In the early days of golf in New Hampshire,
especially at the luxury hotels located in the White Mountains, it was traditional to provide caddies for golfers. Since many of these hotels were in fairly remote areas, there simply were not enough local youth to fill these positions.
Then someone came up with the idea of recruiting young men from the inner cities (many from Boston MA), and provide them with a camp-like experience, where they would learn how to caddy, and earn some money to help them financially. They stayed in anything from tents to cabins to dedicated buildings. “A Daily Dose of Fiber” states that over 2,000 young men learned about golf this way. In 1998 a shrine was built in Bethlehem NH, on the edge of Maplewood Village.
According to “Rye Reflections,” and other sources, the mastermind behind this idea was Norman Franzeim. He was a social worker at the North Bennett Street Industrial School in the North End of Boston. Reportedly he not only started the Maplewood Hotel caddy camp (route 302 in Bethlehem NH) and ran it from 1910 to 1940, but possibly also the Bretton Woods camp (which his son ran after World War II). Another Caddy Camp was run in Wentworth NH. By 1920 Poland Springs Caddy Camp had opened. In 1928 [one source says 1938] an arrangement was made with Boy Scouts of America, to establish a camp of 50 boys at Bald Peak in Moultonborough NH, where the Bald Peak Club might obtain caddies.
Some of these camps, such as the one started at the The Mount Washington Hotel at Bretton Woods about 1945, and Poland Springs, continue to hold “Caddy Camp Reunions” to bring together these “alumni,” many of whom became successful in life.
Some alumni of caddy camps include:
–Dr. Harry Ernst, of Arlington MA
–Johnny Kelley, charismatic athlete who ran the Boston Marathon sixty one times [who claimed all the walking he did at the caddie camps helped prepare him for marathons]
–Stephen P. Barba, Executive Dir. of University Relations at Plymouth State University, formerly president and managing parter of The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel
By 1969 some of the caddy camps were winding down. The caddy camp at the Maplewood Hotel in Bethlehem became “Camp Duncan,” the second of the name and reserved for the boy’s choir (Bretton Woods Boy Singers). Other caddy camps like one at Bald Peak in Melvin Village continued into the late 1970s.
And if you are wondering, according to several dictionaries, “caddie” is the usual spelling in golf, although “caddy” may also be used, both as a noun and a verb. A caddy is also a box for storing tea.
Janice
*Additional Reading*
–When Good Caddies Grow Old ….. [added 2015]
–Photographs of NH Caddy Camps[search for word “caddy”]-
–North Bennet Street Industrial School Records, 1880-1973 (at Harvard University)-
My husband has fond memories of the Mt. Washington Hotel Caddy Camp in the 1960s. We often visit the hotel and play the golf courses. Of course they’ve changed quite a bit. Whenever we’re on the golf course, it’s like he goes back in time. They must have been wonderful days. Do you know if there’s any interest in a reunion of the boys from Caddy Camp at Mt. Washington Hotel?
Thanks.
Gladys McKie
Hi, Gladys.
Sorry I am so tardy in replying.
My late father, John P. Campana, ran the Bretton Woods Caddy Camp, which serviced the Mt. Washington Hotel, from about 1954 (?) until 1957.I recall spending time there in the summers with my sisters and mother. He died in 1984 so I have no idea where there are any campers’ records. I don’t know if your husband went to a different camp – seems to me there was another camp in the immediate area. But he went to the camp long after my father left so I can’t help him.
I caddied at the Maplewood Hotel Caddy Camp in Bethlehem from 1958 through 1962. We had a reunion in September 2015. Wonderful memories came flooding back.
Best of luck in trying to find other caddy campers.
Michael
Hi..I believe that I was the last caddy master at Bald Peak Colony Club about 1976. Mike Chiapetta was the head pro. I was a caddy at the camp for a few years before I went to work in the pro shop. The members up there were wondeful people and I made a lot of friends with other caddies. I wonder if the boys from Bald Peak Caddy Camp ever get together anymore?
I was a caddy at Bold Peak two seasons, 1946 and 1947. At the ages of 13 and 14 and can still remember the good times spent there. Being from Roxbury, and a member of the Roxbury Boys Club you were entitled to go to be a caddy after a little schooling on the rules of golf. I can relate to many wonderful experiences I had at the caddy camp and will never forget what I learned from a teenager to my adult life. And I still play golf and will be 80 in two months.
Oh my god Dave, This is Tom Paulus! You were Bishs’ best “A” caddy.
