How Ethel Hollister Became a Campfire Girl
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Irene Elliott Benson >> How Ethel Hollister Became a Campfire Girl
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"Perhaps, you remember, Ethel, of reading or of hearing your father
speak of the failure of the Great Western Cereal Company four years ago.
No? I was under the impression that your father owned a few shares of
stock. Well, all I possessed in the world was invested in that Company.
It produced the greatest excitement known in years; in fact, throughout
the entire West there were panics. Everyone who had a little money saved
up bought stock. The dividends were enormous, but they were bogus; that
is, they were paid to each one from his or her own money. It was one of
those unprincipled concerns. They had been after me for a long while.
They knew that I was honest, wealthy, and respected, and that my name
would attract. At first, I put in only a few thousand; then, as it
prospered, I put in more, and finally I put in all that I possessed, for
I wished to make another fortune that I might build more 'Homes' and do
greater good to suffering humanity. The week before its failure what do
you think? Three of the principals sailed for Europe. Two were caught,
tried and are now serving a long term in prison. Two others committed
suicide. Being one of its directors, when the bubble burst I gave up
everything I possessed to help pay some of its poorer creditors, but it
only went a little way; and I, too, was a victim with the rest. Had I
confided my business to Tom he would have advised me not to invest in
it, for Tom has a wonderful way of advising people for the best, but I
kept it a secret so that when he should come of age I could surprise
him, for then I intended to give him full charge of all my affairs. So
you see, Ethel, I may have appeared close and penurious, but now you
understand why. Tom, although getting on finely, works very hard for
every penny, and at times he is almost too generous."
"Oh, Aunt Susan," said the girl drying her eyes, "I feel happy now that
you know all and don't despise me. I'm glad that you're poor and that I
shan't get any of your money. I only wish that I might go to college.
Yes, I'd work my way through to get a good education so that I could be
able to earn my living and not take everything from poor Papa, who works
so hard," and Ethel kissed the old lady many times.
CHAPTER XVII
COUSIN KATE ARRIVES
Ethel was too loyal to read her mother's letters to Aunt Susan who
always smiled when she received one, but Mrs. Hollister wrote often
asking her how she was progressing.
"Aunt Susan writes Grandmother that she has grown to love you very
dearly, Ethel, and I see that you have followed my advice like my own
daughter. It is now the sixth of June; probably, you will go with Cousin
Kate to camp soon. I wish it was all over. I don't like the idea at all.
It will throw you in with a common set of girls, I'm sure. We have saved
quite a little this summer by staying home. The girls come in when they
are in town and Grandmother enjoys their visits. Mrs. Bigelow and I met
on the Avenue. She inquired all about you and I told her that upon Aunt
Susan's death you would probably be a very wealthy girl. She admires
you immensely and she told me in confidence that Harvey says when you
are a few years older and 'come out' you will take Society by storm."
Everyone in the younger set of Akron liked Ethel. She acted in private
theatricals; she sang and played, attended teas, and was sought after
for bridge. She gave card parties, and the young people raved over the
quaintness of the old-fashioned house. She took long walks with Tom. She
inveigled him into high collars and discarding shoestring ties or
wearing cravats in a bow with loose ends. She even persuaded him to give
up slouch hats and dress more up-to-date. He and Aunt Susan dubbed her
the "Rejuvenator and Reformer," and she was contented and happy.
Cousin Kate arrived and Ethel was overjoyed upon seeing her, she looked
so fine and strong. Her father came with her just to see 'Archie's
girl,' and Ethel loved him instantly. He was so like her father that the
tears came into her pretty eyes when at the depot she kissed him
goodbye.
CHAPTER XVIII
SELECTING THE COSTUME
"You like Father, don't you?" asked Kate of Ethel, as they briskly
walked toward the shopping district.
"Like him!" replied the girl, "why, Kate, I just love him. He reminds me
of Grandmamma and Papa, but he's more like Grandmamma."
"He _is_ like her," replied her cousin, "and I tell you, Ethel, he's
just a dear. But, by the way, wasn't Aunt Susan clever to get your
mother to consent to your becoming a Camp Fire Girl? I was so surprised.
