Truda
Oxford, Maine
250 Responses to "Truda"
I went to Truda from 1953-1963 when Ma Thorner was there and Dottie and Dollie and Dutchie was the head counselor. Then I was there for several years with the Dibners; I am actually in touch with several people who were there with me…anyone remember that far back???
Yep . . .
There’s somebody out there who remembers that far back, Susie Harrison.
But when I’m gone, it’s all gone. . .
Of course, Mauri archives the internal Truda parts (personnel and activities) better than I do but the ownership, business, histories of both camps and their operational information is all crammed into my skull . . .
So, here’s the deal . . . you put me in contact with Jay and I, in return, confirm to the world that you actually existed, were pretty, smart, capable, charming and had a fast mouth.
Other than that, you could end up as one of the sassiest ghosts that ever went to camp. . .
How’s that for an offer you can’t refuse, Susie Harrison?
With my love to all the Harrisons (you, J, L and M)
Charlie
I am thrilled to be in touch with you! Alas, I can’t put you in touch with Jay—he passed away 13 years ago…but if you want Lee or mark, I’ll be happy to do that!
I am married–my husband’s name is Sandy; we have three kids: Debbie, Sarah and Alex; all are married (as of 4/4/09) and we have one granddaughter; I am a residential realtor inthe DC area……and you?????
xoxoxoxo
Charlie: can’t claim to be a Truda girl but have very fond memories of visiting the Dibners ( specifically you and Mauri) at Camp Truda. I have lost contact with you over the years and would love to hear from you and your sister. Still see Rory Jones (née Kaplon) occasionally. Paul Safer
Charlie–remember me? Barbara Ballinger, I am still in touch with four bunkmates, and see that Susie Harrison lives in DC, my younger daughter and her husband are in Baltimore, my other daughter is in NYC and my mom, almost 94, is in NYC now. Loved your folks and family, and once saw your cousin ???? at Yale! How are your sibs?
I remember sneaking into Truda late one night with your brother Jay and another counselor I have forgotten. My “date” that night was Jane Levine. It was all quite innocent. Also remember banana bread at the Casco Inn. There are very few memories from TT/Truda that are anything but warm and fond.
DS
What’s your email address???
So sorry to read of Jay’s passing, he was my
favorite counselor @ Tall Timbers, Bunk 13-1962,
and oh, how he liked to sleep! Mark was a bunkmate,
I think. Best to all!
I’m pretty sure I remember you although I am a few years younger. (It’s nice to know at this point that someone is older than I am…) As a matter of fact, I can picture you. I think I started in 1959 in Mowana and went for the next 5 years or so. I started when the Dibners bought the camp and my brother was at Tall Timbers. I can picture the camp perfectly. I think I remember you in Club. Were you a captain? My counselor for 2 years was KK Scott from Tennesee.. I remember the words to pretty much all the songs-
Ann Chanin Gold
hi Ann–
you are the first person whose name i recognize on this site!! my name is jan corash and i also went to truda when the dibners bought it– and had been at wenonah before that. i believe we were either in the club bunk( the oldest bunk) together when we ” ran “the color war or i was just a year ahead of you??? I can’t really see who is referring to who all the time in this, so who do you remember from those years? The names that i remember off hand are: laurie who was very athletic, betty harris, nancy stone, karen dolan, and someone who had a beautiful singing voice, and ruth ann greenberg,
Hey Jan,
I am not sure why I am now receiving all these posts so many years later but I am going to respond anyway. I am the Laury you were talking about in your post. I also went to Wenonah before Dibners bought camp. I knew Betty Harris.. etc. Truda meant the world to me. I remember so many of the songs etc. Sun ceremony …campfire competitions. ….I think we were in the same bunk. I started when Dibners bought camp and went for several years. I don’t know whether you will get this so many years later but would love to touch base
Laury
hi laury, ‘m glad you replied, i remember you and betty and nancy stone and a few others — . would very much like to connect. You can email me at my address below.
Hi BJ – I definitely remember all of you Miller girls and your parents. You should join the Facebook group called I went to Camp Truda. We have almost 100 people there now with lots of discussions going on. Tell your sisters too! Wendy Saltman Sullivan
Susan, our years certainly overlap. I was there from ’51-’56. Where did you grow up?
I was a truda camper from 1936-1944. Ma and Pa Thorner were the directors-I started in inter camp and after Club, we were kicked out.
Today I am meeting Winnie green, a bunkmate, for lunch. I live in Florida and would love to hear from any and all of my contempories.
I am heading to PBI on Wed do you live Ion the east Coast or West Coast of Florida. I remember many of the people you mentioned in your notes. I just found Mona Sheerr on Facebook, she was in my bunk for years. would love to meet you in Fla or NYC to laugh about our old escapades.
I am Mona Sheerr’s soister-in-law; Shirley Rosenthal. I went to Truda from ’48 and “graduated” Club ’52. I am about 4 years older than Mona. We had a great bunk and I would love to get in touch with some bunkmates. I’ve already been in touch with Audrey Scharfer and Reba Tanenbaum. It would be nice to find some other bunkmates out there. I’ve checked high schools and reunion books but to no avail.
