeping
bags. rick schuck and his brother forgot their sleeping bags and larry suggested we give
them the two bags and larry and i shared one sleeping bags. we slept up in the loft (as i
remember climbing stairs to get there). now as i said, i don't remember any sexual
molestation other than him sleeping with me. but that was enough. since we are all
different, the results of his advances could have affected us very differently. and it was
something that no one wanted to believe if you did say something. larry was an important
force behind the camp and his necessary departure certainly helped bring the camp to a
close. camp certainly had a positive effect on many of us and it's great to reminisce
about the good times. i hope that if we can talk about some of the negative stuff it will
help others who have had difficulties over the years. signing out for now.
Contributed by bill rice (drbill@writeme.com)
on November 11, 2001.
Thanks, Bill, for having the courage to talk about what you did in your posting. Tom
informs me that he mistakenly deleted my follow-up to my long posting. I don't remember
what I wrote verbatim but the point I was trying to make was that in using the term
"bad" I was referring to what Larry Carpenter did and NOT to any of you out
there who were his innocent victims. I urge any and all of you to feel free to tell your
truths here, if you so desire. This board should be all inclusive. Changing the subject, I
know that GER was not necessarily everyone's favorite because of his mecurial character
but I, for one, really enjoyed listening to the tape Tom has made available for us. In it,
GER evokes some of the finer things that CP stood for, and we shouldn't forget those
either. Looking back on it now, there's an irony to the Camp's name. We spent our boyhoods
in a Paradox, for better or for worse. Oh, and, for the record, I know some people feel
that Larry's departure signalled the end of camp or at least led to its demise. That to me
is a very debatable point. Lenny Busch left after 1967 as well and I missed him far more
than Larry. But the amazing thing to me about 1968 was, considering all the changes,
rumors, and losses(not to mention the fact that the whole country was in utter turmoil),
it turned out to be a great summer anyway; right up there with my favorites.
Contributed by Bruce Singer (saltcreek@charter.net)
on November 11, 2001.
Wow - the tape was great to listen to. I could imagine Rodgers hall during the curtain
call at the end of Velda - it sent shivers. GER was right - Velda was his finest moment.
Contributed by Howard Benson (maxibenson@aol.com)
on November 11, 2001.
Oh yes, I most definitely recall GER’s private digs. After years of living in the
“U” between the junior unit cabins, Gerry got Alex to agree to let “LF”
build out a small place behind the junior unit. I think it might have been approximately
behind cabin 12. I thought it was pretty cool, but it also was a little sad. It was a sort
of lonely place. GER made the best of it though, as I understand Jim Anderberg will
attest. He always had enough “Utica Club” beer on hand to get through just about
any long night. Personally, I preferred going out with GER to some of the beer joints in
“Schroon” or “Pottersville” for the evening’s entertainment.
Those were great times. Gerry would belly up to the bar, order a cold “UC”,
light up a “Marsh-Wheeling” stogie and spin some tall tales. We must’ve
looked strange though to the locals. GER with his straw hat and ascot, looking very
sophisticated with a bunch of scruffy looking CIT types. YIKES!!!
Contributed by Neil Neuschatz (nneuschatz@capitaltempfunds.com)
on November 12, 2001.
Neil's mention of Utica Club sure brought back a flood of memories! When I first worked
at Paradox I was 19 (1966). I hadn't realized there was such a thing as an "18
state" when I arrived from Iowa where the drinking age was 21. You can imagine my
delight at discovering I could accompany everyone to the Schroon bars. I took many trips
there with GER who introduced me to "Juicy UC".
And this reminds me of the staff party Alex would throw after all the campers left for
the season. Alex would provide a huge selection of beer and liquor. We partied on into the
night at the Chez. I recall some drinking games that did a number of counselors in --
"What's the name of the game? Thumper!! - Is everybody ready! Ready!" I don't
know why, but I believe it was Brian Clifford who instigated this game.
Contributed by Jim Anderberg (jamesa@ctel.net) on
November 12, 2001.
I've just read the recent postings - discussions of Larry's malfeasance and the healing
hopefully) properties of bringing some deep personal pain to an empathetic light ...
catching me in a funky state anyway as I sit at my desk in nyc - listening to the
depressing news of another calamity in the city - and watching the smoke on the horizon to
the east in queens ---- I recall hearing after camp closed that lar had done some
"untoward " things with some of the guys... not necessarily knowing what that
meant, but probably with some pubescent sketchy sense of unwanted touching... I do recall
him weaving those amazing "bed time " stories -- perched next to a camper who i
considered lucky because of Larry's presence on his bed--- but never knew that there was
more to it than a kindly, fatherly thing.... anyway --- glad that people are speaking
openly about their range of experiences - - we seem to have a lot of emotional pains that
could use a sympathetic airing these days --- good to read those yankees comments -- not
only have I become a converted yankees fans over the past 15 years in new york -- but I
sell licensed sports mdse and the yankees loss touched me on a psychic and financial
level! I feel like going to pfortners for a milkshake and having a good game of tetherball
in front of bunk 11A.... hope everyone's well.......Rich Frank
Contributed by Rich Frank (WCNRFRANK@aol.com) on
November 12, 2001.
Got a tetherball court in the backyard. And my daughter plays tetherball all the time
at school. She says to me, "Dad, did you ever play tetherball??" HA - did I
ever!! Rich Frank, when you come to LA we can continue the match we started in '69.
Contributed by Howard Benson (maxibenson@aol.com)
on November 12, 2001.
I was just re-reading Dr. Bill’s comments from a few days ago and was amazed at a
remembrance he had of a trip to Paradox that we made in the winter. Of course there is NO
EXCUSE for Larry’s transgressions but it cannot be denied that he was also capable of
making absolute magic to a bunch of wide-eyed boys.
During the late fall of 1964 Larry began telling us of a special new place that was
under construction at camp. A unique cabin, unlike any other, not designed to be lived in
by campers or staff but rather to serve as a new nature lodge, a retreat and hub of
campcraft life. It was a LOG CABIN!! (Ultimately, my group convinced Larry to let us live
there the following summer, thus the birth of Cabin 30.)
You could imagine the anticipation and expectations that we had after it was so heavily
touted by Larry as such a cool place. Unable to wait any longer, a bunch of us began
lobbying Larry to consider taking a trip up to camp in the winter to check it out. Now
Paradox in the dead of winter is truly surreal. The familiar sights, sounds and smells
just aren’t the same. It gets brutally cold and snowfall is usually measured in feet,
not inches.
We left from Larry’s apartment in New Brunswick, NJ on a cold February night,
during the Washington’s Birthday weekend break. I actually don’t remember the
entire roster of names that were there, but obviously Billy was, as was Rick Schuck, maybe
Scotty Landis and of course Ole Lar. The journey to camp from central New Jersey is a long
one and getting a late start meant we wouldn’t arrive at our destination until quite
late at night. I remember pulling over somewhere to call “LF” McCoy and having
him go over to the cabin to get a fire started in the fireplace, as this was the only
source of heat. As Billy recalled, we arrived in temperatures estimated to be around 20
degrees below zero. Somehow we were able to get to sleep and looked forward to the morning
light when we would actually be able to see. Our first order of business the next morning
was breakfast. We had brought along enough provisions and assumed we would just use the
pots and pans and utensils readily available that were moved here from the old nature
lodge. Unfortunately, no remembered to move all that stuff so the supplies we needed were
still at the “old” nature lodge. If you recall, that was bunk 1.
We drew lots to determine who the unlucky person would be that would have to hike clear
across camp and back, in 20 below weather, to get the supplies. I lost. Just the thought
of that morning still makes me shiver!
After breakfast we decided to have a look around. I clearly remember going down to the
swimming area and being able to WALK across the solid frozen ice of Paradox Lake to
Crawford Island. Later that day we went for a drive up to the Lake Placid area and had the
unique experience of being able to sit as a passenger in a four-man bobsled and go down
the run at Mt. Van Hooenberg, then the only operating bobsled run in North America.
We bought some bologna and cheese at the A&P in Schroon Lake and made some
sandwiches to munch on. Sadly, the turnover of food there was less than desired and
unbeknownst to us the bologna was “bad”. Upon my return home I suffered the
worst case of food poisoning I ever had in my life!! (I’ve never eaten bologna
again). My mother wasn’t a bit amused but I insisted that it was one of the greatest
weekends in my life. It’s funny, but after all these years it still ranks right up
there.
Contributed by Neil Neuschatz (nneuschatz@capitaltempfunds.com)
on November 14, 2001.
bill rice called me a month or so ago. the first words out of his mouth
were 'where the hell have you been.' i had no idea the camp paradox
web site existed. have visited the site several times- still haven't
digested all that's on it. what a trip seeing all the names of old friends
and reading about memories of so long ago. came across a few cabin
photos last weekend. thought i'd send them along. remember most of
the names, but not all. can anyone help here? from 1963 - bottom left
to right - steve berkowitz and chuck math. top row - rob clayman and
?. from 1964 - bottom left to right - alan shier (?), chuck math, steve
berkowitz, don blumenthal. top - mike karol, alan uhr, ?, rob clayman,
tom rockoff. norm tracy is the counslor on the right. don't remember
the other ones name?? i ran into norm while camping in the blue ridge
mountains one summer. it must have been 20 or more years ago. we
got together that night and sung old camp songs. at that time he was
working for a college in maryland if i remember correctly. i live in
randolph, nj (near morristown). have been here for about 11 years.
will move once my son graduates h.s. in 2 1/2 years. not sure where
to yet. also have two daughters - my wife's from her first marriage.
both are in their mid 30's and live in ct. also have an 8 year old
grandson, harry. that's all for now. the pics are attached from 63 and
64.
Click these links for the two pictures:
1963 Picture 1964 Picture
Steven S. Berkowitz
Senior Associate
Director of Business Development
Lichtenstein Consulting Engineers, Inc.
45 Eisenhower Drive
Paramus, NJ 07652
201.368.0400 [voice]
201.368.3955 [fax]
201.755.8384 [mobile]
sberkowitz@lichtensteinengineers.com
www.li chtensteinengineers.com
Contributed by Steve Berkowitz (sberkowitz@lichtensteinengineers.com)
on November 14, 2001.
still thinking about that winter weekend in paradox - i remembered the Schuck
brothers,but did not recall neil being present. the bobsled run was great!(they get $200
for that now someplaces). but what i do remember was coming off that bobsled running in
agony -- my hands were frostbitten. we were also with one or two of the nurses i believe.
and one of them thinking quickly shoved my hands under her arms. that helped a bit. but my
hands have been cold when the temperature falls below 60 since that day.
i'm glad steve berkowitz, piped in.
i hope others will read some of these stories -- good and bad -- and feel comfortable
enough to share with the rest of us. that could help us all get to the truth and some real
healing.
keep writing.
Contributed by bill rice (drbill@writeme.com)
on November 14, 2001.
Not me in that picture berky
Contributed by ALAN SHIER (ALAN553@AOL.COM) on
November 14, 2001.
It was good to read about Steve Berkowitz. Steve, how is Paramus New Jersey? That is my
home town and the more I live in the south, the more I yearn for the north and it's
changes of scenery and just overall beauty. I haven't been back for some time but my
brother was just there for a wedding. He said it has "matured". Anyway, good to
hear from you all. Rick Mittelberg
Contributed by Rick Mittelberg (RickeyM5@aol.com)
on November 14, 2001.
Steve, Glad to hear from you. Those early days were something. I'm sure I have the same
pictures and probably more stuff in thzt special box we all have in the attic of Paradox
memories. I think you have gotten to me and I'll have to go find it, but my Paradox mug
has always been on my dresser. My stuff probably has more pictures of you and Rob Clayman
as you were always in my cabin. Those pictures make me look like a skinny runt, which I
was. Sorry you had to look at my name all the time Howie.
Contributed by Chuck Muth (clmuth@ondeo-nes.com)
on November 14, 2001.
Glad to hear from you steve. I was one little runt back then in '63. I think I'll have
to find that special box in my attic with all the Paradox now and have a look. I probably
have a bunch of pictures of you and Rob Clayman as you were always in my cabin. But my
Paradox mug has alwasy been on my dresser!
Is that Joe McHaney in the photo??
Sorry about always reading my name Howie.
Contributed by Chuck Muth (clmuth@ondeo-nes.com)
on November 14, 2001.
I just dropped in on the website tonight and was pleasantly surprised to see the '63
and '64 cabin photos sent in by Steve Berkowitz.
I hope someone can set me straight on this, but in the '64 photo, wasn't that Ken
Mandelbaum(not Alan Shier) in the 1st row to the immediate left of Chuck Muth? I had not
thought about Ken Mandelbaum during all these years, but when I saw Steve's '64 cabin
photo, the name immediately jumped into my mind. Can anyone tell me if I'm right on this?
Contributed by Ken Greenfield (keng.rph@verizon.net)
on November 15, 2001.
Great pics by Steve. I don't know about you guys, but I could smell the pine trees and
feel the fresh mtn air there for a second. Nice to see the bunks in their prime.
Contributed by Howard Benson (maxibenson@aol.com)
on November 15, 2001.
It is kenny "Mentalbaum"...lives here in northern NJ...Mandee and Annie Sez
shops are his/family.
Contributed by alan shier (alan553@aol.com) on
November 16, 2001.
I was gay when I
came to camp at the age of 8 in 1962; I just didn't know what to call it or what it really
meant. But I knew I was attracted to men. I remember being quite jealous when, on a
Crawford Island overnight, the CIT with us crept into my tent to give a long, tender
goodnight kiss to my tentmate, with whom he'd been palling around all summer.
I had a lot of
homoerotic experiences at camp, and in fact I believe it was the initial impetus for my
coming out. The feelings I felt toward my schoolmates when I was home in my suburban small
town (with small minds to boot) could absolutely not be reciprocated on pain of rejection
and worse; I knew that even then. But at camp, at the right time, and the right place, and
especially with the right camper -- and once with the right counselor -- some of my
desires could be satisfied. I know what you're thinking, but no names or details. It was
always fun, it was always secret and it was always mutual.
Which brings me to the
subject of Ole Lar. Being one of the original Landis-Carpenter kids, I liked to think I
was a bit special. Larry was always affectionate to me, but never overly so. Until one
night in 1964 when he stopped in our cabin to tell lights-out stories. After a while, most
of the bunk was asleep, and Larry's hand, which had been around my shoulder, moved to my
chest and began progessing lower and lower. I was 11 or 12 at the time, and had had enough
"experiences" to know what was going on, and also to know I didn't want it to go
on. I feigned a big yawn, said in my sleepiest voice that I was tired, and turned on my
side, away from Larry. I don't remember if he said good night or not, but he immediately
rose and left the cabin.