You see I had already spoken to Grandmother and you about it. Then I
thought I'd tell Aunt Bella and get her interested in it, and ask her to
let you join _my_ Camp Fire, for Uncle Archie promised me that you
should come out to Ohio and make me a visit. I had it in my mind that
were you to come this summer it would be lovely for you to go with us
to Camp, but do you know, Aunt Bella didn't like it a little bit; in
fact, she became very angry, nor could I convince her of the virtue of
the Camp Fires nor even the Scouts. She made me promise not to mention
the subject again, and on no account in your presence. As I was her
guest, I promised. What knowledge you had you received before. In this
case the 'end has justified the means,' and it was consummated by Aunt
Susan, so it's all right. But here we are. This is the store where they
take orders for Camp Fire costumes. It will take four days to make what
you need. We'll have to hurry them as we leave in five."
"Oh, Kate," began Ethel in a worried voice, "do you think that I should
let Aunt Susan pay for them. She was awfully generous to offer, but when
I accepted I thought that she was wealthy, you know, and now it's
different. I really feel as though I should not accept."
"Do you wish my advice?" answered Kate. "You accept them. Why, you might
offend her by refusing. It's her pleasure to start you in this good
work. She obtained your mother's consent and she wishes to present you
with an outfit. Oh, no, it would not do to even demur. Besides, they are
very inexpensive. If you wish, the ceremonial gown of khaki color you
may buy yourself. It can be purchased by the yard and it's of galatea
which is cheap. You are clever with your needle and you can embroider it
with beads and shells. You can also make the leather trimming in no
time, and there's your costume complete. But let her pay for the other.
So come in and be measured."
The girls selected a blue cloth skirt with pockets. The skirt buttoned
all the way up and down the front and back. They selected two
blouses--serge and galatea--each matching the skirt. The waists were cut
open in the neck. They also ordered a pair of blue serge bloomers to be
used in camping or hiking. These with a hat completed the purchase.
The hat was of blue cloth with a silver grey "W" on a dark blue
background. The "W" meant "Wohelo" and could be used as a cockade. The
saleswoman explained to Ethel that an emblem of two brown crossed logs
was to be worn on the chest of the blouses. Honors gained in water
sports might be embroidered as decorations around the collar. The same
crossed logs woven into a blue background were used as sleeve emblems.
Ethel saw the sample suit and was charmed. The decorations were unique
and stylish.
"Please send them direct to Columbus," said Kate, as she paid the bill,
and turning she said to Ethel: "You will be there, and it will save
time. They generally fit perfectly; if not, as you know something of
sewing, we can alter them to fit."
"I guess I do know something of sewing," replied Ethel. "I can do
beautiful work and I can ride horseback, and I'm at home on a 'bike'."
Cousin Kate laughed.
"Well, I'm glad of that, for at first when you start in you'll be a
Wood-Gatherer. Three months is the regular time, but you will be living
in camp and will probably be able to fulfil all requirements in a
month. Your knowing these things will help you too."
"Tell me something about it, Kate," said Ethel on their way home. "After
you have been a 'Wood Gatherer' you become a 'Fire Maker'?" she asked.
"Yes. When you first enter, the Guardian of your Camp Fire gives you a
silver ring on which is engraved a bundle of seven fagots, representing
the seven points of the law. You give her the size, your address, etc.,
and she gets it at Headquarters for you, announcing your desire to
become one. You must promise not to sell nor give it away. It may belong
only to a Camp Fire Girl. Upon your right arm, as you already know, are
the crossed logs, etc. When you become a Fire Maker you may add the
orange color to your Wood Gatherer's emblem. This color represents
flame, and when you advance to the position of Torch Bearer you may add
a touch of white which represents smoke from the flame. Then, while you
are in that class, you may wear the Fire Maker's bracelet. 'Fire' is the
symbol of our organization. For decorative purposes it may be
represented by the rising sun.
"Now the symbol of membership is the tall pine tree. That stands for
simplicity and strength. Of course, you know the watchword--'Work,
Health, and Love.' The first two letters of each form the one word
'Wohelo.' After joining you'll learn everything.
"Honors are symbolized by different colored beads--'Health craft,'
bright red beads; 'Home craft,'orange; 'Nature love,' sky blue; 'Camp
craft,' wood brown; 'Hand craft,' green; 'Business,' black and gold; and
'Patriotism,' red, white and blue. These, and the seven laws, are
represented by the seven fagots on the ring. The beads are strung on
leather and may become part of the ceremonial dress.
"Now the name of my Camp Fire is 'Ohio.' It is an Indian name and means
'beautiful.' You know Ohio is called the 'Buckeye State,' Buckeye
meaning 'Ohio Horse-Chestnuts.' Unlike your horse-chestnut, our tree is
small and its flower is red. So our 'totem' or symbol is Buckeye,' or
the 'Horse-Chestnut.'