Lord, i remember Mona Sheerr and her cousin, too. And I remember your name. Were you a friend of Ellen Levy’s? I live just a few minutes away from Truda now, having moved here from Palm Beach in 1999. If you ever come back this way let me know.
Hi,
I don’t know how to respond to this site, but I went to Truda from l948 to l954. Started in Kowani, I think, and went through Club. It was a whole culture of its own, and I would love to talk about it with people, especially those who were there around my time. I remember Ma, Dollie, Dotty and Dutchie, and Ann Paris, the dramatics teacher, and all the singing, and getting the rays and medals for the sun — it’s amazing. I can never describe it to people, so again, I’d love to hear from anyone from that time.
Helen
I remember you. You were in Mowana when I was either in Robin’s nest or Pine. I was at Truda in 1948, 1949, and 1955.I vividly remember those days even getting a sore throat and having to stay in the infirmary where Lynnie took such good care of me. I also remember having to go to the team rehearsals on
the steps of the lodge or the other building on the main road.
I came from NJ and also remember the boxed lunches on the train from Grand Central. I remember Linda Brick, Marjorie Steisel, Barbara Greenberg, Carol Seitchik, Susan Goodstein, Candy Lehrman, Conny Portnoy, Susan Rosenbluth, Jane Siegel(captain of the tiger team in 1955) and many more. It would be fun to hear from you.
In was there from 1951-56 and remember many of the names you mention. It would be great to have a reunion for the old group “before Ma sold to the Dibners”….most of the people in the Facebook group are in Cleveland and after our time.
Hi Margot !!
I just stumbled on this site…there is a Facebook group
‘I went to Camp Truda”. It’s an open group; I can see the posts, but I can’t post to it as I’m not an official member. I really don’t know how to navigate around Facebook.
I have some old pictures; in fact I have our bunk pictures from 48,49 and Club.
Where do you live? I’m in Philadelphia.
I haven’t been in touch with any of the people you listed. Carol Seitchik is in Boston, Fredericka Lehrman died recently(she had an interesting and traumatic life) Jane Siegels daughter-in-law (Viki Chandler Silver) is on the Truda Facebook page as is Linda Myerowitz’s sister Beth.
I remember Helen Litton; I think she was in Club before us I think I remember Patti Kaplan, who was quite a bit younger .
I’m looking forward to hearing from you.
Linda Club 1955 (Truda 1947-1955 and counselor 1959 0r 60)
Linda Brick
May 28, 2011 at 1:52 pm
Hi Margot !!
I just stumbled on this site…there is a Facebook group
‘I went to Camp Truda”. It’s an open group; I can see the posts, but I can’t post to it as I’m not an official member. I really don’t know how to navigate around Facebook.
I have some old pictures; in fact I have our bunk pictures from 48,49 and Club.
Where do you live? I’m in Philadelphia.
I haven’t been in touch with any of the people you listed. Carol Seitchik is in Boston, Fredericka Lehrman died recently(she had an interesting and traumatic life) Jane Siegels daughter-in-law (Viki Chandler Silver) is on the Truda Facebook page as is Linda Myerowitz’s sister Beth.
I remember Helen Litton; I think she was in Club before us I think I remember Patti Kaplan, who was quite a bit younger .
I’m looking forward to hearing from you.
Linda Club 1955 (Truda 1947-1955 a
Just reading those names bring back so many memories!!! Carol Seitchik, Candy Lehrman and on and on. And the train ride was such a hoot and the ferry. My first year, I was 6. I thought Dutchie was a guy! I was in club in 1956 and was Cub Captain that year after being a Tiger for 9 years.
HI Helen – I believe you were in my bunk! I am Shirley Rosenthal Sheerr-Belaga. I lived in Elkins Park, PA and graduated “Club” in 1952. There are very few days that go by that something doesn’t remind me of Truda! I can still smell the pines and feel the wonderful clean lake. Loved camp – best part of my growing up life. If you would like to write me; srbelaga@gmail.com – Hope to hear from you!!
Shirley
Helen Litton Greer, you were my big sister!
I was Nan Goodman (now Nan Goodman Skier) and we planted a tree we named “Honi”. I would love to reconnect.
I went to Truda from 1953-1962 and loved every minute of it. Dotty, Dolly and Ma were there…Dutchie was the head counselor much of the time. I started in Love Nest–someone came in the morning , did my braids and made our beds!! Can you believe that? I was 7—my brothers went to Takajo and then to Tall Timbers.
I am in DC….anyone in the area?
I went to Truda in 1961 and my cabin consisted of Jackie Goldberg, Laurie Yates, and Nancy Stone. I can’t remember the others. I remember a little girl from Boston named Judy Gondelman who was either 4 or 5 years old. The dinner at the close of camp was Cotton Kingdom a plantation theme. There was a maintenance man who we sang to about Jubilation de ragbone. We work him to the bone. Also they song ” To YOu To YOu” which always brings fond memories of sitting inthe dining hall and singing. My sister also went there and we did a duo song in the talent show. Her name is Nancy Helf Feiner
Summer camp is the best . Anyone know of a great house, cottage, or compound on a beautiful lake or the ocean for sale?