We certainly never
spoke of the incident again, and, in fact, I do not remember saying one more word to Larry
before he disappeared in 1966. I never said anything to anyone until after he'd left,
because the incident didn't scare me or upset me as it did other victims of Larry's
attentions. I'm not sure to this day whether or not I might have responded differently to
Larry if I'd been the least bit attracted to him. As it was, I found him phsycially
repulsive.
Over the years as I
grew up and I realized who I was, I sometimes felt guilty about what I'd done at camp.
Sometimes I felt regretful. I found it hard to identify myself as the same type of person
that Larry was, because I came to understand that many straight people would put us in the
same category.
I can't know this for
sure, but probably 99% of my camp "partners" went on to live typical, straight
lives and become involved with girls and then women. The difference with me is that I
never did. And as I came out to friends and family (my senior year in high school) and
grew and discovered that I wasn't alone, I finally understood the difference between me
and Larry: what I did, as I said, was mutually consented upon, with my peers (okay, except
for the one time and the counselor was only several years older than I) and what Larry
did, was not, and with kids.
For whatever reasons, I
couldn't find it in my heart to hate Larry; I felt sorry for him and wished over the years
that he might have been able to get some help. Of course, these things weren't talked
about and acted on 40 years ago as they are now. I was angry with him for taking advantage
of those kids who weren't interested, and, as I grew older, for being the type of person
that gave gay people a bad name.
I have been living with
a partner since 1986, and our straight friends often tell us we have the best relationship
of anyone they know. That makes me proud, and I wanted to share this with all of you,
because obviously there is a contingent never heard from on this site, and I felt that
needed to be rectified.
Finally...
A big hello to
Steve Berkowitz. Didn't I come to your Bar Mitzvah with Tom and Jerry Rockoff? It was good
to hear what you're up to. And, Tom, I listened to the GER tape, what a
bittersweet/wonderful thing it was. I was a bit sad that he remained depressed and angry
about camp all those years, but I'm glad before he died he was able to come to terms with
the experience and remember the good stuff. And how weird to hear the "Velda"
finale after all these years -- I was up on stage singing and I found I could picture all
the other cast members in position as they were when we sang it. A long, strange,
wonderful trip indeed.
Contributed by Michael Karol (mkarol@nyc.rr.com)
on November 16, 2001.
Mike,
Thanks for your very, very cogent and intimate posting. I'm sure everyone here will
appreciate your frankness and the insight into the Paradox experience that it gives us.
Tom
Contributed by Tom (tom@canby.com) on November 16,
2001.
mike: another note - i agree with tom 100% and appreciate your candor and frankness.
quite honestly, i, too, had some alternative experiences in camp. i think i've always had
some ambivalent feelings, but have remained straight to this day.
i don't like bars (straight or gay) and i suspect i never really met the right person
(male or female) for me. i've been saying this for years and accept that about myself,
too.
i'm thrilled for you and your relationship. i know it's what's inside that counts. and
what anyone does in their own bedroom between consenting ADULTS is their business. by the
way, close friends of mine in sante fe have been happy together for 29 years! amazing.
can't say that about too many straight couples.
i, too, agree with you assessment of larry and hope that people can separate perversion
with sexuality.
please keep in touch. hope you can make it to the reunion. bill
Contributed by bill rice (drbill@writeme.com)
on November 16, 2001.
MIke, Bill - great posts. I think it's very healty for this website that we are getting
to be able to share our REAL experiences at camp and not just the surface ones. I, for
one, had some pretty bad moments at camp that were not of a sexual nature but more to do
with abuse (and I don't mean sexual abuse) that some of the less humanistic counselors
heaped on what was a chubby shy kid from Philly. I had one counselor that still gives me
nightmares - he would put a pillow over my head and try to suffocate me in the name of
"fun". It happened all of the time and even when I complained about it never
stopped. It was a terrifying year. He was also one that slapped on the head alot. There
was no policing of some of the counselors. I think the staff got worse as the years went
by - I remember thinking that 69-70 there was no Bri Clifford any more, no Larry (for all
of his faults he was still a place to go for a troubled camper), Scot Landis I think was
gone etc. The foundation of the Camp was slipping away and Alex seemed powerless to stop
it. As someone said earlier, some of the staff were guys heading to Canada to avoid the
draft.
I watched Woodstock last night on HBO and was thinking how we unsuspecting campers were
being affected by its wake.
I think in the end, for myself, camp was a cornerstone in my life. The massively varing
experiences that I had were a great setup to my life, which I can say has been a great one
so far. Larry said something to me when I was in one of his leadership meetings (was it
the Ol' Club??). He turned to me and with that Larry look said "You are able to lead
- you are not a follower") It stuck with me my entire life, and even now in the music
bus when I am in the room producing rock stars or in my role as VP at Elektra Records and
have to be in command of the sessions I feel that confidence. It really did stem from ol
Lar!!
Contributed by Howard Benson (maxibenson@aol.com)
on November 17, 2001.
Let's face it folks...here we are almost thirty eight years later and we are all still
writing about our individual and collective experiences at Paradox. That certainly tells
us all something. Whether some have bad memories of the Carpenter thing or not, the point
is we are all still around talking, remembering, etc. That certainly has to mean
something. No one can say to any victim of Carpenter that it was trivial. It must have
certainly had an impact on the person (s) whom he violated. In this day and age he would
have bee prosecuted and sent to prison upon conviction. It is sad those memories have to
be there for those who had that type of unfortunate experience with him. Back then things
were "hush- hush" and no one did anything about it. The point of this all is we
all participated in one of the greatest camping experiences of all time. In light of all
the tragedies to date, it is still nice we have something like this to fall back on. I
agree with Chuck Muth that no matter when the reunion is, I will do my best to be there.
Let's hope the summer of 2002 is a good one for what should be a superb reunion.
Contributed by Michael Salnick (lionelguy@aol.com)
on November 17, 2001.
The leadership club that Howie Benson was referring to was called "The OLE
Club", the letters OLE standing for "Order for Leadership Education". Also,
a five-sided polygon(pentagon) served as the symbol of the club, from which the nickname
"Ole" is derived, defined in the dictionary as a suffix denoting the presence of
a five-membered ring in chemistry. Also, the pentagon further symolized the work of
researcher Alex Bavelas in his book on group dynamics. To quote Larry C. from the manual
he wrote for the club, "The Paradigm", the "type of group which could most
quickly solve a problem that required communication between members but in which
communication could move only along a line" was a "group in which there was a
central person, who was identified as the leader". This type of group "completed
its work most quickly and accurately but when members were asked regarding their enjoyment
of their work in the group, they responded negatively." However, "the group
patterned as a pentagon expressed most pleasure and satisfaction." Thus the pentagon
was adopted to symbolize the communication pattern of the club.
The fact that Larry committed many heinous acts is undisputed. However, he was an
extraordinary camp leader in the sense that he took it upon himself to sit down and write
a 48 page manual on leadership, called "The Paradigm". How many other camp
directors would put that much effort into the job? How many other camp directors cared
that much about the campers?
I know I will get a lot of criticism by saying this, but Larry was a great camp leader.
The tragedy of it all is a "Shakespearian tragedy" in the truest sense, in which
the main character exhibits traits of greatness but is brought down by a "fatal
flaw". In Larry's case, the "fatal flaw" was the fact that he was a
pedophile, and this fact lead to his demise.
Don't let Larry's pedophilia obscure the fact that he created a camp program that was
second to none. We campers at Paradox enjoyed a camp program that was rich in diversity, a
program that had as it's main goal the growth of each camper as an individual, and the
growth of the entire camp as a collective whole.
I was aware of Larry's activities soon after I first arrived at Camp Paradox in '63.
When he heard that my boyhood "best friend", Jerry Ruderman, was homesick, he
invited Jerry to spend a night with him at his cottage. Larry's nefarious activities were
known to me only through rumors. However, in '64, when I was in Cabin 11B, one night Larry
came over to tell us all one of his bedtime stories. He asked me if he could sit with me
at my bunk while he told the story. I said "yes", and he proceeded to put his
arm around me as he told the story. It was only when his hand began to wander towards my
stomach that I immediately thought "Oh my god!!! The rumors about Larry Carpenter are
true!!!" I immediately moved away from his reach and pushed his hand aside. It never
bothered me after that because he never attempted anything with me after that incident. I
did not feel traumatized, but fully understand and can sympathize with those campers that
did feel traumatized. I subsequently developed along heterosexual lines, but I applaud
Mike Karol in having the courage to "come out" on this website.
The point is that what Larry Carpenter did was undeniably wrong. However, I look upon
my Camp Paradox experience as providing me with the opportunities to learn so many
different things and to grow in so many different ways. I look upon Larry Carpenter as
"fatally flawed" camp director who had greatness in him, but was the
"author" of his own demise.
The final thing I want to leave you with are Larry's own words, which are written at
the end of "The Paradigm." He is discussing the choice a vocation by a young
man, when he writes:
"And, finally, if you enter a vocation solely for the prestige or money it offers
-- my heart bleeds for you -- you will be making the second biggest mistake a man can
make!"
He never mentions after that what might be the "first biggest mistake" a man
can make! Does anybody have any ideas?
What a great man Larry Carpenter was!
What a great tragedy befell him, by his own doing!
What a life! What a time!
What a paradox!
Contributed by Ken Greenfield (keng.rph@verizon.net)
on November 17, 2001.
no postings since ken's posting. i guess it was hard to add anything to what he said.
with all larry's shortcomings, i think ken made some good points.
i finally heard GER's tape -- rather sad. i'm sorry we weren't around to help him out a
bit. it sounded like he was very depressed for a long time after paradox closed. for some
reason i thought the camp remained open one more year after i left ('70) -- but i guess
not.
i think my last 3 years as cit, acit and counselor are a bit of a blurr now. nothing is
really clear, but i do remember as a cit or acit going on the staff party on crawford
island and drinking 6 glasses of spike bugjuice, getting really sick on the boat (rather
off the boat) on the way home. someone put me to bed, but i woke up fine the next day. i
never really experienced headaches or hangovers until much later on. does anyone else
remember that party?
Contributed by bill rice (drbill@writeme.com)
on November 20, 2001.
I can say after 7 summers at camp, although the camp and the staff wasn't up to the
stuff Larry Carpernter would have had...1970 was the best year. As an ACIT, we had wheels,
women and booze. (not necessarily in that order) and we were away from home. I can
probably speak for all the ACIT''s at that time who had "only" been cmapers for
many years...."A good time was had by all"
Contributed by alan shier (Alan553@aol.com) on
November 21, 2001.
I am so glad I found this site! As soon as I got on it, I read many of the comments by
campers and Paragonians.
My interest in this site lies in the fact that my grandfather was "LF" McCoy,
Superintendent of the camps. Paradox was open only when I was very young, but I still
recall going to stay with Gram and Gramps at the cottage at Paradox. I loved the cottage
because it was so 'campy'; the pine woodwork, the stone fireplace, and the woodsy smells.
I would spend days at a time with my grandparents. Some of my first memories are there at
Paradox, and I recall the boys practicing their archery near the cottage, and that the
laundry (if my memory serves well) was in a long low building next to Gramp's cottage.
Later, after the camp closed, Gramps and Gram moved into Schroon Lake, but he was still
employed to take care of the camps. There are summers I would go with him while he
repaired buildings and mowed the ball field. I recall a butternut(?) tree next to ball
field where I would gather the butternuts to take home to dry. Also, memories of the
animals Gramps kept at the cottage; a boxer named Tinkerbell, another mutt named Jackie, a
nasty parrot that would bite you if you ventured too close, and the geese that I was
always warned to stay away from.
These are things you may have not known about "LF", and that he was a devoted
grandpa. I would be interested in knowing what some of the campers and staff knew of my
grandfather, their memories and possibly some photographs.
Now that I know of this site, I will see if I can find some old Paradox photos to
share. I am also aware of a Paradox photo that now hangs in the Schroon-North Hudson
Historical Society Museum on Main Street in Schroon Lake; it is probably one of the large
camp photos mentioned previously on this board.
"LF" McCoy passed away in November 1982, sitting in his favorite chair in his
home on South Street in Schroon Lake.
Please post or email me.
Contributed by Corinne McCoy Pulsifer (pulsifer@kvvi.net)
on November 23, 2001.
thank you corinne, for sharing your memories of your grandfather with us. he certainly
was an intricate part of our camp experience and i am sure remembered by all.
Contributed by bill rice (drbill@writeme.com)
on November 25, 2001.
LF was an archtype - "superman" to me. He was spoken of somewhat in awe. This
was an attitude shared by all, including the camp's owners. Here was a guy who
single-handedly built buildings from scratch, who made things work, to whom was entrusted
the very corpus of the camp we loved, the place we dreamt of returning to for the ten long
months between summers.
I remember the excitment that we felt on hearing about the log cabin he was building.
Here LF got to start from scratch and show his artistry and craftsmanship. I lived in the
cabin for a summer and remember the fireplace with the built-in heat vents, the loft, the
porch ... and the fact that it was a genuine log cabin, a throw-back to an era when time
was taken to build such beautiful things.
I remember one winter hearing from Larry that LF had fallen and broken his leg (?). We
were all asked to send get well-cards, which I gladly did.
I had but a few direct interactions with LF. But I remember him as a caring no-nonsense
man. A man to whom we all owe a great deal...
Tom
Contributed by Tom (tom@canby.com) on November 25,
2001.
Hi Tom....I just tried posting to the site and had trouble....so please post this from
m
In 1976, when I was a freshman at Skidmore College, I took a trip to PX/PG with some
friends. We started in Schroon Lake, where I looked up LF. I went to his door and told him
"I was Margie Landis, he might not remember me or my family, but my brother is
Scott". LF didn't say a word but just motioned to follow him and he took me right
around back to his workshop (his pride and joy). He pointed to a photo right above his
workbench. The photo was of my brother on the stage at Rogers Hall. My brother had signed
it 'to you the audience'. So...I guess LF did remember us. He took me and my friends over
and set us up camping in his cottage. There were 3 or 4 of us and we stayed the weekend
and had interesting times ghosting around both camps. LF was a wonderful person and that
October weekend in 76 I took a slide of him in front of his old truck. By the
way.....Scott and I just drove back to Maine after spending Thanksgiving in NJ with the
family. I do enjoy checking in with this site every now and again.....although there has
been very little written from the girls side of the lake.....it was a wonderful time for
me as well. I was at Paragon for all of it's years (65-70) and then went on to summer
camps in Maine....I was a camper,cit, and counselor for a total of 13 years!!!