"The girls are to meet at our house the night before we start. Then you
can learn the sign, how to keep count, and the different poems you are
to say; and the 'Wohelo' ceremony, toasts, songs, etc. This is all that
I shall tell you now. Our camp is near the Muskingum river. We have no
very high elevations in Ohio. The highest is only about fifteen hundred
feet. Where we go is a pleasant stretch of woods. There we camp out for
a month or so. A clearing has been made; we can put up tents and be very
comfortable. It is not far from a small town and the girls can walk in
when they choose. Other 'Camp Fires' will be there as well, so there
will be no lack of society. But, my dear girl, if I were you I'd join
one in New York and keep steadily at it. It's the only way to become
proficient and gain honors and advancement, and that's your aim, isn't
it?"
"It is, Kate," replied the girl, "I shall surely join this fall. An aunt
of one of the girls in our set is a Guardian of eight girls or more, and
she's simply lovely. I shall certainly keep it up--never you fear."
CHAPTER XIX
ETHEL MEETS HER UNCLE AND AUNT
Aunt Susan was most interested in the description of the costume, its
symbols, etc. Ethel thanked her gratefully for her gift, impulsively
kissing her many times. The elderly woman had grown very fond of the
girl and dreaded parting with her, but she knew that the new work she
was about to take up would be of the greatest benefit to her, not only
then but in the future, for Ethel had softened wonderfully. She had lost
all of her false pride and worldliness. It was as though a new girl had
arisen from the ashes of the old one, and now she stood revealed as
Nature had intended her--without sham,--and knowing that it was she who
had helped to bring it about, Aunt Susan was happy. She was proud of the
two girls--her grandnieces,--Ethel with the delicate beauty of a bud,
while Kate appeared and reminded her of a full blown rose. She was tall
and finely formed, with hair that envious people often termed red, but
it really had escaped being red and was auburn. The girl wore it in
coils around her shapely head. Her eyes were of the softest brown, while
Ethel's were of a deep blue. Each girl had regular features and fine
teeth. They resembled each other to that extent that they were often
taken for sisters, and Tom was proud of them as well and was delighted
to take them out.
"Why," he'd say, "when I'm out with you two girls everyone makes such a
fuss over me that I really feel as though I was 'somebody,' and I know
it's all on your account. The fellows come up and say 'Harper, old man,
I haven't seen you for an age,' or, 'Harper, I heard of you through so
and so last week. I wish to congratulate you on that case, etc.' But I
know what it means,--they want an introduction to you girls--and I strut
around like a peacock."
But the day for their departure arrived only too soon:
"I'll write every other day to you, Auntie," called Ethel from the car
window.
"How about writing to me?" shouted Tom.
"Once a week to you, Tom," laughed Ethel.
Uncle John Hollister met them at the depot and Ethel at once fell in
love with Kate's mother, who seemed more like the girl's sister. They
vied with one another to give Ethel a good time and she enjoyed every
moment. She met the Camp Fire girls, some of whom were charming. Two of
the girls--Mattie Hastings and Honora Casey--she did not care for. To
her they seemed unlike the others and she found herself saying mentally,
"They are extremely common; I wonder where Kate picked them up,"
immediately after which she would become ashamed.
"I'm going back into my old ways," she thought. "These girls are to be
my sisters and companions. I _must_ like them."
Honora had a large red face, partially freckled. Her voice was loud and
coarse. She seemed to be one of the "nouveau riche," as Ethel's mother
was wont to say of people grown suddenly wealthy and prosperous. Yet
Ethel was not alone in her dislike of the girl. No one seemed to care
for her, although each member treated her politely.
Mattie Hastings had small eyes that never seemed to look you quite fully
in the face. She had also an obsequious manner. At times it was fairly
repellent.
"I wouldn't trust her," Ethel said to Kate one evening.
"She's not popular, I admit, and her manner is against her, but, Ethel,
I have never found a fault in her; that is, one I could criticise. She
is very quick to learn and seems ambitious. She came to me and asked if
she might join. They are poor but her people are respectable. Now Honora
Casey's parents are the wealthiest people here. They came into their
wealth suddenly. The father is a builder and contractor. The mother is
hurting the girl by her method of trying to get into society. She fairly
pushes everything before her. Mr. Casey, or Pat Casey, as he is called,
is a good-hearted Irishman. He is sensible and knows that it is his
money that buys everything, even social standing, for although much
respected he is a man of no education, nor has his wife any more than
he, but she tries to bluff it through, therefore she is not popular.