I was up next, one tough character, but a good guy. I was one of the 57 caddies that was invited back 3 yrs in a row. Not many of us that made it that far. Good on you for making
Caddie master! I guess those “scab” days made a difference!
tpsigns@comcast.net to compare great memories. Or call 508-428-9910
Weren’t you that little guy………………..I didn’t know returning the 3rd yr was by invitation. I guess I was one of the lucky ones to
Tom!!!! Wow! How are you after all these years?? Bish Davis was a great guy. What a fantastic place to spend summers! I hope life has been good to you my friend. Let’s try to stay in touch.
Wait a minute …….wasn’t Tom Paulus one of the smallest caddy’s like me??
Tom was not the biggest guy in camp but a good caddy 🙂 Where are you guys living these days?
Dave, maybe you and Tom need to share your email addresses, eh? 🙂
Dave,
Alan Byrnes here, Dave’s brother. I don’t know if you had heard Dave had passed away last year. He used to remind me of Davey and Davey Inc., all the time. Those years playing golf in the evenings were some of his best memories.
I am one who had his life changed by BPCC and then working for Mike. Working in his shop as a starter, cart attendant and in the shop itself prepared me for a 40 yr career in retail.
I hope you are well. It was great to read all of the older posts from everyone. It all reminded me of doubles for “Ladd Plumley and Guest”. Heaviest bags ever.
Take care and hello to anyone else from our time!!
Alan
Alan. I am so sorry to hear that Dave passed away. Thanks for letting me know. Be great to be in touch with you again. If I remember right Dave was caddy #13 and you were #11. My email is davepatterson12866@gmail. Drop me a line if you get a chance. Hope you are well. My condolences to all of your and Dave’s family on his death. Take care my friend.
Alan this is John Kelliher. I am so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing last year. My condolances to you and family. If I recall correctly his nick name was Smokey. I too remember Davey & Davey. My goodness life moves much too swiftly. Take care and may all be well.
Hey John…if you get a chance shoot me an email?
Thank you John. Hadn’t heard “Smokey” in ages, nut yes it was.
Alan-I am still a little numb hearing that the other half of Davey and Davey Inc is gone. What happened?? I would love to catch up with you. I remember you so well .It’s hard to believe its been 50 years. If you can email me at davepatterson12866@gmail.com I would love to be in touch again .Thanks.
Dave , I remember you and the caddy camp experience fondly , my brothers n I , each spent 3 summers at BPCC , I remember being cut loose at weirs beach n the alton bay roller rink on a Saturday night the summers of 72, 73,74 , love to speak with you n see we’re your life has taken you , Michael McMahon 781-831-0745
Hey Mike! So great to hear from you! I retired a few years ago and now live in Florida. I’d love to catch up with you. When is the best time to call?
Dave in a Carver Mass
Michael, I was at Bald Peak from ‘65-‘67. Had really life changing experiences, all great. Bill Lynch and his wife ran the camp and a man named Gene? Higgins was the assistant director, all great people. I would very much like to connect with former campers. The pro was Joe ?????? and Fran ????was the Caddie Master. I really had to reach back in the memories for all those names.
Jim Kraus
From Revere, MA., I was a caddy at Bretton Woods (Mount Washington Hotel) in 1951-52; a great
experience for young city kids.
Jim..the caddymaster was Fran Quinn and I think the pro was Mike Chiapetta
You are so correct, thank you! Appreciate you connecting everyone. Terrific memories, no matter what years we were there. Jim
Correction, I typed Bold when I meant Bald Peak…Maybe getting old, huh?
I would love to hear from any of the caddies the last few years the caddy camp was in operation
Irene! Hi… I remember you and Bob very well. You ran the Bald Peak Caddy Camp for a few years when I was there in the late ’60s. I remember Kathleen, Chis and Bob and ??. I went on to work in the pro shop and think I was the last caddymaster at Bald Peak before they shut the camp down. Any idea what is there now? I hope you and your family are well.
Dave Patterson
Dave……it’s great to here you are alive! I caddy’d with my brothers Dan Dunne, Dave Dunne and me Dennis Dunne the years you were also at BPCC…….what ever happened to you and Bish Davis? I forget…did you get hurt in the accident at the cog railway? Dan had promise to become a pro one day but had to have rods put in his back after the accident and has had limited movement ever since. Send me an Email dldunne555@aol.com
Hi Dave, I was just goggling the camp and came across this thread. I definitely remember you even as young as I was. My mother passed away in July 17′ but it was nice to see you two chatting. I hope your still doing well.
Christopher.daly33@gmail.com.
Hi there.. I posted below, but remember you well for our last years there at the Bald Peak Caddie Camp… would be interested to learn if any of the boys that were in the accident on the mountain road contacts are known? take care and please respond… didn’t you and Bob have a beautiful daughter staying with you one summer
Dan, I don’t know if you remember me but we spent a few summers together up at Bald Peak. My name is Dan MacLellan and I came from Dorchester back then, I was up there for 3 years and my younger brother Kevin was up the year we had the accident going up to Mt Washington.