Cheers and happy thanksgiving to all
Margie Landis
Contributed by Margery Landis (margiel@suscom-maine.net)
on November 25, 2001.
What did LF stand for??
Contributed by Howard Benson (maxibenson@aol.com)
on November 29, 2001.
I think the L stood for Leland.
Contributed by alan shier (alan553@aol.com) on
November 29, 2001.
"LF" McCoy's full name was Leland McCoy. I know a lot of people called him
"LF"; on his workshop, he had a sign, "LF McCoy". I don't pass Camp
Paradox without thinking of him. I recall helping him build a porch on a vacation cottage
when I was about 4 years old. He would have me fetch his tools for him, and that is how I
learned the different tools of the building trade. Like grandpa, I have my own woodworking
shop, and some of his old tools are in it. They are my memories of grandpa like your
mementos of Camp Paradox are to you all.
Contributed by Corinne McCoy Pulsifer (pulsifer@kvvi.net)
on November 30, 2001.
I remember asking him that. He said "Lee Francis"
Contributed by Jim Anderberg (jamesa@ctel.net) on
November 30, 2001.
Lf was simply amazing. I've never forgotten his talents and I'm always reminded of them
when I tackle the myriad building and plumbing projects that have come my way as a home
owner and partial home builder. He knew where all those underground pipes ran and just
where to dig when something stopped working.
I especially think of him winters when I'm out shovelling all the accumulated ice and
snow on a barn I built. I recall being told he did that for all the cabins at camp. When I
visited camp this past summer and found cabin 5 collapsed I remember thinking about how
LF's efforts over all those winters kept the camp intact and now that he's gone, the
physical body of the camp left as well. All you campers provided the spirit of the camp
and LF the body.
Contributed by Jim Anderberg (jamesa@ctel.net) on
November 30, 2001.
So sad is the death of George Harrison.
...and so The Beatles, The '60s, and Camp Paradox seem to be "All Those Years
Ago".
Oh,well. "Life goes on within you and without you."
"All Things Must Pass"
Paradox, goodbye........
Contributed by Ken Greenfield (keng.rph@verizon.net)
on December 8, 2001.
I've just received word that Norm Tracy has been located, has visited the site, and
will be posting soon. (There are over two years of postings for newcomers...)
Welcome, Norm. As you'll see from the postings about you, you were a giant in our
adolescent eyes. (To think, you were only, what?, twenty at the time?)
Please let us know how you are and what YOU remember about Paradox.
Tom
Contributed by Tom (tom@canby.com) on December 12,
2001.
I remember that he got really mad when you did not take out and put back the little
round things that told him you were in the water. He was the first person I ever saw who
scuba dived, only to be surpassed by the great Cole alum Flonacher. If I remember I don't
think that Norm was very a talkative guy. Wouldn't it be funny if he never had any aquatic
experience before Camp, ala Anderberg not having any mountain experience?? I think Jims
confession that he was just thrown into the gig is hilarious. Rovner and I laugh about it
all the time! I did not realize that on Owl Pate he really did not know how to get off the
mountain. I thought he was only kidding!! By the way, we will hear from Rovner soon.
Contributed by Howard Benson (maxibenson@aol.com)
on December 14, 2001.
norm tracy, alive and well! so where are you? are you still smoking?
my first year of camp in '63 landed me in cabin 10 with norm and leo. they were great.
yes, norm was quiet, not to mention impossible before his first cup of coffee in the AM.
do you remember the sign he wore around his neck?
most importantly, he (and perhaps leo) were smokers and all us big shots at camp wanted
to try it, too. they provided the smokes provided we inhaled! i don't think that any of us
ever smoked tobacco again. most coughed our brains out, one barfed all over the place.
that was convincing enough! what a great lesson!
thanks norm & leo.
Contributed by bill rice (drbill@writeme.com)
on December 14, 2001.
The thing i remember about norm...was of course DO NOT TALK TO HIM UNTIL THE FIRST CUP
OF COFFEE!!, The next thing i remember was his yellow Cougar (summer of 67) adn third...he
came to visit me in the hospital April of 1968 when I had my appendix taken out....I
remember that being the best thing to happen to this 14 year old.
Contributed by alan shier (alan553@aol.com) on
December 14, 2001.
Trivia question-who took over for Norm after he left? Hint: he was a surfer dude from
Fresno CA.
Contributed by (maxibenson@aol.com) on December
14, 2001.
Howie Ralph Clayman was aquatics director in 68 and 69..I don't think he was the Fresno
Ca person you might be thinking of though
Contributed by alan shier (alan553@aol.com) on
December 15, 2001.
I distinctly remember Norm Tracy being responsible for initiating a particular style of
verbal discourse at Camp Paradox.
For the un-initiated, it would go something like this:
Person #1 would respond to something Person #2 said by exclaiming
incredulously:"Yeah, right!"
Person #2 would respond:"No, you?"
What this back-and-forth verbal volley meant is anybody's guess. It just became a
Paradox colloquialism.
I remember going to the Paradox Winter Reunion at Palisades Park. When someone asked
Norm if he would go on the "Cyclone" rollercoaster, he responded: The only way
someone could get him on that ride would be if he(Norm) was "dead drunk"!!
Contributed by Ken Greenfield (keng.rph@verizon.net)
on December 15, 2001.
Ralph Clayman was right. But I think in 1970 it was a guy named John Friedel. Who were
the boating area guys - I cannot remember. I do remember loving the Sailfish boat. I
turned that thing over many times.
Contributed by Howard Benson (maxibenson@aol.com)
on December 18, 2001.
Hallelujah! I just checked my e-mail and discovered that Billy Rice finally settled on
a specific date(July 19-21, 2002) for the camp reunion and also made arrangements for
hotel space. I would like to congratulate Billy on a job well done, but that the only way
the reunion will be successful is if plenty of Paradoxians decide to show up. I just
submitted a request for vacation time for that week, and as soon as that is confirmed, I
will be making hotel reservations. I would just like to echo the sentiments of Mike
Salnick by saying that it is truly amazing that over 30 years have passed since the
closing of Camp Paradox, and yet we still communicate on this web site about the strong
bonds and memories that were formed way back in the '60s. I would like to hear other
Paradoxians' reactions to the definite setting of a specific time and place for the
reunion. As Marc Stern said in one posting, the more people that show up the better a
reunion it will be! Let's hear what other Paradoxians are planning to come. I definitely
plan to be there.
Contributed by Ken Greenfield (keng.rph@verizon.net)
on December 20, 2001.
I will be there.
Contributed by Jim Anderberg (jim@ci.augusta.me.us)
on December 20, 2001.
ditto
Contributed by Howard Benson (maxibenson@aol.com)
on December 21, 2001.
I, too, plan to attend if at all possible and have reserved a room. Bunkmates, are you
year or nay? I'm counting on a weekend of total regression. Maybe Ander will tell us a
bedtime story.
Contributed by Marc Margolius (ravmarcm@aol.com)
on December 21, 2001.
have told norm tracy about the reunion dates. since we spoke about a week or so ago,
we've been e-mailing back and forth. he is in touch with rick schuck and tom vanetta, so
they know about (or will soon know about) the reunion, too. don't think my brother can
make it. i'll try. you guys should know that even though i haven't contributed much to the
discussion board, i frequently log on to see what others have said. have a great new year
everyone!
Contributed by Steve Berkowitz (berks@att.net) on
December 21, 2001.
My current plans are to go. Does anyone have any ideas on the best way to get there.
Particularly from the west coast.
Contributed by Marc Stern (mstern@abanet.org) on
December 22, 2001.
for all you west coaster -- our travel agent can help you with travel plans as well as
reservations. she can get you the best route at a good price. but, if you go on your own
you can fly into to JFK, then albany.
More
Details on Camp Paradox Reunion
19-21
July 2002
roaring
brook ranch is holding 35 rooms for us until 21january 2002. so you must call our agent
bari ziegel (516.883.6667) before then to give a deposit ($100 refundable) and reserve a
spot. /p>
here’s
the price breakdown on the rooms (all include 2 meals per day):
1) 2
double beds - $92 per person per nite;
2)
2 double beds + daybed - $103 per person per nite;
3)
suite – bedroom w/ 2 double beds, living room w/ pull-out sofa - $125 pppn
kids:
2-3 $10 per person per nite;
4-7 $20 per person per nite;
>8
$50 per per person per nite
These
prices include gratuity and tax!
we
already have people calling to sign up.
don’t be shut out
– call today!
deadline 21 january
2002
call bari ziegel
516.883.6667
Contributed by bill rice (drbill@writeme.com)
on December 22, 2001.
Happy New Year, Paradoxians!
It's Camp Paradox for me and you, In the year two thousand, zero, zero and two!
Contributed by Ken Greenfield (keng.rph@verizon.net)
on December 30, 2001.
Not to rock the boat but I think my family and I are going to try to stay at the
Sagamore which I think is nearby. So if anyone is thinking of alternatives that is one of
them. My wife Monica used to spend every labor day there with her family growing up so it
means alot to her. FYI, Monica went to Severence! I think it was 1970 or so. I possibly
could have met her back then!! I think an ICC that first evening for dinner at the Roaring
Brook. I elect Billy to be the hopper! Then we can have an OCC to Paradox on the Saturday
the 20th (my birthday as it is). I can contact the family that are living in the bunks 20,
21 to see if they are still around and wouldn't mind us stopping in. I also think a swim
to Crawford Island would be fun for all of us middle age campers. I think I left a canteen
there about 35 years ago I need to get back! And then a nice game of infiltration at night
to kill half of us off. I wouldn't mind Anderberg taking us up Peaked Hill on Sunday. Or
Cardiac Hill might be better! I am very much looking forward to this and am trying to get
Rovner and my brother minibenson(Mitch) to come. For all you who have noticed, thats how i
figured my AOL screen name.
Happy New Year to all!!
Contributed by Ho (maxibenson@aol.com) on
December 30, 2001.
Ken - I'm assuming your brother Arnie is also reading this. So, Hi - Arnie if you are
there. Do you remember some of the fishing trips we took together? And the time you got
stopped by the game warden and fined for not having a license? Another fishing story I
recall involved some counselor - I believe he was a swimming instructor from Austrailia.
He was fishing out by the trail that goes to Peaked Hill when a duck grabbed his lure. He
reeled it in, wrung his neck and had duck for supper.
And Howard, Peaked Hill sounds great but I sort of had my heart set on a return to Owl
Pate!
Contributed by Jim Anderberg (jim@ci.augusta.me.us)
on December 30, 2001.
Jim- I keep on trying to get my brother Arnie to visit the web site, but for some
reason he is hesitant. I will definitely get him to respond to your posting, but it may
take a little prodding.
There is a whole group of Paradoxians of my brother's age that don't contribute to the
web site, but I have a feeling that they are aware that it exists. I'll name some
names:Dick Rossner, Bruce Gelber, Andy Gassman-- these guys are all from the Metuchen,
N.J. area. In fact, it was when my brother met Dick Rossner at a High School reunion that
I first learned of the site- Dick Rossner told my brother, and my brother told me about
the web site.
I have a feeling that there are still a lot of "lurkers"- Paradoxians that
visit the web site but choose not to post. It's a free country. Visiting the web site
doesn't obligate you to post, but I'm sure everyone else would like to hear from these
people.
Contributed by Ken Greenfield (keng.rph@verizon.net)
on December 31, 2001.
Hi all! So pleased Steve Berkowitz called me to tell me of this site. He located me off
a business card I gave him over twenty years ago... a story for another time. (Whoever
said the lifespan of a business card is but a few minutes?)
I've had my coffee, so...
I'm alive and well, living in northeastern Maryland (Fallston) with my wife of 33
years, the former Ellen Neuman, a camp counselor at Camp Paragon. We have two
"kids", Scott and Kelly, and two retrievers, Madison and Hannah. The
"kids" are living in Princeton and Indianapolis respectively. I am an
administrator in the IT department of a college in Montgomery County, Maryland and Ellen
is a elementary school principal of a poverty school in Havre de Grace, Maryland.
Camp Paradox was one of the great places that had a profound impact on most of our
lives. Dr. Rick Schuck, Tom Vannatta and I have gotten together from time-to-time over the
past thirty years. It is always with great affection we discuss "the good old
days" and some of our experiences we had, inside and outside camp. I also have seen
Dr. Chuck Rodgers (sports department) from time-to-time over the years. He lives in
Riverton, Wyo...a psychologist in private practice.
"Howie"... I was swimming competively since I was nine years old... for an
affiliate of the Santa Clara Swim Club... in San Mateo, CA. We sent two of our team mates
out of the small San Mateo team to the olympics... earned two medals. Camp Paradox did
send me to WSI and Small Craft schools for the needed certifications. Prior to Camp
Paradox, I missed the all Army swim team by 1/100 of a second. I came directly from the
Army to Camp Paradox, based on some ground work the Sunderlands provided, and an
"early out for seasonal employment". Over the years since Camp Paradox, I have
coached a college swim team, been diving in the Keys, taught sailing through Havre de
Grace Sailing Services, Inc., did a lot of water skiing with our kids in our younger
years, and continue to enjoy swimming a couple times per week.
"Billy"... I quit smoking many, many years ago... probably why I am still
alive. Leo Lefkowitz did not smoke.
Ken... I did go on the Cyclone prior to Camp Paradox when I was in the Army ...
although not "dead drunk", I did have a couple beers before boarding the
"train". That experience, although a positive one, was not one I really wanted
to repeat... thus the "dead drunk" comment.
I also remember LF McCoy as being one of the greats of Camp Paradox. Before the campers
got to camp each season, he was always followed around by all sorts of woodland creatures
-- his friends. He was truly a remarkable person. I always thought Leland's middle name
was Franklin, but... certainly could be mistaken. Rick Schuck can be of some help here.
At this point, I am planning to join you at our reunion for at least a day or two. Our
son's birthday is the 21st... although, who knows, I may be able to coax him to join us.
Hope all had a pleasant and safe holiday and offer you my best wishes for a happy and
healthy new year.
Norm
Contributed by Norman Tracy (N_Tracy@msn.com) on
December 31, 2001.
Norm,
Thanks for your posting on the site. As you saw from the archives, you're one of the
people who looms big in our memories. You had an enormously positive impact on so many of
us, myself included. Some of the impact, I'm sure, was just because adolescent boys look
up to older young men. But some, undoubtedly, was because of who you are.