Judy Helf Fishman- how could you forget me?! was in that group of girls too! Would love to get together soon. Debbra Shapiro Brown. Huuh@aol.com. Just found this site. It’s the best!
Hey. I don’t know why I am receiving these posts so many years after but, oh well, here they are. I hope it is not too late. I al they Laury Yates that you remember. That is so wild. I loved Truda. It was a highlight in my life. I remember services in the lodge, team competition, campfire songs, being song leader once, Truda Girl. Dining room singing. Sun ceremony. Things coming back to me which I haven’t thought about in a million years.
Looking for campers or counselors who were at Truda from during Ma Thorners time or during the 40’s and 50’s
Hi Linda,
Yes, I was in Club in 1954. I remember the people you mentioned, though I didn’t know them well. I forgot that Linda Meyrowitz went to Truda; we were in college at Cornell together until she transferred. The people from your year, I think, included Judy Blank and June Schwartz, who I also knew in White Plains. She died about 15 years ago.
The people in my bunk were Lynn Weisman, Conniee Sheerr, Annette Eisenberg, Carol Bernstein, and maybe one other. We had a very small Club. Do you remember any of those people?
The old songs and rituals have stuck with me all these years (I was there for 7 years). I would love to share memories with someone. Please feel free to call me at 914-949-6191. I live in White Plains, NY.
Helen
Here I am!! Shirley Rosenthal – graduated Club Bunk in 1952. Went from 1948 until thru’. I was from Elkins Park, PA and now live in Baltimore. My name is Shirley Rosenthal Sheerr-Belaga – I think I know you from EP! Please get in touch with me. srbelaga@gmail.com
Hope to hear from you!
Shirl
hi Linda–i was at Truda from the mid ’40s–’50–during the reign of Ma Thorner,Dutchie,Dotty,Dollly, and Anne or was it Jeanne—anyhow this all great fun and wonderfully nostalgic–Do you know me???–i was in a bunk with Gail Gifford,Gale Fox,Patty Joseph and many more that will come back to me later—Audrey Strauss Doniger
Audrey, I’m afraid I don’t remember those names. I went to Truda because my older brother was going to tall Timbers. I wish I had known you. Do the names Barbara Toll and/or Dale Lindenberg mean anything to you? I was from White Plains and they were both from NYC.
Lynda Zengerle
Partner
Steptoe & Johnson LLP
1330 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 429-8170 – office
(202) 429-3902 – fax
lzengerle@steptoe.com
The information contained in this e-mail message may be privileged, confidential and protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient, any dissemination, distribution or copying is strictly prohibited. If you think that you have received this e-mail message in error, please e-mail the sender at “lzengerle@steptoe.com”. Thank you.
Hi Linda. I just spoke to my sister about how to post a photo/s on Truda website. She said to ask you. I remember you like it was yesterday, as well as Carol your sister. I was at Truda from the age of 9 to through to Club when I was elected Truda Girl. I think in 1957. I actually have many photos I could post but have no idea how to do it. I have read some of these blogs and how “interesting”… Truda was a most special place and my sister and I OFTEN speak about it. To refresh your memory, my mother was in a wheelchair. Best to you for 2017. Always, B
Hi!!!
I’m Donni Bortman Rappaport and think I was Truda Girl in 1963 (my math might not be so good) I have been reading everyone’s comments and feel so nostalgic and excited at the possibility of reconnecting with all of you.
So many things to share about our cherished memories of Truda days and years. Please reach me at donnisue9@gmail.com or text me at 2408930474. Can’t wait to hear from you
Hi Helen,
Club 1955 was a large group and included Judy Blank, Jane Siegel and June Schwartz. I haven’t heard from anyone since around my freshman year of college. I’m sorry to hear that June died; she was a terrific woman.
I remember the people you mention. My parents were very friendly with Connie Sheer’s parents; I know she is still in Philadelphia, but I haven’t seen her in years. LynneWeisman died many years ago of ovarian cancer. Now that we are getting older, I suspect many from our Truda years are no longer.
I am in Philadelphia. You can e-mail me directly eudine2000@yahoo.com or call 215-751-1623.
I’m amazed that people are surfacing. There is a facebook page (I went to Camp Truda) most of the people on it are from the new owners time. I initially registered, but I was getting all sorts of e-mail chats from people that I don’t know, that I left the group. It’s an open group so anyone can see the posts.
I “may’ rejoin, so I can post some old camp photos of people.
I remember your name and all those mentioned above. This is so insane. I should have done this long ago but not very computer literate. I grew up in Wynnewood outside of Philly near Mona Sheerr and moved to Palm Beach FL. I was at Truda for 10 summers, ending at Club in 1956. In 1999 I had the opportunity to sell my PB house and move to a farm not far from Truda and I jumped at it…from silk dresses to muck boots and it is wonderful.
