Camp Zoe Memories
2002 Letters
12/18/02I was actually looking for an address for a friend when the Camp Zoe sight popped up. I am quite a bit older than you and have very few memories about growing up at all. But I do remember Camp Zoe and I was very young 9 or 10 so boys and dancing were not memorable things for me. I remember silly things--like it was the first time that I had held a bow and arrow and I liked it. I went because my family was friends of Dr. Charles Martin and his family. My mom thought camp would be good but she knew I was really shy so she thought if I went to Camp Zoe where Charlie Martin worked with the horses that I might feel safer. I remember Winkie making me feel like I was an ok and capable kid. I saw Charlie a couple of times and that was all I needed. I was thrilled to pass the water test and vaguely remember going on some outing where there was a water mill. I still have a couple of rocks with holes in them. The food was really good and it was for me the first time that I had been in an environment eating with so many other people and being ressponsible to taking things from the window and putting it on the table. I remember loving the peanut butter, and it was the first time that anyone ever taught me to eat bread and butter and sugar. To this day people think I am nuts for still enjoying it. I also remember the camp fire and my favorite song was the one about suppin cider.. It was the first time that I had ever been in a canoe and I remember feeling so proud that I could help control a canoe with the strokes I learned. I remember being told to put the paddle in so that I looked like slicing the water andd then turning the the paddle toward you to take advantage of the pull. I remember few names- What I do remember is the sense of community, acceptance and and introduction to so many things I never knew when I was living in Ferguson. It started my love of horses. Painter was truely so wonderful, I said little but absorbed alot. He was so great to match people with the right horse. I have wondered if all camps left people with wonderful feelings and I am guessing they do not. I do not remember one unkind word, one minute of homesickness. For me to go from one two week time to a month says alot, cause I was the shy violet scared of your own shadow look. Oh I also remember having a foot locker that is still somewhere holding pictures instead of all those clothes. Well Thanks again for starting this site. I remember it well.
Ann Clark
12/13/02
I just found out about this site, and I can only echo what so many other Zoe alums have already posted - I am shocked to learn that I am not the only sentimental old fool out there who can't stop dreaming about good old Camp Zoe. Hats off to Fowler for doing this! I spent 6 summers at Zoe, 2 weeks each summer. That's a mere 12 weeks, yet no other childhood experience has left such a lasting impression on me. In fact, 2 years ago I was inspired to write a short essay about my Zoe experience, and how the memories of it helped me through some tough times in later life. An edited version of the essay was subsequently published in the St.Louis Suburban Journal. If anyone is interested, I'll try to find a copy of it.Meanwhile, best wishes to all, and I'll keep checking back.
Tom Schiller
P.S. I was very saddened to learn about Steve Peters. Steve was a big part of the Zoe experience and he will not be forgotten. In case anyone out there remembers Donny Dippel, who was a camper in the late 1960's to about 1970, I am sad to report that Donny also passed away in May of this year at the age of 44. Donny had fond memories of his time at Zoe and I know he would have enjoyed this web site very much.
12/13/02
I can only say, "thank you" for whatever part of Zoe you were....from the 40's to the 80's, we are blessed with experiences, loves and friendships that fall outside all comprehension to those who were never there. My wish is that during this holiday season, you dance with your spouse like did you are on the Tennis Court..your bath(or shower has scents of Sinkin' Creek...and that your holiday meal fill your soul like "flubber" and your wine is the best of "Bug Juice"! May many blessing follow you all!
Kent Jones
Counselor 1967-1969
10/24/02
My name is John Scrivner. I have many fond memories of times spent on the Current river. I also attended a camp during the same era (1973 to 80) in Southern Illinois. I once spoke with the owners who briefly owned Camp Zoe in my hometown of Mt. Vernon, IL. They told me they had sold it to people in Texas. I wish I could have attended the camp as a child. It is amazing to me how much the memories you all shared were so similar to my own. I found your site while trying to arrange for rental of campground sites for a trip I was planning to the current river. I stay at Jason's Place most trips now. I just want you to know that your site is very uplifting and you are most definitely not stuck in the past. Mental snapshots of our lives during these golden moments are precious and should be shared. The ongoing posts from former campers show that it is needed and is a valuable part of many people's lives. I am considering creating a site for the campers who I shared my growing years with after reading the posts from your site. I hope all of you remain in contact and that maybe someday you will again be able to meet at Camp Zoe. I visited my old camp about 3 years ago and it was great for my soul. I am fortunate in that it is still in operation. I send contributions to help in keeping it running and I will visit from time to time through the remainder of my life. Thanks for giving me something uplifting to read in this day when so much is impure. I think maybe the fact that those times were so pure and good is why we gravitate towards them now. I am sure it is a big part of my motivation in writing you now.