Your report of your swimming "career" doesn't surprise me, because personally
I recall your swimming-interest impacting me. Your encouragement meant alot. No doubt your
confidence and demeanor as a military man and also as an accomplished competitor in the
pool also contributed.
I've always found it curious, though, how mediocre the level of swimming competition
was at Paradox. I was always one of the top few swimmers at the camp, but was one of the
slowest in my high school and on my masters team! I haven't swum masters in five or ten
years, although just started my rotator-cuff exercises with plans to get back in the pool
in a few weeks.
See you next summer!
Tom
Contributed by Tom Field (tom@canby.com) on December
31, 2001.
first of all, i have a new e-mail address. spent about 5 hours yesterday trying to hook
up a cable modem, only to find out it was broken. just got back from the wiz with a new
one, and i'm up and running (much faster than my old dial up service) in a matter of
minutes. i know only enough about computers to get frustrated whenever i try to change
something! so from now on my new e-mail should be berks1@optonline.net.
glad to see norm logged in. so many fond memories of time spent with him. if i remember
correctly, he was my counselor for at least 3 or 4 of my 9 years at paradox. re: the
reunion, i'm planning on coming. my wife and son aren't excited about it, but they never
experienced paradox. my brother, ken, has a conference that week (he thinks). so i'll
probably come up for a day or so alone.
will try to contact some others from glen cove that attended camp to alert them to the
web site and the reunion. these include steve and marc bober, and jeff peters. have't kept
in touch with them over the years, but i do know where and how to reach them.
have a great new year everyone! 2001 brought us many disasters, but i'm sure there were
bright moments in all our lives. may 2002 be better for us all. back to you next
year......
Contributed by steven berkowitz (berks1@optonline.net)
on December 31, 2001.
Haven't posted for awhile. It was great to hear from Norm Tracy the other day. I am
glad he is now in touch with the sight. I also got a response from an e-mail I sent to
Steve Berkowitz and it was good to catch up there as well. Norm, perhaps you could get Dr.
Chuck Rodgers to post or maybe you can give me his e-mail address. He was my counselor one
summer although for the life of me I can't remember which summer it was. Somewhere in my
storage facility (and yes Tom Field I did find my third level "P" jacket
finally) I think I have a real to real tape recording of "I Don't Give a Damn About a
Greenback Dollar" if that was the song's name. I also have "I'm Being Eaten by a
Boa Constrictor" somewhere as well. Chuck was the capital "C" in cool and
as nice a person as I ever met.
Billy Rice: Please post the phone number again or send me an e-mail so I can make a
reservation for next summer. Someone ought to get a hold of Jim Ragona at Ringling
Brothers to see if he is interested. That's it for now. Have a safe, healthy, prosperous
and wonderful 2002. Let's hope this reunion really does get off the ground.
Contributed by Michael Salnick (Lionelguy) on December
31, 2001.
Mike,
I got out my collection of Camp Paradox yearbooks to find out that it was the summer of
'66 that both you and I had Chuck Rodgers as a counselor in Cabin 16a. The other members
of that cabin were Steve Berkowitz, Alan Uhr, Tommy Rockoff, and Mike Karol.
Do you remember that Chuck Rodgers had a delicate "back condition" that
summer? I also remember that next door, in Cabin 16b, the counselor that summer was Jack
Farr, who introduced me to the music of Bob Dylan. Jack Farr also preached to us campers
about the importance of making sure a girl was over the age of 18 before you could
consider "fooling around" with her. I remember that Jack had a "crush"
on Avi Ronell that summer of '66. Are you reading this, Ellen Rosenfeld?
What other Paragonians are "listening in" on this testosterone-saturated web
site?
The summer of '66 was also the summer my brother Arnie was a CIT in Cabin 11b with the
great Norm "Storm" Tracy. How did you get that nickname, Norm?
An aside to Jim Anderberg: I told my brother Arnie that you mentioned that fishing trip
you took with him(the trip in which he had to pay a fine for fishing without a permit}. He
said he remembers that trip very well, and that he will get back to you either by posting
on this web site or directly e-mailing you.
A Paradox trivia question: The summer of '66 was also the summer that WCP had a contest
in which you had to identify the lyrics in a passage of a Beatles song. What was that
Beatles song, and which passage was it? A hint: The song had "literary" merit.
Contributed by Ken Greenfield (keng.rph@verizon.net)
on January 2, 2002.
I just got off the phone with John Schreiber in NYC. He and I had exchanged e-mail
regarding the site a year or two ago, but he never showed his face here. (I found him in
an on-line phone directory. His business has his name)
He's married with several young children, putting on some sort of Richard Rodgers
production in near future, and got a nostalgic chuckle when I mentioned some of the names
who are visiting the site. I may have even convinced him to drop in to the site and post
something!
Tom
Contributed by Tom Field (tom@canby.com) on January
2, 2002.
I was checking out the MyFamily web-site the other day and noticed that, thanks to Bill
Rice, we have more storage. They allow a free 5M limit and you can purchase an upgrade for
100M more. I took advantage of that to re-post the movies which Tom had to remove from his
web-server because they were so large. So now the movies are back. You probably want to
download them first and then play them.
Speaking of large files, the audio file I posted a while back has, I believe, the
"I'm being eaten by a boa-constrictor" that Chuck Rodgers sang with his partner.
I'm looking forward to meeting you again after all these years. We need a place
somewhere to post the names of the "definitely attending" people so we all know
who'll be there. I'm especially looking forward to a get-together with the explorers
group. Maybe we can tackle one of the "high peaks" (All you explorer wanna-be's
are welcome as well). What a great photo that will make on the web site - all of us 40
years later on the top of Marcy! We'll have to see if time permits.
Contributed by Jim Anderberg (jim@ci.augusta.me.us)
on January 2, 2002.
Happy New Year to Everyone.
Ken Greenfield, was it 'Paperback Writer'?
Contributed by Tony Braun (TonyBobbie@aol.com)
on January 2, 2002.
Tony,
Yes, the Beatles song in the WCP contest was "Paperback Writer". The passage
went: "It's the dirty story of a dirty man, and his clinging wife doesn't understand.
His son is working for the Daily Mail; It's a steady job, but he wants to be a paperback
writer."
Contributed by Ken Greenfield (keng.rph@verizon.net)
on January 2, 2002.
I hope Schreiber will post something. He and I share the dubious honor of being
co-captains of the biggest Parathon drubbing in camp history, I believe. Gray crushed us
so badly I wound up in the infirmary. A bitter pill to swallow....
Anderberg, you really think this crew can make it to the top of Marcy?
Marc
Contributed by Marc Margolius (ravmarcm@aol.com)
on January 2, 2002.
Maybe to Marcy Dam for me. Thats about a mile, right? And I'll pass on the leantoo's.
But I wouldn't mind singing Hiking to Marcy over a beer at the hotel bar!
Contributed by Howard Benson (maxibenson@aol.com)
on January 3, 2002.
glad to see people up and active again on our site. as the days move quickly, i am
getting excited about our reunion. please continue to spread the word!
if you email me with your plans i will keep a central log of who's coming and when and
from where. perhaps we can post it on page on the website. norm - great to hear from you.
it feels like lifetimes ago that you were such a force in our lives. glad to hear that
you'll come up for the reunion. of course, i'm especially pleased to hear that you quit
smoking!
salty -- scroll up a few days and you'll find the phone number posted.
howie -- yes, the sagamore is a great place. they were booked for the weekend we
wanted. it was much more expensive (prohibitively so for some) and they required a high,
non refundable deposit (unacceptable to me) so the roaring brook ranch was a great
alternative. hope we like it.
also, anyone interested please call and help me plan the weekend. i'll be arriving
thursday evening so we can get things organized. friday evening we should have some
bugjuice and cookies - well some nice get together when people arrive. and saturday should
be our OCC to paradox. a hike up marcy sounds great. i'm sure there'll be something for
everyone.
thanks for reminding me it was chuck rodgers who sang the famous boa constrictor song.
couldn't remember.
well, take care, keep posting and let me know what your plans are.
"THERE'S MORE TO DO, IN 2002"
Contributed by bill rice (drbill@writeme.com)
on January 3, 2002.
Hey guys - Norm has posted a great photo of Tom Vannatta, Rick Schuck and himself at
the MyFamily site. Check it out! Perhaps this will encourage more of you to put some
photos up there.
Contributed by Jim Anderberg (jim@ci.augusta.me.us)
on January 3, 2002.
I just had a look at the photo Norm posted on myfamily. The myfamily.com web site must
have had a database screw-up... the picture there is a picture of three old men!!! :-)
I don't think I would have recognized Norm, but maybe, just maybe Tom and probably
Rick.
Great picture, Norm. Thanks for taking the time to post it. Are you going to get Tom
and Rick to post here and come to the reunion?
Tom
Contributed by Tom Field (tom@canby.com) on January
3, 2002.
what are you talking about, tom? they haven't changed a bit. well, maybe norm gained a
few pounds.
Contributed by bill rice (drbill@writeme.com)
on January 3, 2002.
Hey, Billy! Are you going to cook up some cheeseburgers at the reunion like you used to
do at Chez Paradox?
Maybe everyone should bring up a loaf of Freihoffers bread in case the food at the
hotel isn't up to Camp Paradox Dining Hall standards.
Will there be snacks served at night before "Lights Out" ?
Contributed by Ken Greenfield (keng.rph@verizon.net)
on January 4, 2002.
I'm bringing my canteen card. There's still about $1.50 left on it.
Contributed by Howard Benson (maxibenson@aol.com)
on January 4, 2002.
i'm sure we arrange for the cheeseburgers, ken. but i'm afraid howie's canteen card has
long expired.
anonymously contributed on January 4, 2002.
Tom, who are you calling old? I think you guys are catching up with me. My hair may be
grey, but I still have hair. Yeah, I'm considerably heavier than I was when I was 25. I
wouldn't be surprised if folks wouldn't recognize me... But, that goes two ways. I do hope
we are planning to wear name tags... big tags, so us old folks can read them. Ken, Re:
Dave Armstrong's picture at the CampParadox.com site... circa 1962... The really tall guy
is Dave Brewer. He worked on the waterfront staff, specifically the boating area. I
remember him falling asleep during Larry's weekly staff meetings. The guy standing to his
right was Dave Becker (I think)... he's famous for driving the camp jeep into cabin six
and knocking it off its foundation. Of course, LF put it all back together.
I've scrounged up a couple more pictures and will be posting at the MyFamily site soon.
Got a note from Chuck Rodgers yesterday asking if I would be attending the reunion.
I'll try to get him to join us. Ellen and I do plan to attend at least that weekend (19
& 20th).
I forgot about the "I've been eaten by a boa constrictor". I'll have to tell
Chuck he has been remembered for his bad back and his song.
Until next time...
Contributed by Norm Tracy (N_Tracy@msn.com) on
January 5, 2002.
Ken... forgot to respond to your question... how did I get the "Storm'n
Norman" nickname. Jack Francis receives the credit. Although the real reason was
never shared with me, I am assuming it was due to my temper. I would "go off"
(like a storm) on occasion if things were not going "right". Hyper-Thyroidism
tends to put one on edge... the condition did make me a great fencer in college though...
fast as a cat. I later found out that my smoking, coupled with this condition, contributed
greatly to my disposition and inability to gain weight. As observed in my recently posted
picture, "I got over all that" many years ago.
Contributed by Norm Tracy (N_Tracy@msn.com) on
January 5, 2002.
1/8/02 This is my first time on the site and it is amazing!!!!!!! The pictures and the
names - a flood of memories of a time that is still very dear to my heart. To those who
were not there - it is impossible to explain. From the green vermiculite roof to Ranzy
Tucker to Color War to Mike Salnick winning the right key on the first try -- it was
absolutely the best summers of my life.
To bring you up to date, I am a producer at Good Morning America - your favorite
morning show that you watch everyday before you go to work. I live in Ardsley, NY with my
wife Jeanne (the medical producer at GMA)and my two daughters, Emilie Skye (5) and
Charlotte Ocean (18 months).
I am still in contact with Jerry Shier, who we now call 'Shoes', and Paul Silverman,
who we now call 'Purser'.
I ran into Barry Rosenthal about 7-8 years ago on the upper westside of NYC but have
not seen him since. I miss Mike Swerdlick, Phil Brussel, Rich Cohen, Jeff Adler, Buzzy and
Ranzy.
My sister, Amy Dorn Kopelan, 'Mamma Dorn' as she was known, went to Paragon for a few
years in the middle 60's. She is also married with three boys living on Central Park West
in NYC. Her company, Beldam Entertainment, runs high-end conferences nation wide for
business women.
Thank you very much for putting this site together. I am now in hot pursuit of my own
8mm film taken in camp around '68 -'69. I know i have interiors of Rodgers Hall as well as
some clips of Billy Rice trying to launch a small airplane with a rubber band device!?!? I
will digitize the film when i find it and send it along.
My best to everyone, hope everyone is safe and healthy. My secondary email is:
freddie.w.dorn@abc.com
Peace
Contributed by Freddie 'Derf' Dorn (freddie.dorn@verizon.net)
on January 8, 2002.
Welcome Freddie....
Has anyone kept up with Doug Singer?
Anyone hear from Leo Lefkowitz?
Mike Karol... Hello!
What about Dave Coder? Last I recall his folks were in Indianapolis.
Contributed by Norm Tracy (N_Tracy@msn.com) on
January 8, 2002.
spoke with jeff peters earlier this evening. it's been ages since we last spoke or saw
each other. i pointed him towards the paradox web site. we were neighbors and very close
friends for years when growing up in glen cove. after going to college, we each went our
separate way. after paradox closed we worked together at camp redwing on schroon lake. i
was there for 4 years teaching water skiing. jeff was there for about half of the first
summer, too. i do remember going to his wedding, though. he's still on long island - lives
in roslyn. hopefully he'll come on board with some comments and memories of paradox. we
discussed some including taking jim flonacher's car for rides, being too cheap to put in
high test gas, and others. that's all for tonight guys....
Contributed by steven berkowitz (berks1@optonline.net)
on January 8, 2002.
question i forgot to ask a minute ago - how do i get to the myfamily web site to look
at those pictures of the old guys? would love to see them. please direct. thanks!
Contributed by steven berkowitz (berks1@optonline.net)
on January 8, 2002.
Gentlemen:
No doubt there are many lurkers out there who read but don't post. (I know of several.)
It perplexes me that there should be a reluctance to post on the site still.
I know I've done it more than once before, but I'd like to encourage those of you
reading these words who have not posted to reconsider. There's nothing as benign as this
group. And there's nothing with quite the kind of reward as that that comes from
reconnecting with old friends. We'd like to welcome you.