My son went to Powhatan and moved to Bridgton, ME from Thailand to open a restaurant. Wish Ma could only know how strong was her influence~
Hi, I went to Camp Truda from 1965 to 1971, first as a camper then as a CIT, then a counselor. Anyone around from that time?
Darlene Johnson
Judy McConn gave me a wonderful opportunity to be a camp couselor at Camp Truda in 1969. Susan Coakley and I grew up with the McConn family in Pennsylvania. I have so many fond memories of my times at Truda. Especially that rainy night in July when we listened to the Neil Amrstong land on the moon. All the campers and counselors were in gym that night. It was great.
Willa taught us how to make flower bead rings. We used fishing line and all colors of beads. Night talks at the lodge having hot choclate. Wonderful days. I had a great group of girls….Barbara Seidman, Nancy Apes, Marilyn…..are you out there somewhere? Hugs, Darlene
email me if you are there. edar2@comcast.net
I was 10 years old in 1969 and clearly remember watching the moon landing- dozens of girls lying on the wooden floor with pillows and blankets peering at a tiny TV set. Also remember Ti-cub 69, so much fu. My counselor’s name was fiz !
Summer camp is the best . Anyone know of a great house, cottage, or compound on a beautiful lake or the ocean for sale?
I only worked at Camp Truda one summer -1972 as the
Drama Counselor. I directed “South Pacific” with a great
group of girls there and also “You’re a Good Man Charlie
Brown”. What a beautiful camp! I still remember the pine
trees as you walked into the camp, the lake, the great food
( I had my first lox and bagel) and the lobster on my days off.
I was from Cleveland – still live there. Anyone remember me?
Anyhow, sad to hear the camp is gone but glad for the memories.
Corinne,
I was on staff 64 – 71. Many Truda alum in the Cleveland area. There is also a ‘I went to Camp Truda’ page on facebook with 100+ members.
Judy McConn Fischlin
Just got on the Facebook site and I have no Internet service, so can’t remember if I wrote anything here. Loooooved Truda. 62-69. A loooong time ago but the greatest!
Nancy, I remember your sister Ann fondly, we were the same year at Truda with Dale Wasserman, Joan Goldberg, Susan Norek and others, hers.
Kurt,
You should join the Harrison group on Facebook. Then you’ll be like me. Going down memory lane time and again.
Hi Laura, I was at Truda 1948-54. I was also a Cub captain. I would love to reminisce also. I live in White Plains, NY. Please email or phone me, at 914-949-6191.
Helen Litton Greer
Helen, check out the ‘I went to Camp Truda’ page on facebook. Many Truda alumni are listed in the group. From the early days to the closing days.
This is all so exciting! Think about truda often and don’t know why suddenly had to go to computer and see what happened there.
I think we just missed each other but will be in touch as soon as can. Maybe you knew one of my sisters? (Irene and Connie Lobenthal…2 and 5 years younger than I).
I live in Wilmington, DE — came to Truda from LI. Have since lived in CT, CO. MA, NC…maybe we crosed paths somewhere along the line?
Take good care…and looking forward to our conversations.
Phone #: 302-764-0230.
hi Laura–of course i remember you–you were connies’ big sister—my sister,nancy strauss and connie were the closest of friends and Irene was so beautiful. I had a friend here in Westport,Ct,where i’ve lived for almost 55 years, named Greta Ackerman and one day while pushing our little grandsons at the beach we did the whole where did you go to camp bit and she told me that Irene was her best friend from childhood and sadly a few years later she informed me of her death–so sad—
Hi Laura! You do not know me but I know you!! Connie and I were in the same bunk for 5 years and graduated Club in ’53. My name was Shirley Rosenthal and I lived in Elkins Park, PA (suburb of Phila) It is now Shirley Rosenthal Sheerr-Belaga (my first husband, Eddie Sheerr, died) and I married Lee Belaga from Baltimore where I now live. I would love to know how Connie is doing. I have been in touch with several bunk mates that Connie was very friendly with. If you would like to e-mail me, my address is sbelaga@comcast.net. I would love to hear from you and I would love to get in touch with Connie. Very sincerely, Shirley
All you Truda Alums! I curated an exhibit sponsored by Documenting Maine Jewry on the History of Jewish Summer Camps in Maine. It will be up the entire summer on the third floor of Etz Chaim Synagogue, 267 Congress St., Portland, ME. Please let me know if you have any questions! Nancy Levinsky
Helen, please forward me your email address and I will forward some information to you. Nancy nlevinsk@maine.rr.com
Hi Nancy,
We are the current owners of The Lodge at camp Truda and have summered here for 34 years. we added a screened porch four years ago and found a signature by the carpenter William Morgan, Bryant Pond May 25,1918. Was this a boy’s camp back then? We’d love to have more history or old pictures. My husband was camp doctor for a 2 week period from 1972-1978 and my girls were campers, Stephanie and Melissa Kaminsky. Sorry we missed your exhibit. We are in Maine for a few more days and will return August 25 . We have loved this place since we first saw it.