Nora has been educated, or half educated, at a Convent. She never
graduated, but she's so good-hearted one can overlook her mother's
faults. You see, Ethel, it takes all sorts of people to make a world. We
must try to excuse their failings and see only the best in them. Of
course, you know we are an old family of good standing and can go where
we choose. Perhaps it was on that account that Mrs. Casey made Nora join
my Camp Fire Girls, but she seemed most anxious that she should. It
doesn't matter much. She'll make a fine woman if she sticks to her work.
You see, our organization is most democratic. One has only to express a
wish and she may become a member."
"The other girls are lovely," said Ethel. "I think Patty Sands is
charming."
"Isn't she?" responded Kate. "Her father is an ex-Congressman. He is
Judge of the Supreme Court. He didn't care for politics--refused the
second term."
"Yes, I suppose it is poor taste for me to even criticise the girls, but
every once in a while the old bad habit comes back and I forget my good
resolutions. At heart they are probably far better girls than I, but I
do wish that Mattie Hasting's eyes were not so close together."
CHAPTER XX
GATHERING OF THE "OHIOS"
That evening the girls met in Kate Hollister's library. Although it was
June and there was a log fire in the fireplace it was not warm. The
girls carried a small flag upon which the word "Ohio" was embroidered,
and underneath appeared a horse-chestnut. Each girl had made her own
flag and they were well done.
That afternoon Kate had taken her cousin to the Camp Fire counsel,
where, upon her signifying the desire to become a member, the silver
ring had been presented to her.
After order had been established and the roll called, Kate, who made a
dignified Guardian, began to address the girls, formally introducing
her cousin, the new member. Then Ethel repeated the following:
"It is my desire to become a Camp Fire Girl and to obey the Law of the
Camp Fire, which is
Seek beauty,
Pursue knowledge,
Give service,
Be trustworthy,
Hold on to health,
Glorify work,
Be happy.
"This Law of the Camp Fire I will strive to follow."
Then she took her seat while Kate arose and explained the Law, phrase by
phrase, after which Ethel stood before her and repeated the Wood
Gatherer's Desire, whereupon she taught Ethel the "sign" which was made
by flattening the fingers of the right hand against those of her left,
which indicates crossed logs. From the first position, Ethel raised her
right hand and followed the curves of an imaginary flame. Kate explained
that this sign was used by the early American Indians. It may be made
easier by placing the fingers of the right hand across those of the left
with the forefinger slightly raised. Ethel learned how to use the sign
and practiced it, after which Kate presented or awarded honors to the
various girls who had worked for them. They were only the different
colored beads, but each girl's eyes beamed with happiness as she
received them.
Then they showed Ethel the "Count" book, in which were kept records of
their work and play. The leaves were of brown paper and laced together
with a leather thong or cord. The cover was of leather also. Symbolic
charts for recording the requirements of the Fire Maker and Torch
Bearer, as well as for nearly two hundred Elective Honors, were parts of
the book. The book contained ninety-six pages. It was arranged for a
group of twelve girls. Should the group grow larger, more leaves could
be added. Three leaves for each girl were in the first part of the book.
These were for recording the honors and requirements, making thirty-six
pages. The balance of the pages were for the records of events,
pictures, and pen and ink sketches, etc.
The totem of the Camp Fire is as painted on the brown leather cover. It
should always tell some legend or story--some natural industry or beauty
which is true to the locality in which the Camp Fire is located. The
"Ohio" Camp Fire totem was a large horse-chestnut under the word
"Buckeye." The first leaf was left blank; the second was the title leaf
upon the top of which appeared the name of the Camp Fire, and at the
bottom the date of the first council fire; following the title leaf each
girl fills out her group of three leaves. On the first she will write
her name, date of birth, parents' names, birthplace, and present
address. She also puts down the date as she attains each rank, using for
the month the Indian name. On the next leaf were symbols of all Elective
Honors, and these were painted in colors corresponding to the beads
received. The third leaf for each girl was for her individual
symbol,--the chosen name with its meaning,--for each girl naturally
wishes to own some name by which she may be known. She may hold some
desire which to her may mean the way in which she may give of herself
the best. Perhaps some poem has lines which she feels are a response to
her desire. Not only could these girls write what happened and insert
photographs of their excursions, but they were at liberty to make pen
pictures along the margin of the leaves of the book--all Indian signs
from a moon to a snake, telling of a trip to Rat snake Pond, etc. They
were to use the rhythm of Hiawatha, which after a little practice becomes
the natural language for some girls and it adds much to the interest of
the Count; for instance,
"Supper over, now they hasten
To their wigwams, all excitement,
And from hence soon reappearing
Now true Indian maidens seem they,"
etc.