And, if for some reason posting on the net makes you nervous, e-mail me or call me at
503-263- 4560. Or, if you're daring, linger unnannounced at the reunion next summer and
once you see we're just a bunch of middle aged men enjoying our memories, maybe you'll
introduce yourself to us.
To the rest of you: we've got six or seven months to find as many old campers as we can
before they miss the first reunion of the new millenium. We see by Derf's arrival (and the
potential arrival of Jeff Peters and John Schrieber) that there ARE campers out there yet
who COULD show up. Let's make an effort to dig up those old phone numbers, search on
yahoo's phone books, and reach out any way to find as many as we can.
Personally, I'm hoping that Eric or Robin Landis (or their parents!) drop in at Lake
George next summer! Wouldn't that be great!
Tom
PS I'm going to turn on GMA tommorrow morning and look for Derf's name in the credits!
Contributed by Tom Field (tom@canby.com) on January
8, 2002.
It has been great seeing all of these posts. I told my secretary to block the time,
etc. I'm really looking forward to this.
Contributed by Marc Stern (mstern@abanet.org) on
January 9, 2002.
Speaking of middle aged, you might get to see me in all my middle aged glory on the
Grammys. P.O.D. (a band I produced), was nominated for Best Hard Rock Performance so there
is a chance I might hop up onstage if we win and if our category is televised (there are
over 100 categories and NARAS only televises about 12 of them.) I think we have a good
chance of winning. It is the second nomination I've produced.
I cannot wait for this reunion. It does look like we are getting more and more campers
turning up. We need to video this thing so I nominate Derf to do a segment on us for GMA!!
I'll do the music with some help from Neil N and Marty Scott.
Contributed by Howard Benson (maxibenson@aol.com)
on January 10, 2002.
It WOULD be a good idea to come away from this reunion with more than just
"still" photographs, i.e., a video recording of our reunion would provide us all
with a more satisfying memory of the event.
Is there anybody out there who is particularly good at that sort of thing?
Perhaps if we all could chip in some money, maybe we could hire someone to get the job
done professionally. It would be well worth the expense.
Contributed by Ken Greenfield (keng.rph@verizon.net)
on January 10, 2002.
You may be interested to know that the Paradox camping experience has already been
captured on film. The producers sent the following in advance of their showing at the
Sundance Film Festival, which begins this weekend. I suspect that this took place on the
campus of the former Camp Woodmere, which is now Echo Lake Southwoods.
"As you know, we are representing Paradox Lake at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival.
Paradox Lake is a remarkable film in terms of its subject matter, approach to filmmaking
and sublime artistry. While developing a feature film about a man with disabled children,
filmmaker, Przemyslaw Shemie Reut, stumbled upon autism, a severe, lifelong neurological
disorder that afflicts approximately 1 out of 500 children. Autism was described to him as
"enchantment in fantasy as escape reality," and Reut quickly became captivated
by the magical, and often-impenetrable world inhabited by children with autism. Reut's
dramatic feature film takes place at an actual autistic summer camp; it features real
autistic children and camp counselors and captures the reality of their world. Although
the Sundance film guide provides a sound description of Paradox Lake, we would like to
highlight certain key aspects about Paradox Lake that distinguish this film and its
innovative filmmaker from the rest.
(1) Paradox Lake is a ground breaking feature film that narratively and visually
explores the world of those who are incapable of communicating their basic needs and
desires through normal channels of expression -- autistic children. Reut's haunting
portrait strikes an immediate emotional cord and compels us to discover the different and
cryptic ways in which autistic children attempt to communicate.
(2) The heros of Paradox Lake are the children, and, in particular, Jessica Fuchs, an
extraordinary deaf/mute autistic child who invites camp counselor, Matt Wolf, into her
fantasy world and ultimately saves Wolf's life.
(3) Reut, a Polish-born filmmaker, studied cinematography at the School of Visual Arts
in New York City. Paradox Lake reflects Reut's innovative approach to filmmaking. Premised
upon the notion that reality is often more poignant than scripted scenes, the production
team of Paradox Lake worked within the schedules and needs of the autistic camp and its
children and Reut embraced the reality placed before him.
(4) Beyond the 400,000 American families affected by autism, Paradox Lake will attract
a wide spectrum of audiences based on its distinctive narrative and visual style,
compelling subject matter and artistic merits."
Contributed by Michael Zuch (mzuch@mzcommunications.com)
on January 11, 2002.
Thanks for the memories (only the positive ones)… a counselor’s perspective:
• First and foremost, the great campers and counselors that came together every
summer at Camp Paradox to learn from each other and enjoy the variety of activities that
the environment provided. • Paddling the Fulton Chain of lakes with fifteen campers
and forgetting the butter… a necessary item for cooking. • The “woodsman
frolic” prior to sundown on these Fulton Chain trips. • The observation deck
built on top of “the rock” in the boating area. • Cardiac Hill. • The
crank telephones between the Program Office and key areas of the camp prior to walkie
talkies. • The log cabin built by LF et.al. out of real logs… not
pre-manufactured jobbies. • Claudices, where Len Haseman and I would develop the
swimming and boating class schedule. • Sunderland. • Square dances in Schroon
Lake and in that one-room school house in Paradox. • The Paradox Store/gas
station/post office. • Driving the Ford Econoline full of campers up the hill on Rt.
73 from Ticonderoga. • Leo Lefkowitz, Tom Eslinger, Dave Leslie, Dave Hill, Len
Haseman (a guy who could climb a rock wall with ease where there were no apparent
handholds and who was a swim instructor who could not float—dropped like a rock).
• Ransey Tucker who could throw a football father than any human being, and could
open coke bottles with his teeth. • LF McCoy. • Fishing with a group of campers
and a Ricky Siedel, getting “lost” on Paradox Lake in the fog that rolled in so
quickly and thick, we had to “sit tight” until the fog burned off – and no
one knew where we were. • Swimming around Crawford Island. • Turtle Rock. •
Cliff Diving. • Montreal Expo… where one of the BlueBird buses caught fire on
the return trip (thankfully no one was injured). • The Handchetts…They drove
that wooden ski boat. Old Earl (a NY State Trooper) always waterski with a lit cigar in
his mouth and drove his Mercury everywhere at 100 mph. • Traveling to New Hampshire
to pick up a canoe for Alex in the Camp stationwagon…. Rick Schuck asked me to stop
along the way to pick up a pair of boots he had ordered some three years before… The
cobbler knew exactly where the boots were in his shop and gave ‘em to me… no
receipt needed… just Rick’s name. • The old DeSoto. Great car… •
Sam, who refused to play in an all-camp baseball game, until Larry “had a little talk
with him”, stepped up to the plate, hit the ball, and got on base… to everyone’s
delight. If you’re interested in what Larry said to him, I’ll tell you at the
reunion. • The retired doctor who would be fishing every morning near the boating
area in his canoe. • Dave Becker knocking Cabin 6 off its piers with the camp Jeep.
• The nature instructor (a Zoologist) who could knock a crow out of the sky with a
rock… he also had a great dog. • Bob Coluni’s experience with a raccoon one
evening while trying to sleep under the stars in center field. He never "slept under
the stars" again. • The sailboat known as the “Queen” with a mast
fashioned from a tree. There was no sail track… just loops of poly rope holding the
sail on the “mast” with a standard “garden variety” galvanized pulley
nailed to the top of it. Amazingly, it worked. • The elephant tied to a boat in the
middle of a field near Burlington Vermont… at least that’s Jack’s story. I
don’t believe any witnesses have ever come forward to verify this elephant sighting.
• The “car” Chuck Rodgers used to drive around. • The hoax picture of
a “UFO” (one of Larry’s “events”) that terrified campers. •
The fire pits in the Campfire Amphi- Theater area that “blew up” because the
mortar wasn’t yet dry, spreading fire all over the place. LF warned Larry, but…
• Meeting Steve Berkowitz in the Great Meadow Campgrounds in the Blue Ridge Mountains
sometime in the eighties. • And of course meeting my wife Ellen Neuman at the Chez at
one of our camp dances. • Meeting good life-time friends like, Rick Schuck, Tom
Vannatta, and Chuck Rodgers. • The brilliance of Larry Carpenter’s programs,
leadership, and heart that made much of what Camp Paradox was able to become. •
Sharing the Counselor of the Year Award with Dave Hill in our final season at Camp Paradox….1967.
All these items(and there are many more)have a full series of stories that go along
with them. You may remember some of them that have became part of the Paradox mythology
and history.
BTW... spoke with Tom Vannatta yesterday. Who knows, he may be able to tear himself
away from his busy retirement schedule to join us in July.
Contributed by Norm Tracy (N_Tracy@msn.com) on
January 13, 2002.
Does anybody remember Lenny Hasemans remote-controlled miniature speed boat? He used to
put that boat in the water by the boating area, and he would stand on the side and
"control" its path with a radio-controlled rudder.
I remember swimming around Crawford Island being a requirement to pass the
"Advanced Swimmer" course. I remember wondering if I would ever make it back as
Dave Hill "supervised" me from the comfortable position of sitting in a rowboat,
as I struggled to stay afloat. Well, more than 30 years later, I can testify that somehow
I completed the swim around Crawford Island and made it back to shore.
Wasn't it "Chipper" Siedel who was the fishing counselor, and Rick Siedel was
his younger brother?
Contributed by Ken Greenfield (keng.rph@verizon.net)
on January 13, 2002.
After spending about 4 hours this evening being washed by sweet memories of three
wonderful summers at Camp Paradox, and sharing memories of so many wonderful old friends
in the message archives, I decided to say hello to those of you who may remember me... I
remember most all of you, because you are the stuff that make those summers some of the
highlights of my personal journey in the late 60's and early 70's.
I am so overwhelmed with memories and names and faces at this moment, that I probably
will not say anything that is profound or worth adding to this website...
But am just grateful that Tom took the initiative to pull this site together and
continues with the rest of you to maintain some wonderful memories not only for former
campers at Paradox but also for former (and very lucky) counselors.
I consider myself one of those lucky counselors.
Just a few minutes before finding this site tonight, I was sharing a story with one of
my housemates about my application for summer employment at Paradox... I had found an ad
about the camp in the New York Times back in the winter of 1966... The Landis family sent
me a huge envelope of camp materials including a large number of camp manuals in response
to my inquiry...
I was so impressed by the philosophy of the camp, that I was determined to get a job
there... instead of sending in a simple application letter, I sent in my own huge return
application... it must have been about 50 pages... I really wanted that job, no matter
what it was...
I must have overwhelmed somebody... cause I did get the job and arrived several months
later...
now I must tell you, I could not climb mountains, knew virtually nothing about sports
of any kind (always had 2 left feet)... archery, arts and crafts... swimming (I could
barely)... and I had no idea why they had hired me.... all I knew about life was my recent
few years in a monastic community, which I had left to explore real life.
I arrived from Boston without a clue what I would be doing at Paradox... my head filled
with camp philosophy, sociograms, and dreams...
I was greeted by Brian Clifford who told me that I would be working in the Guidance
Office... and that my job was just to wander around the camp to make sure that everyone
was happy...
And that (I hope) is mostly what I did for the next three summers... what a spectacular
job...
Of course, I had no formal training in making people happy... nor in keeping records of
their summer experiences...
I probably did a pretty lousy job at filling a role that was not well detailed in the
Paradox manuals...
but I had the time of my life sharing summers with all of you...
and reading yours names and comments have brought back a host of memories that were
lurking just below the surface for some 34 years now...
I will probably continue to post memories and questions over the next many months, but
I would like to share a few memories in this email that may not have been shared yet,
because most of you were not able to be with me when those memories were actually part of
my daily journey with Paradox...
I must share with you another side of the Landis family... I got to know Alex and Ann
pretty well in 1967... they invited me to share their home in Highland Park after my first
summer at Paradox... they needed some assistance with the winter activities at the camp,
and with camper recruitment... and they needed someone to make some sense of weekly
counselor comments and sociograms (and all that stuff), and to write end of summer reports
to parents...
I got to know many sides of you by pouring through notes and folders... you were all
pretty outstanding from my point of view...
But I also got to know Alex and Ann and Robin and Eric (and a half dozen dogs) pretty
well when I had the pleasure of sharing their home for about a year... Alex and Ann and I
spent many days and nights during that year in their basement office...
Alex and I spent hundreds of hours recovering from the prior summer and preparing for
the next... and I ended up spending thousands of hours discovering who you were and
sharing the best part of you with your parents in my 3 to 4 page summeries of your
summer... I also spent hundreds of hours traveling with Alex to your homes in New Jersey,
Long Island, Philadelphia... almost did not make it through the year because Alex would
often start nodding off as we drove the Jersey Turnpike, returning to our Highland Park
home after a visit to one of your homes...
I must tell you that the Alex that I knew was a very honorable and loving man... and I
enjoyed sharing a year working closely with him and sharing his home...
Although it took me months to discover first hand the details of the difficult and
nearly disastrous last summer of Ole Lar (because it was never spoken of in the Landis
household), I finally asked the question... I knew the camp had lost dozens of campers...
that was about it... until Alex and Ann sat me down and told some of the story... ending
it with Alex saying... (not an accurate quote but close)... "if I ever have a
counselor touch a kid again or even get close, I will shoot the bastard myself..."
The message was pretty clear...
And we had our work cut out for us to rebuild a camp, without Larry and his brilliant
concepts or his philosophy, which even now I consider years ahead of its time...
I never did hear the groovy details of what went on during the disastrous summer... but
I knew first hand what it took to rebuild a financially viable camp, and I experienced
first hand the effort that the Landis family put in to bring their financial and
philosophical investment back to life... they tried damn hard despite the fact that the
soul of the camp was somewhere off in Alaska (or wherever)...
I learned a great deal about life and business from the man... because the camp was not
only his life... he had every penny he owned tied up in the success or failure after the
Larry incident...
He honestly loved every aspect of this adventure to which he had also tied his fortunes
and his future...
I learned over a few years that Alex could not be all that his campers and counselors
wished that he could be, but he tried his best...
and I considered him one of my mentors, despite his failings (and perhaps my own) in
the camping business...
I am afraid that neither Alex or Ann or myself had a guidebook that spelled out the
details of being surrogate parents for 10 weeks each summer... but I think that he did the
best that he could... and so did we...
I rarely saw the Landis family during the summer season... you really did occupy my
attention from 7 in the morning till long after midnight most summer days... I gave up an
outside life during those summers... and the days of summer are even now one long blur of
conversations and long walks back and forth in the camp...
