Leslie Pampush Reigel May 21, 2011 09:36:09 (EDT)

How did I miss that reunion? I am in Eagle River right now for a wedding and am going to attempt to find MWL. I was a counselor there from 74-77 working on the waterfront with Becky Hanna. I still occasionally break out in one of our campfire songs! MWL remains a great part of my life.

Carol Hunter May 15, 2011 21:12:16 (EDT)

Think I'm a bit late as the last posting was 12/23/08. It is 05/15/11. I have thought so much about MWL over my lifetime and yes, folks, I was a camper in 1958 and 1959!I remember the Sunday night campfires and they were monstrous; the wonderful singing. Anyone remember, "Peace, I ask of thee oh river?" And my third attempt to collect my canoe reward- Was it Hartzel watching me try to canoe in a straight line for a mile? I think so! I remember getting back to dock and seeing him shake his head no, and a second time no. I think the 3rd time he did smile. My best memory was a 3 day canoe trip through a chain of lakes that was breathtaking. Childhood memories- I was so fortunate. I also remember the misquitoes!

nancy brucato May 11, 2011 17:05:06 (EDT)

I attended Minne Wonka Lodge 1963-1968. They were great years. I sing some of the camp songs to my grand children. My maiden name was McDermut. I think I stayed in almost every cabin including Hill Top.

Inga Broerman March 9, 2011 15:45:12 (EDT)

Heidi, I believe it was 1980. Best of luck.

Inga

Kalinka February 20, 2011 23:00:53 (EDT)

Heidi,

I am almost sure her name was Elizabeth Fink. That was a tragic time. Hope this help.

Kalinka

Heidi Zimmermann February 2, 2011 14:24:59 (EDT)

Can anyone remember Elizabeth's last name and the year she died on the camping trip to Trout Lake. I know this is a touchy subject, but I have been told I need to remember this by my doctor. I still don't have a recollection of being told. It is a black hole in my life. Can someone please email me and let me know. eagleswingwi2003@yahoo.com
Thanks.

andy selig January 7, 2011 17:48:14 (EDT)

My father, Leon Selig, was at Camp Minne Wonka in 1920 and spoke highly of it during his lifetime. I wonder if there might me anybody around that would have been at the camp then? Unlikely...but worth the try. thanks, Andy Selig

Jan sargent December 9, 2010 19:53:44 (EDT)

WOW what memories. Don't see any pictures of when I was there. I'm trying to remember, my last year was the summer of 1973, I was a CIT then... I think I started going in 1968 or 1969... I will never forget the anticipation of seeing the names up on the announcement board for the trips. Does anyone remember the trips where we broke in to an old mansion built by this husband for his wife. She died before it was completed, there was a bowling alley in the house oh my gosh it was cool, but had lots of bat droppings.... I remember so many flitting memories... Minne Wonka hats off to thee to my camp friends loyal we'll ever be!!!

INDIAN DAVE November 11, 2010 19:47:29 (EDT)

WHO WAS THAT GUY WITH KAT SCHNEIDER?????????

paulina Chouza October 26, 2010 23:37:35 (EDT)

WOWWWWW !!!!!!!
What great memories!!!!
Miss you all!
When will we have another reunion, I want to see my old friends
Regards
Paulina

Jane O'Neil Fleming August 17, 2010 06:27:33 (EDT)

I see so many new posts on this site - it's wonderful! There is also a Minne Wonka Lodge page on facebook. Many of you are looking for people who are on there. These links have created wonderful connections between all former MWL girls (and campmasters). There have been 2 reunions since the camp closed in 1983. It would be great to have another with even more of us!

kirsten anderson July 27, 2010 21:20:18 (EDT)

Memories,went to camp there during the late 70's what a great time!

Betty Ricks July 25, 2010 23:42:28 (EDT)

I was the waterfront director at MWL for 3 summers during the early 50's when Mr. and Mrs. Lyons owned the camp. Those summers were the most memorable times of my life. I would love to hear from any of the girls that were there then.

Cindy Armstrong July 23, 2010 09:36:11 (EDT)

Attended '68-'71. Still remember the songs, the canoeing, and friends. It was the safest place in my life then, and I would count the days until I could go for the whole 8 weeks each year. Mary from Birmingham, where are you?

Mary Curtiss July 17, 2010 22:05:16 (EDT)

Hello, I was a counselor during the summers of 1971 and 1972. I worked in the camp office and taught archery. I remember Benny and John and the Hannas. I remember the songs and ceremonies and the lakes. More importantly the friendships. Where are you Lisa Tucker? There was no place like Minne Wonka.

Jerry Riordan July 7, 2010 16:49:19 (EDT)

I was not a minne wonka lodge camper or councelor. However, I have a "shy" friend who was a minnie wonka lodge coucelor who is reluctant to deal with the "message board' himself because, I believe, that he is afraid to get the information that the camp may be closed. So, I can tell from his reaction that this place must hold a special place in the hearts of Minnie Wonka Lodge people through out the Nation. If someone could let me know the status of MWL I know I can break the new to him gently!! Many of you former MWLs probably understand what I am dealing with for the former late 50's early 60's former MWL Councilor!!!

Thank you,
Jerry R

Laura Kloos Justiss March 18, 2010 11:29:03 (EDT)

I was at Minnewonka in 1959-1960. One of my best memories was the music counselor for one of those years, Linda Sue ? (can't remember her last name) who was a student at Northwestern School of Music and a fantastic pianist. I can still remember her playing the Mendelssohn Variations Serieuses, which are quite challenging indeed! What a wonderful place that was.

Rebecca Howard March 9, 2010 08:36:10 (EDT)

I would love to hear from anyone who was at the camp in the the mid to late 50s when the Lyons family owned it.
I can still remember many of the camp songs, and I still have my red sweater with the awards on it. My little granddaughter loves to hear me explain each badge.
Minne Wonka was a magical place.

Ellen (Melon ) Roos March 3, 2010 19:51:40 (EDT)

I was a camper from '57 - 61. I still get a lump in my throat when I think of the final campfire - the line of girls walking down to the exquisite amphitheater - candles lit on the birch bark holders. It was the unspoken sense of the sacred that was so present amongst the pines, the birch, the music, the hearts of the girls that I remember so much. I do not think anything like that exists today. How blessed we were.