Shelley Kaminsky
hi Rochelle–i haven’t done any history on Camp Truda,where i was a very happy camper in the mid’40s-’50s—but i have 2 ex-Truda friends whose fathers’ attended Truda when they were young boys.How lucky you are to live at “Lodge”–i have such fond memories of it–even the infirmary on the top floor—wish i could get up there—Audrey Strauss Doniger
I would love to see it but can’t get to ME. Any chance you could put some of it online?
Helen Litton Greer, Truda ’48-54
I, also, would love to see youyr exhibit, but won’t be able to get to Maine. I’d appreciate it if at all possible, you could email some pix, please. lenlaura@comcast.net
Many thanks…I am an alum of the early-mid 1940’s…remember VJ Day, sitting in the bigf hall ()forget the name)
Laura Lobenthal Katz
I would absolutely love to see this but cannot get to ME this summer. Would someone be able to take photos and post them somewhere? Shirley Rosenthal Sheerr-Belaga
Srbelaga@gmail.com
I was a dietician and cook at Camp Truda in the late 60’s. It was always wonderful to see how much fun all the girls were having, and how much everyone loved the cinnamon baked toast. I remember the Dibners and I have one of Martin’s books.
Did you know Charles Dibner? He lives in Scarborough, Maine.
Yes, know him well!
Do you want me to connnect the two of you or are you already in touch with him?
I am in touch via Facebook. Thanks!!
So looing forward to this wonderful event. I will probably be the oldest there (along with my bunkmates who will be attending). We graduated Club in 1953!! Can’t wait to get some of my pix onto FB. The pix already on just made me cry; so nostalgic. The best part of the year was waiting for summer and going to camp! I guess I (we) can tell you a lot about Ma Thorner – she was a trip!
My mother was on staff at Camp Truda in 1947. She was there for more then the one year, but not sure when. She pasted away several years ago and I am still going through photos. Have come across group photo of the staff in 1947. She talked about the camp often always with a smile. If interested in photo, please contact me.
Hi,
I was a camper from ’48 to 54. I’d
be interested in seeing the staff photo. Thanks.
If you can give me an address I will gladly send it to you. Tish4286@yahoo.com
Summers ’67–’72, then also CIT…fond memories (struggling w/ a puptent in the rain definitely one of them)
Pam. I was staff 64 – 71 — great memories. Check out the ‘I Went to Camp Truda’ group on facebook. many pictures, etc.
I was a Tiger Captain …63 or so…
Candy Lehrman has died as has Heidi…I remember going to a Lehrman family reunion…My husbands mother was a Lehrman (from the poor side) and I told him that I had gone to cam p with Heidi. He said, you say that about everyone. I said hello to Heidi and the first thing out of her mouth was “Was Dutchie a man or a woman?” Sandy (my husband) was quiet after that!!!!!
I remember Candy and Heidi well. I was almost 6 my first summer and thought Dutchie was a man!
I was co-counselor one summer with Ellen Levy. Do you know how to get in touch with her? I was from Tennessee. Judy Lowe Johnson
We are a far reaching group! I am also in touch with Barbie and Nancy Cohen…
I think we all did….are you sure she wasn’t some kind of combo???
I am in DC often because my younger daughter and husband live in Baltimore; she went to Tapawingo from St. Louis and Chicago because Truda had closed. Still love Maine and Lake Pleasant! Where in DC, are you? see you’re a Realtor, I write all the time for NAR! Barbara
Wow Karen! You’re still there! Sounds like you have a wonderful life. Truda was definitely the best! I went to the reunion last October but I was the oldest there by 20 years! The new owner was there but unfortunately there was not much I could relate to! All sounded the same but obviously no names were familiar. Take care!
Shirley Rosenthal Sheerr-Belaga
I remember much more than he does because I was there long before he was!!! I do remember you too… I am still close to lots of Truda friends… Would live to connect with you when you are here!
Susan, write to me at bb@barbaraballinger.com; do you keep in touch with Marilyn or ??? who went to Smith and sent a daughter to Tapawingo, from NYC, also Barbara ???? an artist?
Thanks for your inquiry. I believe that there was a boys camp called Tall Timbers. The person who can best answer is Charlie Dibner at dibner2@maine.rr.com
Thanks again for your inquiry!
Tall Timbers was the neighboring camp. Truda was a girls camp. I don’t know what year it started but it had nothing to do with Tall Timbers originally. It was sold I think in the 50’s to the Dibners, the owners of Tall Timbers. The previous owner was referred to as Ma Thorner.
“The boys from Tall Timbers will always be….tall dark and handsome and 6 foot 3, the boys we call our own…..they’ll wear braces and glasses and smell of cologne……”
that’s the song we used to sing on the open truck where we would ride to Casco……..