I also saw Eric and Robin as they grew up in this camp centered environment... they had
no handbook either about how to be the kids of the owner of an illustrious and progressive
camp, who were probably more scrutinized than the other kids at the camp...
I also have memories of almost nightly visits to the Highland Park burger joint where
Alex and I scoffed down hundreds of California Burgers and fries... and talked nothing but
Paradox...
Some of you may have wondered what became of me after three summers... I just
disappeared off the face of the earth, although I had been intimately involved with the
camp for almost 3 years...
In the spring of 1969, I met some wonderful young ladies in New York City who
introduced me to the teachings of a Korean guru/ some would say cult leader - Sun Myung
Moon... and just before the summer of 1969 at Paradox, I announced to Alex that I was
leaving his company as soon as the summer was over... I was going to be a Moonie...
Looking back now, the whole incident seems as bizarre to me as it probably did to Alex
and Ann when I told them... most of you never knew... I kept my philosophy and conversion
to myself that last summer.
But to the Moonies I went for a few years, ultimately becoming the leader of the
Moonies in New York...
Well, ultimately I did decide that my life would take another course, and I learned
first hand, what must have been obvioius to Alex when I told him...
My last summer at the camp was partially eclipsed by the fact that I had fallen for a
guru who would ultimately dominate my life for a period... and several thousand others
like me would fall under his spell if only for a season...
No connection to Moon for 30 plus years now, but his organization had a deep impact on
my life, and probably on my last special season at Paradox...
Despite my unorthodox first day at Paradox when I learned what I would be doing in your
midst, and despite my unusual departure, I loved every minute that I spent involved in
your lives... every moment...
Sharing the archives tonight brought back memories more vivid than any summer memory
book could return to me...
Unfortunately I possess not a single piece of memorabilia from those days, but I do
have the most special of memories...
I was saddened to hear tonight that GER has died not too many years ago... he was a
good friend to me during my years at Paradox, and we downed several good bottles of wine
during many excursions together to New York between the summers by the lake...
I lost track of all of you I am afraid except in memories...
My journey took me all over the country in the years that came afterward... my homes
included New York City, Washington, Santa Monica, Boston, Marblehead, Key West, New
Orleans...
and now Santa Fe, New Mexico... for most of the last three years...
I came to Santa Fe a couple of years ago to help build a community with a group of
young people... I have lived communally off and on during the last 30 some years, and I
have returned to the effort of establishing intentional communities whenever I have the
opportunity to do so...
Over the last 30 years I have had a number of focuses in my life, everything from being
a corporate executive in Boston to running resort hotels in Key West... and right now I am
trying to put together a book (or several) about living in intentional communities... the
good, the bad and the ugly... all of that, but mostly the good...
Although I am now 55, I share a coop community with a group of 20 somethings...
artists, composers, web designers, vj's, dj's, web promoters, rave promoters, radical
thinkers... they keep an old man on his toes...
Just as I learned a great deal from young people at Paradox many years ago... I am
learning from my day to day interaction with a young community out here in Santa Fe...
I lead a pretty simple life monetarily... somewhat monastic at times... my 4 story
townhouse with a huge art collection gave way to an alternate lifestyle in 1985 about 15
years after I left Highland Park and Lake Paradox behind...
I have made two trips back to Paradox since then... somewhat saddened that this
visionary attempt ended all too soon...
but absolutely thrilled that such places never die, especially if they continue to
exist in memories, shared memories of friendship...
and I am glad that Ole Lar (who I never met) lives on too... at least the best of
him... even the worst of him....
perhaps one or more of you can fill me in about the Landis family history... I was
thinking of Alex and Ann in just the last several weeks... does anyone know how to get a
hold of the family (or the remaining family members)...
that would be as great a gift to me as communicating with some of you in the near
future...
and perhaps getting myself back East for any reunion that my occur this summer...
Since I have detected an air of candor and honesty at this site, I would like to share
openly and transparently with you a bit of my own skeleton...
Perhaps it is time to come out of the closet...
I too was a gay man in your midst during the three summers that I spent at Paradox,
although none of you will have personal experiences with me that would indicate that... my
sexual preference had little to do with my involvement at the camp... there were probably
signs of my more motherly nature in the midst of more traditional macho counselors... but
I cared for all of you, even the counselors, as very special people in my life, for whom I
was responsible and toward whom any sexual involvement would have been sadly out of place,
perhaps even a gross betrayal of trust... in fact, it was only several years later that I
made a decision about sexual preference, preferring to live celibately until I met another
person with whom I could share an intimate journey...
even though I was not much older than any of you, I felt responsible for helping to
make your experience at Paradox one that would bring memories for a lifetime... I am glad
that I chose that route...
I hope that in hindsite, none of you who shared with me during those special summers,
will be offended by my honesty.
You were never the objects of anything but deepest affection, and even now memories of
you are of those whose trust was too precious to betray...
I remember sitting with you when Americans first landed on the moon... I remember
sitting with you during first summers when homesickness was far stronger than a great time
at the water or on the diamond... when the Beatles were reminding us that All You Need is
Love... a gentler time than before the Vietnam war... and the recent horrors in New York
City...
So sitting here at the computer terminal that dominates our "family" room...
and all of your faces are as fresh and full of life and full of dreams as they were in
1967...
"you may say that I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one... some day the world
will join us, and we all will live as One."
For those of you who would like to share a bit more about my travels and my journey,
you can check out my website which is
www.weare1creations.com
And I look forward to sharing more with many of you in the future... and perhaps seeing
some of you again this summer, if I can get to your reunion...
My regards to all, including the guys in Cabin 30 who made my last summer at Paradox a
spectacular final memory...
My best to all of you who shared my journey during the summers of love and innocence.
Dennis Cormier Santa Fe, New Mexico...
Contributed by Dennis Cormier (santafeman@altavista.com)
on January 14, 2002.
Wow. Great posting. The Camp Paradox years have so many facets that keep unfolding with
each perspective. I remember you Dennis exactly as you portrays yourself, warm and
comforting. I'm glad you are doing well.
Contributed by Howard Benson (maxibenson@aol.com)
on January 14, 2002.
Nice posting Dennis. Fortunately there are many wonderful memories all of us have taken
from the Camp Paradox experience and that is what makes Camp Paradox great, but...there is
another reason why most of the "management team" left at the end of '67 that was
not shared with you that had nothing to do with Ole Lar. Top management made a very bad
decision in handling a specific incident which caused many of those who carried the
"corporate philosophy and history" to leave.
Contributed by Norm Tracy (N_Tracy@msn.com) on
January 15, 2002.
Ok Norm, what was it??!! I always wondered about why the whole thing seemed to change
between 67 and 68. I thought it was the Larry thing. You must fill us in.
Contributed by Howard Benson (maxibenson@aol.com)
on January 15, 2002.
If I remember correctly there was a time when Brian Clifford and Jack Francis wanted
either to buy-in or share a greater role/profits in the management of the camp. I'm sure
they could enlighten us as can Norm...clearly there are no big secrets left on this
website.
Contributed by ALAN SHIER (ALAN553@AOL.COM) on
January 15, 2002.
i have a confession to make. i find myself drawn to the camp paradox web site. while i
might not post messages very often, you should all know that i visit the site almost
daily. and i think i figured out why!
30-40 years ago we were all children or young adults. we were all (relatively)
innocent, had no real responsibilities, or pressures or stress of an adults life.
whenever i log on, i am able to retreat, for just a few minutes a day, to a very
enjoyable time of my life. i see names pop up on the screen that i haven't thought about
for a lifetime. and memories come floating back - some just my own, others shared with
some of you.
i have not been back to a college reunion in almost 25 years. i have never attended a
high school reunion. but i have made a reservation at the roaring brook ranch for the
paradox reunion, and i am very much looking forward to renewing many old friendships! my
son (17) will be coming, as well, and i'm still working on my wife to attend.
bill rice - thanks for tracking me down and plugging me in to the site!
everyone else - the travel agent tells me not many people have signed up as of yet for
the reunion. come on guys - get with the program!!!
Contributed by steven berkowitz (berks1@optonline.net)
on January 16, 2002.
I've got my reservations and am really looking forward to it! Since this web site
helped me make the connections, I've spent some wonderful afternoons and evenings with Joe
Koplin, Tom Field and Marc Margolius. We all carry pieces of the big picture and when you
bring all those pieces together long lost memories appear. Let's hope with enough of you
we can get a real critical mass!
Contributed by Jim Anderberg (jim@ci.augusta.me.us)
on January 16, 2002.
Yes, let's get with it!
The hotel is holding rooms for us
until 20 january 2002!
Please call and make reservations.
Your deposit is refundable.
Call Bari Ziegel 516.883.6667
Contributed by bill rice (drbill@writeme.com)
on January 17, 2002.
Howie and Alan... I am reluctant to post the story, but this may be something we can
discuss at the reunion...
Contributed by Norm Tracy (ntracy@mc.cc.md.us)
on January 17, 2002.
Norm: I did one of the Fulton chain canoe trips (during TVA) and have recounted that
experience fondly over the years:
1. Mild rapids with rocks covered with aluminum from previous collisions by canoes.
2. Using a poncho as a sail on the first day (from, was it, Old Forge?)
3. "Bushwacking" through a very narrow water passage, branches snapping into
our faces, leeches on our legs, to emerge on a sunbathing beach. It was sur-real, the
contrast between us and the bathers.
4. Someone (me?) drying some pants by the fire. The pants caught fire. For show, I
carried them, burning, to towards the water, and, as I recall, somehow set some leaves on
fire. We had an underground fire that you poked around, dug holes, and put out. I've
probably inflated the whole story, but that's how I remember it!
Incidentally, Rick's bootmaker in NH was almost definitely "Limmer."
(spelling?) He made custom boots. I encountered him in the early 70's. That Rick was
ordering Limmers confirms my memory of his as the "right stuff," in the outdoor
adventure department. He (or Larry?) used to tell us stories of the Scout retreat in New
Mexico (I can't remember its name right now, but it's still there). Curiously, I remember
a story that they would go cross country, carrying their last night's fire's glowing coals
in a rabbit skin (jeez!) for the next night. It's hard to believe!
Thanks for the posting of your memories. They're great to read.
On another note: I was moved to tears by Dennis' posting. I tried to find him last
year, remembering that he was from Worcester, MA. Unfortunately, there are hundreds of
"Cormier" listings at Yahoo for Worcester. Curiously, yesterday at a trade show,
someone came up to our booth wearing a name badge with "Worcester, MA" as their
company's location. A thought of Dennis flitted (is that a word?) momentarily (is that
redundant?) through my mind. Then, this morning, I saw his post...
I have made my reservation for the reunion. Please do make yours if you haven't. It's
only $100 deposit and it's refundable until ten days before the event.
Tom
Contributed by Tom Field (tom@canby.com) on January
17, 2002.
I'm so excited because I just checked with the scheduler where I work and my vacation
request time was approved. I was so worried because I received a fax dated 1/9/02 stating
that the period from 7/13-7/27 was booked solid and that this particular time period was
closed. Fortunately, I had faxed my request in on 1/03/02, and it was the classic case of
the early bird getting the worm, and so my request was approved.
I just called the travel agent and put down my deposit on a room, so I know I will
definitely be at the reunion.
The more people that show up for the reunion, the better a reunion it will be. I urge
everyone who is unsure about coming that this is a way of re-living a magical period
called "boyhood" that we all shared together in the '60s. Sure, there are a lot
of controversies about some things that happened during those years, but why let those
controversies ruin the possibility of having a really good time at the reunion?
I just can't wait to see the old campsite(what's left of it) that I just recently
visited this past August. A lot has changed, but there still is a lot that can be
recognized. "Cardiac Hill" is still there, as is the big "rock" down
by the boating area that served as a "look-out tower" for the boating area.
Crawford Island is still there, in all its regal splendor, and the cliffs that we used to
jump off are still there.
I hope I'm not the only one with this desire, but I would love to take a little
"dip" in Paradox Lake, and to have the water of the lake wash away the over 30
years that have passed.
I urge anyone who has ambivalent feelings about the reunion to not let those ambivalent
feelings get in the way of what could be a really good time. As the Beatles stated on the
Sgt. Pepper album, "A splendid time is guaranteed for all".
Contributed by Ken Greenfield (keng.rph@verizon.net)
on January 17, 2002.
I agree with Steve Berkowitz. I read the postings, I think back to some of the best
times of my life, and each day just to regress and relax,I try to hit the CP website. When
each you post I can usually identify at least a memory or two shared with the
"postee" and being a camper through the ranks to counselor over a five year
period, It amazes me how easy it is to recall the good times when we were all gathered for
one reason...to have the best summer possible with virtually little or no responsibilities
but to ourselves. When has or will that ever happen again? I, too, have made my
reservation for the reunion and am working on bringing my wife along. I very much want to
be a part of what I think will be an incredible weekend and I only hope more of you who
read this website and others who have already posted will join us. Over thirty years have
passed, we've all moved on but something very powerful keeps bringing us back to our
summers at Camp Paradox. I have been to my high school and college reunions and each has
been worth the time, money and travel. This one should be incredible as well. Thank you
Billy Rice for arranging this.. let's all get on the bandwagon and make a sincere effort
to come. Each one that attends will make this reunion that much better!
Rick Mittelberg
Contributed by Rick Mittelberg (RickeyM5@AOL.COM)
on January 17, 2002.
I am definitly going and bringing my wife and two kids. I just haven't called the
travel agent yet but will this week. I too look on this website a lot for the same
reasons. Paradox was the most important event that shaped my life when I was young. It was
an escape from the mundane life in suburban Philadelphia. Reading these posts over the
last couple of years - its like being in Camp again for a brief minute.
There must be an intrepid screenwriter out there who is going to write a screenplay
about all of this. You have to admit that there are some excellent plot lines, plot
twists, all of that stuff. Kind of like a "Big Chill" idea. I could get it
looked at if anyone wants to try writing it.
Starring Marlon Brando as Larry, Robert DiNiro as Brian Clifford, Sylvestor Stallone as
Norm Tracy, Alyssa Milano as Robin Landis (gotta get her in there), Billy Bob Thorton and
Meg Ryan as Alex and Ann, Tom Sizemore as Jack Francis, Pamela Lee Anderson as the
nurse.......
Contributed by Howard Benson (maxibenson@aol.com)
on January 17, 2002.
tom - i think i was on the same canoe trip of the fulton lakes as you. i also remember
someone (not sure who - maybe kenny kohn [sp?]) loosing a sneaker in the mud and never
finding it on one of the portages; and at the end of a portage, coming to the beginning of
a small river leading to the next lake, that was full of trout. i remember dropping in a
hook and line, and just plucking out the fish that we ate for dinner that night. life just
isn't that simple anymore.
max - who is going to play ranzy in your adventure movie? what's the big black actors
name from the recent spy movies - vinne rynes or something like that? he'd be good. would
add some spice to the flick!
