Monday, February 9, 2009

Camp Cherokee Reunion

Cherokee's gonna shine tonight,
Cherokee's gonna shine!
Cherokee's gonna shine tonight,
Cherokee's gonna shine!
We're all dressed up tonight,
We're lookin' fine.
When the sun goes down,
And the moon comes up,
Cherokee's gonna shine!

The last Saturday night I was in Atlanta I was privileged to attend what was called "The Bachelor's Club," although my brother Ellis (Buddy) is the only original member who has never married. To me the evening was basically a reunion of some of my closest counselor friends from Camp Cherokee for Boys. I was a counselor at Cherokee each summer of college, 1971-1975, then one session in 1976 just prior to my and Judy's wedding. In 1982, when Judy was pregnant with Amanda, we both went to Camp for one session, and Jennifer got to go along. She wasn't quite 3, but she still has some vivid memories.

We dined at a Longhorn Steakhouse, then relocated to Buddy's apartment for some great music. The original Bachelor's Club once met annually, but had not gotten together for 15 years. I had never been able to attend, so it was a real treat.
From left to right, the musicians are Warren, Brian, Ken, Jim, Danny, and Sam. I had not seen Sam in 33 years, and the last time I saw Jim was August 13, 1975. That was the night before my wedding, and Jim, Warren, and I hung out at Jim's house.








Musicians must have an audience, and Uncle Don Moore, Michael, and Ellis were an appreciative one indeed. Don Moore was my mentor at Camp Cherokee, was instrumental in my coming to Moore County, and has been a huge influence in my life. He taught his entire career in Moore County (Southern Pines) and has retired to beautiful blue Lake Burton, just across the cove from dear old Camp Cherokee-- which is no more.

Warren has been my friend since first grade and was best man at my wedding--so he says! He's a masterful guitarist. Too good to be called a mere "picker."

Danny is a rare banjo talent. He and Warren have made music together since elementary school. Danny could have made it in Nashville if he had chosen to.

Brian is THE MAN on string bass. He's also an excellent career teacher in Atlanta.

Together, Warren, Danny, and Brian comprise the group Courthouse Creek, dating back to the 1970's. They're planning to make more music together in the near future. The group's name is taken from a favorite Camp Cherokee campsite far below Devil's Courthouse on the Blueridge Parkway near Brevard.

I wish you all could hear the music that we shared that night (Everyone in Ellis's apartments heard it I'm sure)! We actually did not sing "Cherokee's Gonna Shine Tonight"--wish I'd thought of it-- but if anyone wishes to call me on the phone, I'll sing it to you (Gail).

18 comments:

Unknown said...

I'll be calling you soon so practice. It sounds like you had a wonderful time. I smiled the whole time I reading your blog.

Anonymous said...

I still hear music (piano) wafting from the HOH toward "Bill Mac" cove, when the din of cicadas, bullfrogs, and Tattoo mix and and put me down for rest...

Ken Loyd said...

Cameron Henry! Where on earth did you come from! Sounds like you're writing a beautiful beginning for a daily log. Swift Antelope, Silver Fox, Lion's Den. . . Keep in touch!

Chet Thomas said...

I found this post doing a google search for Camp Cherokee for Boys (I was a camper/counselor there for a total of 10 summers). Seeing pictures of Courthouse Creek and Uncle Don and Ellis really brought back the memories! I really enjoyed reading the post!

Andy Hershner said...

Hi my name is Andy Hershner.Me and my brother Bryan attended Cherokee for several years and worked a couple summers there.Hearing some of the stories and seeing some of those faces brings back so many wonderfull memories.I so miss all the adventure and companionship tha came along with attending a great camp.I tell my kids about my time there and what all I was taught.They are times I will always cherish.I just wish my boys could experience all the cool and new things I got to.So please if anybody remembers me feel free to give me a call at 478-232-5731 or write me at Andy Hershner 4221 Dorothy Ave. Macon,GA.31206 I would love to hear from you.And to Uncle Don the McConnels I love you and miss those 2 mile swims.

Ken Loyd said...

Andy, glad my post evoked those great memories for you. I'll mention your info to my brother Ellis, who I'm sure you know well. Camp was a second career and a labor of love for him, as for Don and all the Macs. Especially Jane Mac.

Robert Baugnon said...

Hi Ken, I found this blog after doing a Google search for Camp Cherokee like several other folks here. I was feeling a little nostalgic after finding pictures of myself and several other counselors (looking very young and fit I might say) taken during preparation for an evening raid on the campers for the next day's Indian Day. I can remember sitting outside the front gate in our loin cloths waiting for the signal while the folks over at LaPrades looked on in envy (you know they wanted to get in on the action). Your picture of Uncle Don and Ellis certainly reminded me of those fun filled summer days. Your brother was actually one of my high school teachers - AP English in my senior year at Shamrock. Always tough but more than fair. Ask him about the time Scott Rogers' mother walked in and cut his tie off in the middle of class. It's good to see the Cherokee spirit is still alive. Regards, Robert Baugnon, Cherokee Counselor Summers of 85 and 86

Unknown said...