I went for my first summer in 1958 with the Thorners, after choosing Truda over Pinecliffe, Fernwood and Walden–which would have meant waiting until I was 10, not 9. The Thorners then sold to the Dibners and Paul came to my parents’ home to share he was the new owner. I was heartbroken but went back and enrollment was far smaller since many didn’t return, as I recall, hopefully accurately! But it was a terrific summer and I returned again. I took off one summer to go to “camp” in Switzerland to learn French and then two more summers. Decided not to go to my Club year because I was a bit bored by then–oh well, and went to tennis camp, but returned after graduating high school to be a counselor and it was the best summer ever! And I even went on a date with a former Powhatten guy–the other side–after I was divorced! I’ve also gone back to see the former camp twice and always will love it. I sent my two Midwestern raised daughters to camps in Maine because I wanted to experience the same joy of developing life-long friends. I still am in touch with SEVERAL former bunkmates, scattered throughout the country, and I still have my Suns packed away.
“r
oops….boys from tall timbers will NEVER be……
I was a camper from 1953 til 1965… Loved Truda and especially the Lodge! Hope you are enjoying your home!
😉
She will respond if you ask her on the website
What year were you at Truda?
1963 or 1964
1963 oe 1964
1954-61
I was one of the chefs at Truda the summer of 1968. Uncle Paul , Aunt Ester,Charlie , Hart , Maurie, and Willa ran the Camp along with Pauls brother Ed and his wife. Many wonderful memories that summer.
Greg, I was staff member 1964 – 71; head counselor 68 – 71. Many great memories. Camp Truda has a group on Facebook – ‘I went to Camp Truda’ –
I’d love some this morning!!
Barbara Ballinger? Not sure what that 2 is but I know Barabara Ballinger 1! Remember me?
would love to catch up if you ever find yourself in DC…\
Yes, Susan,you did. I suggest that you read “The Interestings” by Meg Wolitzer. That’s got what got me started thinking about Truda.
I read it and thought about Truda immediately…I loved the book…where are you now? Still in Forest Hills? Think you moved…..
I haven’t been there since my last year….have a wonderful time!
Shirley Rosenthal-Sheerr Belaga – Club ’52. I think I’m leaving a reply for
Audrey Doniger. Your sister emailed me this morning. She was in my bunk in 1948 – 9 and then we never heard from her again, until This morning! I have given her my phone number and hope to hear from her. She will catch you up on all that I know. I hope all is well with you. Truda was by far THE BEST. Lived my winters waiting for summer!!
Shirley-i left a message for you on this site earlier today—nancy has me hooked on this—spoke to susan stern a little while ago–do you remember her??–if you can’t find the message i left for you then call me (got bad hands) 203-259-6856
I lived through winter to get to summer too!
Are you related to Connie or Mona ?
Yes
And Pines, Kiwani,robinnest, mowanA
Does anyone remember Pee Wee Grossman and, if so, how to reach her? Lynda Siegel Zengerle, camper, CIT waitress, counselor (finally!) 1954-1962 or so.
Lynda Zengerle
Partner
Steptoe & Johnson LLP
1330 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 429-8170 – office
(202) 429-3902 – fax
lzengerle@steptoe.com
The information contained in this e-mail message may be privileged, confidential and protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient, any dissemination, distribution or copying is strictly prohibited. If you think that you have received this e-mail message in error, please e-mail the sender at “lzengerle@steptoe.com”. Thank you.
Of course I rem pee wee….but I don’t knoe how to find her
What years were you at Truda? I sure wish I could find Pee Wee.
Lynda Zengerle
Partner
Steptoe & Johnson LLP
1330 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 429-8170 – office
(202) 429-3902 – fax
lzengerle@steptoe.com
The information contained in this e-mail message may be privileged, confidential and protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient, any dissemination, distribution or copying is strictly prohibited. If you think that you have received this e-mail message in error, please e-mail the sender at “lzengerle@steptoe.com”. Thank you.
You knew me well…Sue Harrison…and I am Debbie Bergers mother…I was there from 52-60 or 62
Sent from my iPad
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Of course I know who you are. I just didn’t know what years you were there.
Lynda Zengerle
Partner
Steptoe & Johnson LLP
1330 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 429-8170 – office
(202) 429-3902 – fax
lzengerle@steptoe.com
The information contained in this e-mail message may be privileged, confidential and protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient, any dissemination, distribution or copying is strictly prohibited. If you think that you have received this e-mail message in error, please e-mail the sender at “lzengerle@steptoe.com”. Thank you.
Barbara Toll has an art gallery in New York…
I know. I contacted her but she doesn’t remember me.
Sent from my BlackBerry. Please excuse any Typos.
I remember all of you- Barbara especially but Susan Harrison who was ahead of us and Terri Gershon, too. I can picture all of you! Sometimes I lie in bed at night and try to go through the names of the cabins- was it Mowana, Wigwam, something like Juanita? and Tanda- and then of course Club by the lake, the younger cabins on the other side and then senior camp.
Ann Chanin Gold
You certainly have the cabin names right! I am still in DC although I will be in Martha’s Vineyard last week of July and first week of August…anyone there?