Contributed by steve berkowitz (berks1@optonline.net)
on January 17, 2002.
Lawrence Taylor as Ranzy Tucker. Brad Pitt as Jim Anderberg. William Shatner as LF
McCoy. Josh Harnett as Joey Koplin.
Contributed by Howard Benson (maxibenson@aol.com)
on January 18, 2002.
One more Reunion comment:
the rates i mentioned previously
were based on double occupancy!
there is a $40 per day single
supplement. if you want to share a room, please let Bari know when you call and we can
make those arrangements later.
Contributed by bill rice (drbill@writeme.com)
on January 18, 2002.
Well, I'm booked. Ellen and I, our son Scott and his girlfriend Kendall and our
daughter, Kelly expect to be there.
Ken... of course you're right. It was Chipper not Ricky. Howie... I like your casting
recommendations. Tom... So you were the guy with the flaming pants. and yes, it had to be
Limmer's. I have recalled that beach scene and shared that story many times over the
years. The water level was so low we had to push our canoes through this riverlet, which
on the topo was considerably larger than in reality... it had been a very dry summer. It
ended up on that beautiful beach full of bathers. Here we were covered with mud, leeches,
leaves and what all, jumping into the water to clean up before the next leg of our day's
journey. People were moving away from us and out of the water obviously fearing
contamination; a couple dogs were barking; mothers grabbing their children ready to
escape. That was very, very funny! Those were great trips!
Contributed by Norman Tracy (N_Tracy@msn.com) on
January 18, 2002.
My apologies to Jim A... have been trying to send email to his email address for a
couple of days and my email returns an error message... adding insult to injury, bumped
into him on the MyFamily site and attempted a chat... unhappily the chat java script kept
locking up our DSL connection... so if any of you speak to him or see him in the next
couple of days or weeks, do let him know that I am attempting contact... even in this
public forum... many thanks...
Contributed by Dennis Cormier (santafeman@altavista.com)
on January 19, 2002.
I remember two adventures in which occured during my Paradox, but have no recollection
of the names or faces of the others involved... maybe one of you can help...
1. Drove about a dozen campers to a waterfall and brook not far from camp one afternoon
as part of an afternoon adventure... after spending a great day sliding down the
waterfalls, we headed back for Paradox on the dirt road that led to the brook... all of a
sudden another driver approached from the other direction at high speed and I had to pull
our van to the right to avoid head on collision... the jeep kept on going but we got stuck
on a soft shoulder, and the van started tipping to the right and prepared to fall down a
fairly steep embankment... a very thin tree caught the van before it tipped over and
headed down... whichever campers were with me stayed calm as the tree held us... everyone
scooted out the back doors safely before the tree could give and happily we got picked up
(pre cell phone) and got driven back to camp without injuries... it was quite an adventure
for me... does anyone of you know who else was involved... were you in the van the day it
happened... except for that tree and the higher powers, it could have been a very
different summer...
2. During the winter of 1967 or 1968 I participated in a ski trip to Whiteface
Mountain... quite a few campers and some counselors shared that trip... one of the campers
brought along a little brother who I don't believe had started summers at Paradox quite
yet... I couldn't ski, but the little guy could... because we were afraid that he might
kill himself trying to keep up with older campers, he and I skied the bunny slope for
about 3 or 4 days... one day, in a moment of weakness, I let him talk me into going to the
top of Whiteface to ski down with him... when we hit the top, an ice storm hit and the
slopes were icy... 40 falls later and half way down the mountain, I was quite the sight...
he asked me if I would let him ski ahead of me... I said ok, and away he went... when I
finally reached the bottom, he was sipping hot chocolate with a bunch of campers... he
looked at me and said "What took you so long?" Does anyone know the name of this
young man, or his family?
Both adventures are still strong in memory (at least the details), but have no clue
about the campers (or brothers) with whom I shared the adventures...
More later...
Regards.... Dennis
Contributed by Dennis Cormier (santafeman@altavista.com)
on January 19, 2002.
Dennis - Your van story reminds me of all the times we needed someone to drive a group
of us up to the high peaks for all the hikes we were doing. Getting a counselor to get up
at 4am to do that took some convincing but I recall you were always willing. If counselors
weren't on "OD" they had the evening off and didn't have to be back til
breakfast the next day, so many were out partying late into the night and difficult to
rouse from bed that early. I remember one hair-raising ride with Ken Moore as the driver.
He kept slapping his face to stay awake for the long drive up to the mountains.
Those roads were quite twisty and one of the hazards was car-sick campers.
Contributed by Jim Anderberg (jim@ci.augusta.me.us)
on January 19, 2002.
Just thought of another close call with campers. There was some camper - I don't
remember his name - who was camping out on Crawford Island. He got up during the night,
confused as to where he was, and went looking for the light. He walked right off the
cliffs and fell onto the rocks below. As I remember it, it was his screams heard from the
camp that got peoples attention. They took him away in an ambulance. Fortunately there
were no serious injuries.
Contributed by Jim Anderberg (jim@ci.augusta.me.us)
on January 19, 2002.
In response to Jim Anderberg's posting on myfamily.com the WCP "Bossest 10"
of 1969, I am going to post "The WCP 1968 Top Ten Super Hit Sounds":(my source
was old Paradoxian I saved)
1. Classical Gas - Mason Williams 2. Pictures of Matchstick Men - Status Quo 3. Hello,
I Love You - The Doors 4. Jumpin' Jack Flash - The Rolling Stones 5. Mr. Bojangles - Don
Rynd 6. Lady Willpower - Union Gap 7. People Got To Be Free - Rascals 8. My Name is Jack -
Manfred Mann 9. Stoned Soul Picnic - 5th Dimension 10. Grazin' In The Grass - Hugh
Masekela
Contributed by Ken Greenfield (keng.rph@verizon.net)
on January 20, 2002.
I was in that bus that went off the road. I still have small scars on my left arm from
it going through the glass-I think we ended up on the wrong side of the road and I put my
arm out to stop myself or something. The trip was down the Snake River road on the other
side of the lake heading to the right if you looked from the boating area. I remember that
day very well. Dennis must of been a cool customer because I don't remember being very
scared. But if not for that tree...
And I remember the camper that sleptwalked off that cliff vividly cause you could hear
his cries in the middle of the night. Anyone remember the time someone shot the rifle in
the rifle range and it ricocheted onto the lake into one of the boats??
Contributed by Howard Benson (maxibenson@aol.com)
on January 20, 2002.
i believe the answer to the camper who "fell off" crawford island can be
found in the archives here.
if i recall he was sleep-walking at the time... at least that was the story back then.
i thought the van went off the road on a trip to lincoln falls in vermont, but i may be
mistaken.
finally, i, too, was on a ski weekend to whiteface one winter. i think rick shuck was
on that trip, too, but the memories very blurry at this point. (damned 70's!)
Contributed by bill rice (drbill@writeme.com)
on January 21, 2002.
It was Evan Schwarzman!
Contributed by Michael Salnick (Salnicklaw@aol.com)
on January 21, 2002.
This is incredible. Every comment I read brings back more and more. As of now we are
planning on attending the Reunion. I will, of course, have a digital camera on hand to
record the event. I would be glad to edit the tape here at ABC and post it on the site.
Anyone hear from Barry Rosenthal or Mike Swerdlick or Jeff Adler??? See you all this
summer. Don't spend the money on a professional camera person - i already have some
experience in that field!
Contributed by freddie 'derf' dorn (freddie.dorn@verizon.net)
on January 22, 2002.
I've sure enjoyed the photos Bill Rice and Norm posted on the MyFamily site. These have
been the only other photos other than mine or the PX albums that I've seen in all these
years. From the traffic on the MyFamily site I expect you all feel the same. Surely you
must have some yourself in that box in the attic . . . I'd sure appreciate seeing some of
them! I'd be happy to give you advice on how to do it if you are technology-challenged (or
just ask you kids to do it for you).
On another note, how are your efforts going in locating other
ex-Paradoxians(Paragonians, too)? You might consider checking with your parents as they
may still be in touch with the parents of ex-campers. It would be a shame to have the big
reunion come and go before they are located. The more the merrier!
Contributed by Jim Anderberg (jim@ci.augusta.me.us)
on January 23, 2002.
jim echoed what we have
been saying for a long time: ask your parents about former paradoxians. i happened to have
been the first in my area to attend camp paradox. and it spread from there. with an
occasional exception, there were pockets of areas where we came from: westchester, long
island, northern new jersey, philadelphia suburbs, etc.
derf asked about some old
campers and i just checked at the classmates.com website and found mike swerdlick (i
think). that's a great resource, but you need to know where someone graduated from and
what year.
let's get moving, we have
less than 6 months to go -- and time flies!
Contributed by bill rice (drbill@writeme.com)
on January 23, 2002.
I hadn't looked over myfamily.com in quite some time and really enjoyed all the
pictures. As Jim Anderberg said years ago here, looking at those photos of the boys
drenched in sun, you can almost smell the camp. It was nice to see a picture of Dennis now
that he's joined us.
On another note, sitting in the dentist's chair today (no, there was no nitrous!) a
thought that has come to me occassionally over the years surfaced again. I can remember
being 11 (in 1963) at the campfire ring for the first time. It was about 8:10pm and
whoever was talking to us told us that we had to show up promptly or before 8pm every week
of the summer because by the last week of camp, it would be getting too dark to easily
find our way at 8pm without flashlights.
This prognostication struck me quite strongly for some reason. I understood the concept
of shorter days, but THIS, this using our understanding of a natural events to plan ahead
... for some reason it stood out to me...
Over the years, I've marveled at the these kinds of Paradox memories: of the new vistas
and experiences that stimulated our intellects and hearts. It was a place of many firsts
(mostly good!) and I think it made us all wiser and more mature.
My sister was a long-time camper and counselor at Woodmere. She helped me contact
"Aunt Micky Bonwit" who owned and ran the camp. I spoke with her last weekend
and she is going to let the 3 boys (Andy, David, and, um, another whose name I forget)
know about the site.
Rick Bruskin and Chuck Gelber: we'd love to have you post here!
Contributed by Tom Field (TOM@CANBY.COM) on January
23, 2002.
Tom, it was Billy Bonwit!
Contributed by Michael Salnick (lionelguy) on January
23, 2002.
solly: you're amazing! what a great memory. glad you're keeping current here.
Contributed by bill rice (drbill@writeme.com)
on January 24, 2002.
I burst out laughing the other day when I read Kenny Greenfield’s post from last
weekend wherein he detailed a list of the “Bossest” 10 of 1969 that we played on
WCP that summer. It brought back a lot of great memories, but the part that I found so
amusing was the inclusion at number 5 of “Mr. Bojangles” by Don Rynd!!
The song was written by Texas songster Jerry Jeff Walker and popularized by the Nitty
Gritty Dirt Band, but in those days it was not uncommon for a good folk tune to be passed
around from person to person, usually around college campuses, big city coffee houses or
Folk Festivals. In any event, this fellow Don Rynd, you may remember, was a counselor at
Paradox that year and a pretty darn good guitar player and folksinger.
In 1969, “Bullet” Bob Segan was running WCP with me hanging around as a sort
of “advisor”. Bob and I spent endless hours that summer working on what would
end up being the “controversial” A side of the camp record that year. I say
“controversial” because not everyone appreciated it although we were desperately
trying just to come up with something original. Anyway, to digress, Bob and I had the idea
one day to arrange a recording session featuring Don Rynd playing some tunes that might
work out for inclusion on the record, or at the very least, airplay on WCP. One of the
tunes we recorded at that session was Don’s rendition of “Mr. Bojangles”.
While the song didn’t appear on the camp record Bob and I pushed the hell out of
the thing on WCP. I think it got airplay almost every day. We put the recording on a
little 3” reel, (we weren’t using cassettes that much in those days), and made a
small label that we glued to the reel. We branded the label “Big Camp Records”
and typed below “engineered by Bob, produced by Neil”. I still have that little
reel somewhere.
Now, Howie Benson, when you go up on the stage to accept your “Grammy” award
for producing the POD record look up at the stars and give a wink to your old friends from
WCP.
Contributed by Neil Neuschatz (nneuschatz@capitaltempfunds.com)
on January 24, 2002.
Neil, if you can find that Don Rynd recording and get it on the website, it'd be great.
I not only remember the recording, but I still have a mental image of Don singing it at a
campfire, with a lot of mesmerized campers.
Yesterday I had the pleasure of catching a cup of coffee with Bruce Graye in Center
City Philly, catching up on our lives and tossing some sports trivia around. Same great
raspy voice. Bruce kinda remembered the old WCP Sports Shorts jingle, but it didn't
resonate for me. If anyone out there somewhere has that theme song on tape or record, I'd
love to hear it. Bruce was remembering Bob Segan giving a big intro to the show and, in
Bruce's tenure as host, Neil doing great sound effects and a Rizzuto imitation to recreate
highlights from the previous night's games. I remember in my time staying up late,
recording the broadcasts of Yankees and Phillies games on WCAU and the local Yankee radio
affiliate, then replaying the highlights while giving scores on the morning show. ESPN
owes it all to us. I can hardly remembering having more fun than doing that show. Plus it
got me outta cleanup.
Bruce and I both do rotisserie baseball and toyed with the idea of joining each other's
league. But if there's anyone out there who'd like to somehow do a league in person or by
Internet, I'd like to explore it. How 'bout you, Rich Frank?
Dennis Cormier, I loved your posting and was so intrigued by your journey. I wonder if
we can figure out a way to tell and hear each's other's stories in a similar way either
here or at the reunion. Powerful and moving stuff.
Contributed by Marc Margolius (ravmarcm@aol.com)
on January 24, 2002.
I think I have a recording on some old reel to reel tape of Don's version. I just neeed
to find someone who has a tape player so I can go through these tapes.
Contributed by alan shier (alan553@aol.com) on
January 24, 2002.
A note to Neil Neuschatz:
Did you ever perform on WCTC, the local New Brunswick, N.J. radio station?
I seem to recall that either my brother Arnie or a friend of his mentioned that they
heard you on that radio station.
If it's true, do you remember what song you performed?
Contributed by Ken Greenfield (keng.rph@verizon.net)
on January 25, 2002.
