Sample two-page spread of the opening of CMW’s Centennial Book. Click to view larger image.
As Merrie-Woode’s centennial approaches, we are excited to announce that publication of our Centennial Book is nearing its final stages. Board Member, Dorothy Moss Williams and I have been working with award winning book author and designer, Laurie Shock, over the past two years on this incredibly exciting project. This beautifully designed, hardcover book will document the history and legacy of Camp Merrie-Woode and her founders.
Shock Design Books, based in Atlanta, is a specialty publishing firm with a focus on the individual treatment of each book. Laurie Shock is working with us to write, design, produce, and publish the finished product. Laurie and I have spent a solid year gathering in depth research on the history of Merrie-Woode, unearthing a treasure trove of information, dispelling some old myths, and discovering a collection of inspiring stories spanning generations. With this new research added to the historical study of camp which I have been working on over the last many years to get Merrie-Woode’s Archives in order, this will be the fullest account of Camp Merrie-Woode’s history that has ever been compiled.
The story of Merrie-Woode is really a human story. The most amazing people have made their way into Camp’s little valley here at the base of Old Bald over almost a century. Not only Dammie Day, Mary Turk, Fritz Orr, and Hugh Caldwell, but Neal Zachary who worked as camp’s caretaker and lost a son in the Battle of the Bulge; Head Counselor Dot Casey who influenced women’s collegiate sports on a national level; Countess Judith Barczy Gyurky, camp’s Riding Director, who saved an entire breed line of royal Hungarian horses from perishing in WWII. Each one of these people and many more has a fascinating tale, making the collective story of Merrie-Woode one of love, sacrifice, triumph, loss, imagination, spirituality, and bravery.
This is sure to be a keepsake that mothers, grandmothers, and granddaughters will share for generations. Laurie is crafting what Dorothy has described as an “illustrated history of Merrie-Woode including a historical narrative, contextual timeline, archival and new photographs of camp, song lyrics, and excerpts and images from the Ripple.” A beautiful hard covered, coffee table size book, it will be over 200 pages with stunning imagery and significant archival materials. Laurie has spent countless hours interviewing and spending time with Merrie-Woode staff and alumnae. After spending the good part of a day with long time boating instructor, Doug Cameron, he expressed, “As I teach canoeing, kayaking, and sailing, I often find myself thinking of the generations of young women who have learned and grown here on Lake Fairfield and on area rivers and mountains. Laurie Shock’s retrospective is so exciting because it expands my 38 years of experience to 100 years of young women learning in the same place. I can’t wait!”
In working with Laurie, I truly feel that I have found a real kindred spirit. Laurie connected with the history and spirit of Merrie-Woode quickly. “It’s been an exhilarating honor to write and design Camp Merrie-Woode’s centennial history book,” said Laurie. “Upon digging into the archival materials, the hundreds of images, quotes, and compelling stories became a documentary ‘time travel joy ride’ revealing a legacy that is as rich as any I’ve ever seen. One of the most exciting discoveries was learning about the influential role the camp’s founder, Mabel ‘Dammie’ Day, played in the early camp movement in the United States. I believe people will be inspired to read how the world Dammie created with Merrie-Woode holds a significant place in our country’s history on multiple levels, not the least of which is through shaping the lives of thousands of young girls who have followed the gleam for nearly a hundred years.”
This Centennial Book will truly be a special publication to mark Merrie-Woode’s first hundred years. Dammie taught us the power of stories and legends, how they can unite us and bind us. This book is the finest example of that, the story of our collective history. All of us who have loved Merrie-Woode and given her our best, this is our story.
You can preorder your copy of Camp Merrie-Woode’s Centennial Book online this fall! Each book will be sold for $100, with all proceeds going to the CMW Endowment Fund. Order yours below to ensure your book is in the first printing. Books are scheduled to be in homes by Christmas of 2017.
I’m so excited to share this massive project with you. I’m truly proud of this book and the dedicated work we’ve put into its creation. I can’t wait for you all to dive into the rich history of our dear Merrie-Woode. You will be amazed.
Book Pre-Sales Frequently Asked Questions:
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How much does the book cost?
100 years of CMW, $100 for the Centennial Book! All proceeds will go to the CMW Endowment Fund. -
Can I purchase multiple books and send them to different shipping addresses?
You may order multiple copies of the book, but each order is limited to one shipping address. If you want to ship to different addresses, it is best to make separate orders. -
Do I have to pay taxes?
All residents of North Carolina must pay taxes on the book. -
Do I need to pay for the book when I place my pre-order?
Yes! Have your credit card ready. -
Can I make my order over the phone?
Online orders are preferred for all book presales. The online order form is quick, simple, and user friendly! -
When will the book arrive?
Books are scheduled to be in homes by Christmas of 2017.
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