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Dorothy Copus Brush Col. Rice -- The Renaissance Man, Part II One of the first girl's summer camps in the
south opened near Mayland in 1920. Founder Col. L.L. Rice named
it Nakawana, but to him it was always "The Thousand Acre
Camp for Girls." Under his leadership, the camp grew in
prestige. Improvements were made in the physical plant, but just
as important many traditions became part of the camp experience.
Over the years, early campers sent their daughters and granddaughters
to Nakanawa. The colonel's daughter, Annie Hays Rice O'Neil,
served as associate director for many of those early years. Shortly
after Nakanawa celebrated its 25th anniversary the colonel, then
75, announced his retirement. Most expected the camp would stay
in the Rice family, but the colonel knew the next owner must
be a person financially able to continue maintaining and adding
to the facilities. His final choice proved a double blessing.
Elisabeth Mitchell had been an active camper beginning in 1926.
She, as many campers, returned later as a counselor. Her father,
William E. Mitchell of Atlanta, had made his mark first in Birmingham
with the Alabama Power Co. and later with Georgia Power. These
two fit the qualifications the colonel envisioned, and he felt
comfortable in handing Nakanawa over to the father-daughter team. In 1948 Elisabeth "Mitch" took over
the directorship, and "Pop" Mitchell, as he was affectionately
known, worked at upgrading the facilities. That same year, the
duo became a trio when Carson Tays, a local man, was named superintendent
and moved to the camp. In the following years, new buildings were
added and others renovated. More events were introduced to the
camp program for both the senior and junior sessions. The year
1964 marked the end of campers arriving by train at Mayland.
Flying replaced trains, and now the girls were met at airports
by camp personnel. The year following the 60th anniversary celebration
of Nakanawa, Mitch announced her retirement and that same year
Carson Tays died. Both had added much to the history and success
of the camp. When Carson had any free time, he hand-carved small
cedar wood crosses just the right size to be worn as a necklace.
He gave them to any camper who asked. In 1981 Ann and Pepe Perron assumed the directorship
of Nakanawa. That year, a Carson Cross was presented for the
first time to the "Outstanding New Camper" beginning
a new tradition. The supply of these crosses is dwindling, and
they are presented to honor very special accomplishments. Asked if the campers' lifestyles today, so
different from 1920, has had any negative effects, Ann said,
"A few bring some problems but most want to be here at camp
and they leave those things behind while they are here."
Pepe added, "This might be their rock." The colonel declined the invitation to return
to Nakanawa for its 50th anniversary . He sent a telegram of
congratulations and said, "Please, leave an old man with
his memories." His daughter did attend, and she was delighted
with what she found and described it as, "Just the same,
only softer." Although the colonel never returned after
his retirement and is only legend to the campers now, they sense
his spirit. In 1946 he read his "Last Will and Testament"
to the campers and it included these words: As long as there is a Nakanawa, my affections will center there, and whether living or dead - my spirit lovingly will haunt this sacred spot. |