Of course, I performed along with my friend, Phillip Susswein, who incidentally
attended Camp Paradox for a 4 week session in 1963,(the camp offered that arrangement in
those days), and was a bunkmate of mine in cabin 16-A.
We played throughout central New Jersey under the name “Phil & Neil” and
made several recordings under the supervision of Radio Station WCTC in New Brunswick. Our
most requested song back then was called “Hesitation Blues”.
Ultimately, our talents (?) were showcased in a memorable concert that took place at
Metuchen High School, which is where your brother Arnie may remember us by. The concert
was produced and staged by none other than Marty Scott, who also you will recall attended
Paradox from 1963 through 1965 and was another bunkmate of mine.
So you see, there always seems to be some sort of Paradox connection.
Contributed by Neil Neuschatz (nneuschatz@capitaltempfunds.com)
on January 25, 2002.
And , as I've posted before, Marty Scott gave me one of my first breaks in the music
business when we met quite by accident during my early production years. Marty had an
artist named Tom Caulfield that I produced for him for his new label: Paradox Records
which briefly went through Polygram. Some people may not know this but Marty and his
partners Jeff and Ed formed a company called JEM (Jeff,Ed,Marty)records which was one of
the most influential indy record labels/distributers in the 70's-80's.
Contributed by Howard Benson (maxibenson@aol.com)
on January 26, 2002.
Hi,
Just wanted to let you know that I sent an email to Alex and Ann a couple of weeks ago,
and have received a short but very wonderful email from Ann in the just the last few
days... she did let me know that Alex had been seriously ill for a time, but that he was
feeling better, and hinted that she too had not been well, but was doing better... by the
way, Alex rarely uses the computer... Ann is the user, and the most likely person to share
memories on the site one day if we inspire her to do so... perhaps she might also share
some memorabilia with a tech oriented former camper in her area (if you exist) if we
remember the good stuff and keep the bashing to a minimum... it occured to me that I might
not have been posting this letter if memories of me (recorded here) had been negative
rather than positive... as my younger housemates say to me frequently - it's all good.
It is a shame that the Paradox experience ended for young people and that we are not
sharing with campers of the current generation...
I just have to keep hearing the words I guess - the words that my companions share when
things do not go quite the way they would envision... it's all good...
I bet that Ann would like to hear from others as well... the address for her, posted on
MyFamily.com is a working email address...
More later.
And much love from Santa Fe Dennis
Contributed by Dennis Cormier (santafeman@altavista.com)
on January 26, 2002.
I have an interesting thought that Scott Rovner and I were discussing: does anyone
think that the opening of Paragon led to the downfall of Paradox. That maybe the focus was
too big for Alex and Ann (and the newer executive staff)to handle. This is not to be
critical, because I admire the risk taking, but maybe the timing was too early and maybe
too adventurous? And the departure of venerable staff such as Norm Tracy and Clifford,
Francis et al coming during expansion might have made things worse.
Contributed by Howard Benson (maxibenson@aol.com)
on January 27, 2002.
you may have point, howie. but i can't wait until the reunion to learn what other
factors were involved!
to all you east coasters:
is anyone interested in getting together in
manhattan one weekend evening or afternoon in the near future??? in march perhaps?
Contributed by bill rice (drbill@writeme.com)
on January 29, 2002.
Re: Paragon (nee Nawita)
It was purchased before Larry left. I went up to the log cabin with Bri, Jack, and
Larry the winter it was purchased. We waded the water on the entrance road, and explored
the camp with a huge keyring of keys...
Contributed by Tom (tom@canby.com) on January 29,
2002.
Bill, Ellen and I were planning to be in northern NJ in March... originally the 9th,
but Ellen has a commitment that weekend. I would be interested in meeting somewhere in the
area over some weekend in March. Might be able to get Tom and Rick to join us.
Contributed by Norman Tracy (N_Tracy@msn.com) on
January 30, 2002.
it took awhile, but finally found my old
bunkmate - kenny kohn - who has been featured in a few of our online photos.
i was driving this morning when i remembered
kenny always talking about "grandma gabowitz" and their appliance store. i
called information and sure enough, there was a gabowitz appliance in east brunswick. i
called and the recording voice sounded vaguely familiar. i knew i succeeded. when someone
answered the line and i asked for kenny kohn he got on right away and was thrilled to hear
from me and hear about the website and reunion.
so get out there and make some phone calls.
as of now there are as many staff members signed up for the reunion as there are campers!
ciao
Contributed by bill rice (drbill@writeme.com)
on January 31, 2002.
Bill, who have signed up so far? Perhaps you could post the list in the file cabinet at
MyFamily.com.
Contributed by Jim Anderberg (jim@ci.augusta.me.us)
on February 1, 2002.
bill - i'd also like to meet some of the old gang before the summer (march??) if it can
be arranged. keep me in the loop. if people don't mind dogs (have 3), and want to venture
to randolph, nj, i'd be happy to have people over.
just got back from wisconsin last night. looking for a transportation oriented
engineering company to acquire in the greater milwaukee/madison area. had visits with 3
companies. 1-2 look somewhat promising. anyone have any contacts in the area? stranger
things have happened than to get a referral from some personal acquaintance or friend.
Contributed by steven berkowitz (berks1@optonline.net)
on February 1, 2002.
Norm: your pictures at www.myfamily.com are great. The waterfront pictures really
stirred my memory. I'd forgotton those enormous styrofoam floats! And the picture of
Larry: he was a lot younger than I remember.
Contributed by Tom (tom@canby.com) on February 1,
2002.
Yes Tom, younger than you are now!
Contributed by Jim Anderberg (jim@ci.augusta.me.us)
on February 1, 2002.
No, we are all older and Larry looks younger. It has been absolutely wonderful reading
all of these posts.
I made my reunion reservation. Seems like a long way to come for a weekend. Anyone have
any ideas of other things to do in the area and is anyone else interested in doing them?
I also, finally, scanned the Greybook (Staff Manuel) for those who don't remember it.
Any ideas of where to post it?
MSS
Contributed by Marc Stern (mstern@abanet.org) on
February 1, 2002.
NYC Mini-Reunion
i've heard from a few people
already...
Sunday - 31 March is easter sunday,
and a great possibility. i thought we could meet for brunch around noon, perhaps, then
hang out and catch up a bit.
drop me a note and let me know if
that works for you. and i'll find a place.
Contributed by bill rice (drbill@writeme.com)
on February 2, 2002.
it looks sunday 7 april might work better for some. get back to me so we can plan...
Contributed by bill rice (drbill@writeme.com)
on February 3, 2002.
I was just amusing myself recently thinking about what a pivotal place the soda machine
played in the daily life of a Paradoxian in the course of a summer.
Maybe you just finished a heated tennis match, or were coming from a hotly contested
softball game, and were soaked in perspiration. The vision of the soda machine by the
dining hall was like an oasis in the desert. Nothing seemed to cool me off like a good old
Mountain Dew. How much did it cost back then?
And remember campers collecting the pop-tops to the cans, and making long chains by
hooking them together?
There also was the apple tree located between the Program Office and the dining hall. I
remember the tree providing enough sour apples to give any camper a good stomach ache.
Then there also were the raspberry bushes behind the rifle range and on the path down
to the swimmming area. What a succulent delight!
And can anyone explain the popularity of Reese Cups at the Canteen?
Yes, there were many ways to satisfy a thirst or hunger in the daily life of a
Paradoxian!
Contributed by Ken Greenfield (keng.rph@verizon.net)
on February 4, 2002.
Ken - I had totally forgotten about this until you mentioned the canteen - Turkish
Taffy! I had never seen it until camp. If you whacked it against something it would break
into pieces.
On another note: I located two other ex-staff members over the weekend. Steve Kunzman
and Walt Teunisen. Hopefully they will sign in here in the near future. Perhaps Steve
knows the whereabouts of Hugh Hurst - Didn't they both go to Ithaca College?
Contributed by Jim Anderberg (jim@ci.augusta.me.us)
on February 4, 2002.
Jim you have it partially right. It seems that you have located Steve Kuzman and Walt
Tenneyson. I think that's how they spelled their names. Steve taught tennis as I recall
and for the life of me I can't picture Mr. Tenneyson unless he was an Uncle Tom's Cabin
guy. Here's a question: Who was the Uncle Tom's Cabin guy in 1964?
It goes without saying, but as I review these postings, the archives and all the
interest that this web site has received one must certainly recognize thegift (in terms of
wonderful memories) Alex and Ann Landis left for us. Some of you spend the time on the
Carpenter thing, some criticize how the place changed in the late sixties, some complain
about everything and others have great memories. For all of these feelings almost
thirty-two years later I say thank you Alex and Ann for providing one of the most
wonderful times in all of our lives. I hope the coming months find Alex feeling better and
that one evening when we least expect it we might hear from him. I wish you both well and
thank you for giving us the opportunity to relish all the great memories.
Contributed by Michael Salnick (salnicklaw@aol.com)
on February 4, 2002.
It is Steve Kuzman (without the "n"), and Walt Teunisen was the Cabin 5
counselor in 1969 and worked in Campcraft. Walt was with all us "46-ers" when we
climbed the final peak "Nye" in 1969.
Contributed by Jim Anderberg (jim@ci.augusta.me.us)
on February 4, 2002.
During the summer that we got our last batch of peaks for the 46, Walt took me (and
others?) out on hikes on his day off, helping us bag peaks that some of us needed and
others didn't. Without him, we never would have all arrived together at that summit of Nye
for the 46th peak.
Contributed by Tom (tom@canby.com) on February 4,
2002.
I believe that Steve Kuzman was a student at Ithaca College at the same time that Hugh
Hurst was, I think, the head Basketball coach.
Contributed by Tony Braun (TonyBobbie@aol.com)
on February 5, 2002.
The “Reese Cup” saga was actually due to someone, I can’t quite remember
who, that overbought the product one summer from the distributor. I think we were supposed
to order 10 boxes, but somebody made a mistake and we got 100 instead!! Yikes!!
No problem, though, for the future marketing geniuses at Paradox. An all-out blitz was
subsequently launched whereby everything included “Reese Cups” and ultimately to
be a “Reese Cup” fan was the symbol of camp coolness. We sold zillions of them!!
I echo Salty’s remarks about the Landis’s and I agree with Dennis Cormier,
who recently said that if we can keep the “bashing” to a minimum, that maybe
someday we’ll hear from them. Or even Eric or Robin??
Also, as Dennis is often reminded, It’s all good!!!
I believe the counselor in Uncle Tom’s Cabin in 1964 was Dick Mackenzie, a huge
weightlifter type, but one of those “gentle giants”
Contributed by Neil Neuschatz (nneuschatz@capitaltempfunds.com)
on February 5, 2002.
Yep, as Norm suggested, the fact that many of the key staffers left after the 1967
season was related to a serious incident (which did not include campers) and the response
of the camp owners to that incident. I would be willing to elaborate at the reunion, as
might Jack and Norm. I think it goes without saying (if you have read our e-mails) that we
all felt deeply about Paradox, and you might guess that this was "a biggie."
When we left it was with sadness and disappointment.
Incidently, reading Dennis's lengthy e-mail reminded me of the many hours that Jack and
Rose, and Deb and I spent during the winter of 1966 doing reports, planning, and
interviewing kids after Larry's surprise leaving for Alaska.
Oh, and Jack and Rose, and Deb and I, will be in Lake George to "circle 'round the
flagpole" with the gang. Stay well.
Contributed by Bri Clifford (drbri4@aol.com) on
February 6, 2002.
Brian,
Glad to hear that you all will be joining us at the reunion! Having the the four of you
there should increase the turn-out considerably.
I look forward to seeing you there.
Of course I'm curious about "the incident," but more interested in all of our
reuniting and celebrating our lives.
As I've contemplated the enormous meaning that reconnecting with staff members has to many
of us former campers, it occurred to me that in part, I suspect that we campers, feeling
like we were the recipients of the "gift" that you all gave us in the form of
attention and caring, have a deep need that until now has largely been unfullfilled: a
need to simply say, "Thanks for what you gave us."
All these years, we've been thwarted by distance from even this simple giving back of
thanks. I think the reunion will be an opportunity for that completion.
See you this summer!
Tom
Contributed by Tom Field (tom@canby.com) on February
6, 2002.
yes, steve kuzman was at ithaca with hugh hurst. i spoke to steve a few days ago and
was going to check with ithaca re: the whereabouts of hugh.
it's getting closer to our reunion campers -- we still haven't heard from many of you.
i'll be sending out a registration form via email this week. keep your eyes open for it.
Contributed by bill rice (drbill@writeme.com)
on February 6, 2002.
For those of you who either didn't know or don't remember who Dick Mckenzie was, you
can see him in Dave Armstrong's 1962 photograph of campers and staff. He is in the back
row, 3rd from the right, between Bill Sunderland and Norm Tracy.
I wasn't there in '62, but had the privilege to have Dick Mckenzie for a counselor in
Cabin 6 in 1963. If you look at the picture, you can see why Neil Neuschatz called him one
of the "gentle giants". The guy had an amazingly muscular build.
I always thought of it as a "paradox" that a counselor with that amount of
strength would wind up in Uncle Tom's Cabin, making lanyards. The only thing that I
remember Dick Mckenzie saying was that he was a "realist". Perhaps that explains
it.
Contributed by Ken Greenfield (keng.rph@verizon.net)
on February 8, 2002.
My wife and I were recently debating the pros and cons of east vs west coast camps.
Naturally, I have an affinity for east coast ones but she doesn't want to send the kyds
that far. Anyone have any thoughts on some good Cali overnight camps? Or do you share the
opinion that east is better...
Contributed by Howard Benson (maxibenson@aol.com)
on February 10, 2002.
Tom,
Thanks for the kind comments. I guess you know that it is a "two-way street,"
though, in that what you kids gave us helped make us the kind of educators we became.
Oh, and I was thinking about Nawita just the other day, and trying to remember who was
there. The ice was just going out, and I remember carring Deb on my back as I waded
barefoot through the freezing water. It was exciting, and a little spooky, to walk around
in a defunct camp. Of course, many of us have done that at PX, but Nawita was still
intact. During that trip Deb bought a pair of green snow boots (a boy's size) from
Pitkin's (I think) in Schroon. She still uses them to shovel snow. Hum, do they make
anything that well today?
Bri
Contributed by (DRBRI4@AOL.COM) on February 11,
2002.
Howard--Look into Camp Treetops in Lake Placid. They're into lots of organic farming,
lots of hiking (the balancing rocks on Pitchoff overlook the camp), horseback riding, and
they have their own lake. My daughter, Jennifer, attended in the late eighties, its an
interesting and beautiful place.