Hey...found your blog while doing a search of Camp Cherokee. I went to the girls camp for a number of years and my brother, Jackson Steele, was a camper in the 70's and 80's at the boys camp (my uncle was camp doc; aunt was camp cook; cousin Holman attended camp...I could go on and on) BUT what has me posting is....Uncle Don is from Moore County??? And you live in Moore County??? I ask because I live in Moore County (Aberdeen) and this is too much of a coincidence!

Dickson Hand said...

Hi there Ken! I'm not sure you remember me, but I remember you and your brother both from CCB. Most distinctly, I remember your music at the HOH. I hope life is treating you well.

[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/xpkranger/5809596586/][img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3437/5809596586_cc201e0cd0.jpg[/img][/url]
[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/xpkranger/5809596586/]Camp Cherokee - Sunset Cruise on Lake Burton[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/xpkranger/]xpkranger[/url], on Flickr

Dickson Hand said...

Let's try that link again, shall we? Lake Burton Sunset Cruise

waynewallace said...

Hello all,

I too found this site after doing a search. I was saddened to see that Camp Cherokee is no more. I was a counselor there for two summers in '77 and '78, which ended up being two of the best summers of my life. I was in the Panther cabin one year and have fond memories of our "pink panther", morning dip, the "dam swim" and trips to slippery rock. I still have one of my candles from the campfire ceremony the last night of camp. I am glad to see this site up.

Wayne

CajunCenturion said...

Wow, I just came across this site and does it bring back memories. I was camper in the late 60's and early 70's, and yes Ken, I remember you well. I'm still a charter member of the Big Dipper's Club - thank you Ellis !!!.

Are there any plans for other reunions?

John (Tiger) Austin

Ken Loyd said...

Tiger!!! You can't believe how long I've been trying to find a way to locate you. I clicked on your Cajun Centurion name and it took me to a google page but no way to contact you. Are you on Facebook? If not just leave me another comment or e-mail me at kloyd1953@embarqmail.com. We've got some catching up to do.

Chet Seay said...

Ken,

Wow what a memory lane you have created. Ellis was my counselor on my first trip to Cherokee as a Camper in (I think) 70-72?? I was then a counselor the summer of 1980. My Dad was a camper for a few years back in the early to mid 40's. That time at Cherokee on both occasions was one of my best memories. I think about that place so often. The HOH, The spring, Big Rock, The Pill box...and of course a great game of capture the flag. Oh my. Any pictures of what it looks like now. I just read about camp Evergreen. Do you have any news on Uncle Don or Jane. have they both passed away? They were so kind, loving, generous and wise. Of course I did not realize that way back then. Any info or pictures you have would be great. Also any latest info. on the boys/now men that were there during the years from

I need to run but please make sure Ellis gets this.

Chet Seay W:616-717-4563 and H 616-748-4973.
Chet and Lucy Seay
10783 Thornberry Way
Zeeland, Michigan 49464

Chet Seay said...

Forgot my email.
chet.seay@gfs.com or
chet-lucy-seay@juno.com

jd said...

Wow! time trip!
Hello all, this is John Daniel, I attended Camp Cherokee for Boys two summers, (drat, will have to look up the exact years).

I don't remember my cabin names, but I had Mark Tankard (brother Scott - both brits) for the counselor the first year. (Otter / Skeeter cabins?) He regaled us with tales of Brit food, and realizing he was driving on the wrong side of the road on Georgia roads at night.

Was good to see Cameron Henry's name here, I did not really know him, but he was "quite" the fencer, and showed me more than a few tricks.
I remember being very impressed with all of the various talents that the campers had, one kid was a excellent piano player, many good artists, guitar players, some great photography...

Really enjoyed my time at CCB. Still have my Jane Mac signed 2 mile swim certificate and a painting by her of a western town street-scene.

Loved the capture the flag games !!!
Do remember one time while playing softball on the main field a pop fly foul ball went into the woods, the 1st baseman went in after it, came out screaming and flailing, the ball had landed on a yellowjackets nest! game delayed.

Is there any repository of pictures from those days online somewhere?
That would be a nice timetrip

cheers to all CCB'ers
John Daniel

jdjddjdj(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

So glad to see this blog. I attended Cherokee for around 6 or 7 years from around 1980 to 1987. I credit Jane Mac, uncle don and Ellis as making me into the person I am today. Some of the best memories of my life. I read my copies of jack tales and grandfather tales to my 5 yr old son often and he knows all of them by heart now too. I wish I could send him to Cherokee and am so sad the Privelige is not there anymore. Please if you are able, pass my contact information on to Ellis and Uncle Don. They may not remember me but I'd like to introduce them to my son....to show them both what an amazing impact they had in my life.


Chris Coakley
Cbcoakley@yahoo.com
404 640 1409

Unknown said...

I treasure the memory of the Mac's making an exception on the No TV policy by allowing the counselors to build a fantastic mock "NASA Control Center" in HOH, complete with a TV set mounted in the middle.Counselors were garbed in "NASA"coveralls to help enhance the historic moment to the mesmerized campers. This event is just one example of my great memories from 3 summers at Cherokee,best wishes to all, Jimmy Dunn