Barbara, I think I was one of your counselors in 1962 with Ellen Levy. I was Judy Lowe from Tennessee
I predated all of you, was a camper from 1948-54, However, I would love to remember all the bunk names. They started with Lovenest, Bunny, Pines, then I think Mowana (don’t remember Wigwam, though I could be wrong), Waneeta and Tanda. In senior camp it started with 4, and ended with Halfway, before Club. Anyone remember them all, in order?
Helen Litton Greer, White Plains, NY
After Pines,…Kiwani ,Robinnest, wigwam, Juanita , Tanda…..I started ln Lovenest when I was 7 with Ma Thorner,etc…a person came in every morning and made the beds…and braided our hair…where is that person now?🙃
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Even I remember you…and I am older!!
susan– are you responding to me , jan corash or to someone else? i can’t figure out this blog and who is responding to whom!!
Bad typo
Yes, Jan…to you!
I was there from 1948 to 1954, and “graduated” from Club at age 14. It must have been amazing to see the old totem pole, etc. In my mind it’s kind of a mythical place, full of rites and rituals that are hard to explain to anyone who hasn’t been there. Imagine singing “Dear Ma Thorner” and songs to the counselors and the other team today! People don’t do that kind of thing anymore.
I believe we were bunkmates?? I was there from ’48 and was in Club in ’52.
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Susan, that’s so nice that you remember me!! Were you perhaps a CIT when I was in club, or maybe you were just a year or two ahead of me???
I don’t remember your name. Here are the names of the girls I remember in my bunk:
Jane Rodgers
Alex Halpern
Mary Jane Fishman
Ronnie Kirsch
Sue Seletsky
I was the 7th which was not ideal as buddies were a pair so one was left out, me. Do you remember any of these girls?much later in life I have met fellow campers. Ellen Jaycee .. Later Haupt.
Burn fire burn .. Remember?😉
Ronnie Kirsh was my junior sister! Ida Jane and Sue were from my suburbs outside Phila. Ronnie still lives on Great Neck. You have a good memory!
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I ran into Phyllis Kirsch about 40 years ago. She recognized me in spite of the fact that I was very pregnant and covered in charcoal having come out of a church in lower Manhattan. ( just completing my last class at Parsons .. )
Now I remember Ida Jane and sue were from philly.
I was a Truda Girl in 1955. I have a picture how do a I post it?.
Are you on face book? They have a large Truda group there. It would be the place to post pictures.
And I remember both of you! Susan (sue) Harrison Berger
Donni, I remember you! I was Sue Harrison…now Berger…
Donni Bortman- I do remember you (I even have a mental picture) but I was a couple of years behind you. I’m not even sure what years I was at Truda- maybe 1959-1964? I have been known to serenade my husband with camp songs. I remember all the words. The cheers too. It gives me pleasure just to picture camp and of course remember the people.
Ann (formerly Chanin) Gold
Ann
I am always singing Truda songs…even when they are supposed to be real songs! Susan(Harrison)Berger
I was a counselor at Camp Truda from 1947 to 1968. My name is Marcella Wise and I was Marcie to the campers and staff. I am 92 years old and live alone with the help of my niece who is typing this message. I would enjoy hearing from anyone who might remember me.
I was a camper from 1953-1962. I remember you! Be well!
MARCY!!! You were my counselor in 1951!! We were in the last bunk before Club. You had an infected finger, thumb, if I remember correctly. My name was Shirley Rosenthal; now Sheerr-Belaga. Some of my bunkmate were Connie Lobenthal, Reba Tanenbaum, Audrey Schaefer, Linda Glickman and a few others. Connie and I went to “camp” last summer. The Lodge was still standing and in good condition. I live I Bsltimore now, used to be in suburbs of Phila. Connie lives in West Hartford; she was from Cedarhurst Long Island. Please email directly at srbelaga@gmail.com. 😍😍
My mother went to this Camp in 1927 for many Yrs. June Farber
In the early 50’s we returned to visit and stayed at a little motel at the base of a Mt right across from a lake called “Fickett’s” Anyone recollect this Motel with 1 hole golf course
First of all, Marcie (Jan. 24), I remember you fondly and can picture you. D/ Kamm, I went to Truda from 1948-54, and my parents used to stay at Fickett’s on the same lake, while my brother went to Brunonia (again on Lake Pleasant). Every year after camp we all spent a week at Ficketts, which was a bunch of white cottages on a very green lawn. We had a small boat with an outboard motor and used to catch fish which they would then cook us for our dinner! I have magic memories.
Helen Litton Greer
My mom and her cousin went to Truda in the late 1930’s. Listening to her stories about the camp now. Think any of her Camp mates still around?
Laury, I remember Jamie very well. I was
surprised and saddened to learn that he had
passed away a few years before our 50th WPHS
reunion. How did you know him and how did you
connect him to me? Lynda
Barbara Balinger, I just saw your response
and I remember your name. I really looked
forward to our Westchester reunions every
winter and to thinking my heart would truly
break whenever we sang “For All We Know.”