Sincerely,
John Scrivner
Camp Zoe Wannabe
Thanks for the affirmation. The remaining constant in the Zoe equation is the landscape. Even if Zoe is private property now, we can still catch the vibe by canoeing the Current river. Martin Davies, another friend of Zoe, suggests that part of the exhileration we feel when we're in Shannon county may be the by-product of a slightly elevated oxygen level in the air generated by the brand of trees in the Mark Twain forest.
08/30/02
Having been recently divorced I was curious as to what my restored maiden name would pull up on Google.com. I was amazed to hear my name is still carved in Cabin 1. I have godbumps sitting here lost in wonder-filled memories. Canoeing, nekkid swimming off the trampolines (the guys had to get lost), archery, tennis, horseback riding, talent night, the special honey/butter mixture at mess, mail call, oh yes mail call. But the most glorious of all [was] Capture the Flag, we were on a mission. I take that back, I attended for 4 years and perhaps Winkie was the most special. Her caring way but firm control were appreciated and necessary, in retrospect anyway. Many crushes came and went those summers. I shaved my legs for the very first time at Camp Zoe, lol. Matter of fact somehow I transitioned, safely, from a girl to a young woman, and I am forever grateful.
Thank you for that chapter of my life,
Best Regards
Terri Rickman
What a lovely heart-felt message. By the way, the honey/butter mixture you refer to was known as flubber. See the message board for a recipe.
07/28/02
I thought I would never find you. My sister and I were just talking about you (ZOE). I'm trying to figure out when we were there and some of the memories (besides drowning my counselor from the top bunk). It was around 1950 or so I think, My sister Angie was there the week before me. There was a UFO sighting. One older boy took me under his arm when I was scared. He played a trombone but was a bugler or how ever you spell it. Can you help me out with more details, who was there and perhaps some pictures? I lived in Jackson Mo at the time. At present I am in the Seattle Area.
Andy Leonard
That's quite a jumble of recollections and dangling modifiers. Did this boy play the trombone with you in the headlock? I would like to see a picture of that!
06/10/02
Attended Zoe to 13-14 years of age! Currently working as an insurance underwriter. I have fond memories of Camp Zoe; Kent (counselor) playing "Born to be wild" in Boy's cabin and Cream; Disraeli Gears for night-time lullabys, along with Nitty Gritty Dirt band. Introduced me to a whole new genre of rock. Thanks Kent! First experiences with two female campers (nothing but kissing)- Becky & Ann - I miss you! I was the guy that fell down the hill behind girls cabin and ended up near the flushable johns! Cut short my Camp Zoe stay and resulted in a broken leg as well as unfinished business with the two aforementioned female campers.
Zoe was an integral part of my social developement! Wouldn't have traded it for anything- except for possibly the E.J.'s. The nightly dances were great. Zoe was my first exposure to the fairer sex, and I only wish I could travel back in time and repeat the experience with the knowledge I have now! Thank you fellow campers and staff- Zoe was a life-changing experience. Thanks to all of you. Feel free to email me to catch up on old times.
Best regards,
Chris Edwards
(Tent and Boy's Cabin)
PS: I'm Fowler Jones' older brother- blame him!
05/28/02
Steve Peters died at 5:30am on 5/27/02. Steve was the oldest child of former Zoe owners Jack and Lois Peters. He was a camper, C.I.T., counselor, and support staffer for Zoe during the Peters' era at camp. As a counselor, Steve was often assigened to Mac's cabin where the youngest boys stayed. This was a testament to his big heart and gentle way that belied a gruff exterior. Steve's sister Joni sent me the news.
It is with a heavy heart that I must notify you of the untimely death of my brother, Steve Peters. He passed away this morning, May 27th, 2002 at 5:30 am. In talking with him over the last few years, we had recalled many fond memories of our childhood at Zoe. He enjoyed many hours on the computer reading through the letters from former campers and counselors. As Steve detested funerals, he will be cremated. A memorial service is planned for Sunday, June 2, 2002 at 2pm. It will be held at the Pilgrims Rest Cemetery, just south of Shannondale Community Church. For further information, call Jack and Lois Peters at (573) 858-3371. Please post this on the site and send it out to all who knew and loved him. Thank you...Joni (Peters) Light.
See the letters from 2001