"Now that we have initiated our new member," said Kate, "and have
explained to her about the Count book, etc., we shall postpone the rest
of the ceremonies until we reach Camp, as I know that each one of you
will need your rest. So we'll meet at the train for the boat landing at
eleven tomorrow. I hope it will be a fair day. Take plenty of wraps
along for it is cold tonight and it bids fair to be so tomorrow."
Then saying goodnight to each as they left the room, Kate and Ethel
found themselves alone in front of the dying fire.
CHAPTER XXI
THE TRIP UP THE RIVER
It turned out to be a lovely day. Ethel was most excited. The tents,
cooking utensils, pillows, cots, etc., had been sent two days before by
freight. The trunks alone remained to be taken to the boat, and they
were only steamer trunks.
Uncle John went along to see them safely on board the train that
connected with the small boat that plied daily up the Muskingum river.
"If you get homesick, little one," he said to Ethel, "you come right
back to us. Don't you stay if you don't like it."
"Oh, Uncle John, how could I get homesick with Kate?" she replied; "but
I shall miss you awfully."
The whistle blew and away they went. It was a pretty sail and the girls
were in a happy frame of mind. Nora Casey looked like one immense
freckle. She was in high spirits and now and then relapsed into a jolly
brogue caught from her parents, for Nora was born in America.
"Faith and it's sailing that I enjoy," she said to Ethel, coming up the
stairway from the deck below. "I'm afther taking some pictures of the
river for our Count book." Then catching herself she talked perfectly
correct without the slightest trace.
They watched the banks on either side, dotted now and then by pretty
houses and thriving fields of buckwheat and clover.
Patty Sands sat by Ethel. They were very congenial. The rest of the
girls chattered together. Mattie Hastings sat beside Kate Hollister and
regarded her with adoring looks. Nora chatted excitedly; once in a while
Kate would check her exuberance of spirits, as her voice could be heard
by people on the shore. Said Kate:
"Girls, there are several beautiful legends connected with this river. I
read a new one the other day. At our first Camp Fire I'll relate it. We
can copy it in our book under our totem. Suppose each of you girls write
an original legend and read it aloud some rainy night."
"Good for Miss Hollister!" cried Honora. "We will."
So they promised.
Soon the journey came to an end. A four-seated buckboard stage had been
engaged by Uncle John to meet the party and carry them up the steep hill
into camp.
"Oh, isn't this jolly?" said Ethel enthusiastically. "What lovely
woods!"
And indeed they looked like a picture with the June sunshine every now
and then bursting through the trees. The road was narrow but it was a
good road for walking. The old buckboard creaked and groaned with its
load of eight girls, their Guardian, and the driver. Every once in a
while the horses would stop and the driver dismount and with his
handkerchief wipe off the white sweat that looked like soapsuds.
"He's a kind man," said Kate.
Then when his handkerchief was too wet to use he would pick up handfuls
of grass to use for their comfort, after which he would get up on the
seat and drive them again, but he must have stopped ten times before
reaching the clearing where the Camp was to be.
"Oh, look!" cried Patty. "Miss Hollister, our four tents are up."
"Yes, that's Father's surprise," she rejoined. "He sent up one of his men
yesterday so that we need have no trouble." And turning to Ethel she
said: "Usually we have to hire a man in the village to come up and do
such work, but Father has anticipated us this time."
"Isn't he lovely?" said the girls in unison, jumping like children from
the wagon and peeping into each tent. There were all the baskets ready
to be unpacked, and following the buckboard came the trunks.
They quickly removed their hats, etc., and bade the driver goodbye, who
by the way was now using handfuls of leaves to clean the animals; after
which each one was assigned her task.
"Patty Sands, you may unpack and wipe the china. Mattie Hastings, you
may put it in place. Ethel, you may watch this time, as you are a
tenderfoot. Nora, you arrange the blankets, towels, and linen in order,
will you?" And so Kate kept each girl working.
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