Do you recognize any of the names I asked
about? Lynda
Hi, this is Nancy Lazaroff (Newman back then) I was one of 3 sisters who went to Truda for many years. I went from 1965-1974 and then back again several years later as the sailing instructor. The Truda years were very special to me and I have lots and lots of fabulous memories. I was Captain of the Tigers as well as both my sisters, Elaine(Laney) & Phyllis. I remember my captain song was written to Romeo & Juliet. One of my best experiences was the 3-day canoe trip down the Saco River. We wrote a song for that too, “Come On Down to The Saco River”. I always enjoyed going to Aunt Esther and Uncle Paul’s home for late night stories and snacks. Whenever I smell a fireplace I immediately think of campfires by the totem pole. Even after all these years. I often run through some old songs in my head but especially when it was time to sing taps “As Days Come And Go, Camp Truda We’ll Remember……”
Well, thanks for listening to me ramble on -Nancy
Hi does anyone have copies of Truda songs and or Friday night services. Thanks
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What a wonderful email thread!! Just discovered. I am Stephanie Kaminsky. I went to Camp Truda from 1974-1978 from age 8-12. My parents came every summer as Camp Doctors for two weeks. When the camp closed, my mother was as heartbroken as any camper– and through an amazing set of coincidences–had the opportunity to purchase a parcel of the camp. My parents chose the lodge/waterfront parcel and I have been beyond fortunate to go back ever since. This evening, I was chatting with my sister about summer camps today versus when we went. She reminded me that part of what made Truda different was that it was “run by midwesterners”. I replied that I didn’t really think about that before. So my question to the group is: Was Ma Thorner a midwesterner too? Also, I didn’t realize that “Uncle Paul” (who I think was Charlie’s dad?) originally stayed in Charlie’s cabin. Does someone have a chronology of all the owners and when they owned the camp? I agree Truda was a gem– and it has been hard to replicate for my children (one boy an one girl). Camps are exorbitant today and I think some of the old-fashioned values have weakened since we all went– but of course time doesn’t stand still (even if our memories do)- so hard to know if even Truda would be the same if it continued to the present. In any event- to the extent that any of you know the chronology- it would be great to have. Please let me know if you are ever in the Truda area. Be well, “friends, friends, friends”!!!
I am so happy to find you all here!
Hi Stephanie,
Ma Thorner was my great-grandmother! My grandmother Dorothy, and her sister, Dolly, helped Ma and Pa run the camp. My dad spent his childhood summers at the boys’ camp and was underfoot at Truda often. I grew up hearing stories about this magical place and finally got to visit in 2014. I love that the buildings are all still there and that everyone there seems to have a direct connection to the camp. It’s so cool that your dad has one of the places – must be amazing to go back.
I am coming to Boston in October and plan to spend a day in Portland with the intent to visit Truda with my mom and son (whose middle name is Thorner). I would love to connect if you are available.
Dawn
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1 | makingyourdashcount
November 23, 2008 at 4:23 pm
3. Lyn – February 13, 2008[Edit]
I was a Truda girl–went for several years until the owner died, and then moved on to Rapputak. My brother went to Tall Timbers and then on to Cedar. I was at Truda when I was around 8, so that would have been around 1967.
(transferred comment)
r1skate
July 2, 2009 at 1:52 pm
Rapputak is having a reunion on the 11th.
They have a group for it and everything.
Email me if you need info: r1skate@hotmail.com
Shirley Belaga
October 13, 2011 at 1:57 pm
I also was a Truda girl – Club Bunk ’53!!!! Makes me a lot older than you! Camp was fabulous and was the best part of my young life. I now live in Baltimore (originally Elkins Park; suburb of Phila). If any interest in writing me, you can reach me at srbelaga@gmail.com
Shirley Belaga
karen Singer wright
May 14, 2013 at 10:36 am
Me too, Truda girl, ten years, cub captain 1956 when in Club. ADORED! Truda…in fact so much so that I moved to Maine a few miles from Truda from Palm Beach, FL in 1999. Still in contact with my old friends from Truda. My name then was karen Singer, now Karen Wright of Baker Hill Farm in Waterford, ME.
Jules
March 19, 2017 at 4:12 pm
Did you know Marion fiur..my wife?
Judi Falk
June 13, 2021 at 10:33 am
Marion Fuir was in my bunk!!! My name is Judi Ellenberg… now Falk. OMG!! How about Mona Sheer(sp)? Ellen Jacobson, Dinah Levinson, Joan Kramer. I even went out to Englewood NJ for a football game with Marion. I loved Truda!
Laurie O'Leary
November 4, 2023 at 3:45 pm
I know Marion and Dinah Levinson both from Englewood NJ. if I remember correctly. I was in their bunk my first year at Truda. Also Bobby Porter. My name then was Laurie Ross from Palm Beach Fla. I was at Truda in the 1950s.
Pat
February 9, 2020 at 7:55 pm
I worked at Camp Truda ‘67or ‘68 and ran into Charlie Dibner in Portland, Me years agp
Judy McConn Fischlin
February 9, 2020 at 8:09 pm
Pat, Last name? I was on staff at Truda – ‘64 – ‘71. Judy McConn (Fischlin now)