When I got older I moved to Plymouth with my wife and daughters and I always remembered you being from White Horse Beach (I believe). Some of my fondest memories of my youth were from the summers up there in New Hampshire.
I was driving around Plymouth and Manomet earlier today and you popped into my head and when I got home I (finally) thought to google Bald Peak and see if any caddies posted anything online and lo and behold I saw your name.
I hope you are well and if you do remember me and and would like to reconnect you can reach me at demmm@aol.com
Dan MacLellan
Thank you for this, Janice. Much appreciated.
I caddied at the Maplewood Caddy Camp (MCC) from 1958 through its last summer, 1962. My late father, John P. Campana, also caddied there. He grew up in Boston’s North End. After the Maplewood Hotel burned down in winter 1963, the North Bennet Street Industrial School moved the caddy camp to Clauson’s Resort in North Falmouth, MA, on Cape Cod. I was there from 1963 through 1967.
You mentioned the memorial on Route 302 – ‘Our Lady of the Fairways’. It had fallen into disrepair and is now being restored. Anyone who wishes to buy an engraved brick (name and dates of attendance) can contact Fred Forte at fxffred@aol.com before 31 January 2014. We are planning a reunion up there for the weekend of 3 May 2014. Fred has the details.
My father ran caddy camps at The Balsams in Dixville Notch, NH, and then ran the Bretton Woods Caddy Camp, which served the Mt. Washington Hotel. I believe his last year at the BWCC was 1957.
I have fond memories of my caddy camp summers in the Bethlehem area. Great experience!
My Dad and his brothers were Caddies at Maplewood. Dad is 91 and still has fond memories. And still loves golf. He became an orthodontist on the GI bill. Was a poor kid from Chelsea Mass.
I was a caddie at Bald Peak Colony Club – carried for Mr Begs and Mr Black everyday then worked in the kitchen. I was one of the boys that never got to the “Old Man in the Mountain” as our camp cook flipped over the flatbed truck all the boys were on benches under a canvas cover. My brother and I were both injured… the caddie camp – Green Street Boys and Girls Club sponsored out of Charleston MA… I caddied for 3 years there and would love to connect with anyone that was in our accident that changed many lives. Never heard of reunions of the caddies… what a great idea
Dan Dunne
dan.m.dunne@gmail.com
Caddie at Bald Peak in the 1950s (1955-57) – fond memories – still remember when we put a counselor’s VW on one of the swim floats and pushed it into middle of lake- I think the camp director was named Lynch –
John Faro (formerly Dorchester & Mattapan) – now in Miami
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I was at becca from 1949 try 1952. My brother Elliot was also there. I noticed a 1951 photo some reason on one of the sites, and it is also posted in the hotel with one of the Wentworth twins.some of my revere buddies are also in the big photo. They were very nice summers
I remember your brother Elliot. I was there at BW. 1948-1953. Wonderful training for later life
Dave, Dan D, Dennis and Dan M I was at the BPCC in 68, 69 & 70. I am a year late in corresponding but I just found this site. The truck accident was awful. I was one of the few who did not go on the trip for some reason I cannot recall. My years at the camp were some of the best summer years of my life. It is so good to see your posts!
John, same years for me. Minus the accident, the best summers of my youth. Friday night trips in to Wolfboro, swimming in lake Winnepesaukee, carrying doubles to make more money. Fun times.
Hey, I was there at the same time as you 🙂 It would be great if we could figure out way to play one more round of golf at Bald Peak like we did in the evenings so many years ago. Definitely, a great place to grow up every summer!
Dan & Dave, I was not sure if anyone checked this thread where it had been a year since your last emails. I can’t believe you responded this quickly. Again, it is great to communicate with you. i hope all is well in your live’s.
John K
Email jfkellier55@gmail.com
Just retired so life is good here John..you?
Dave, once again I am quite late in responding to you. Thankfully life is good. Still working but in a good place. I am going to try to get the opportunity to play BPCC in 2020. I am participating in a 2 day bike ride this summer that has taken a lot of time so I am hoping for next year.
Hey John…Glad to hear all is well. Im hoping to return to BPCC sometime this fall. I’m almost fully retired now 🙂
I was at the Balsams caddy camp during the summers of 1947 and 1948. The director John Campana was my history teacher at Erasmus Hall high school in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn,NY and he invited me to the camp.He was a wonderful man and we had our own cooks and single rooms.There was diversity at camp with Jewish,Protestants,seculars and Catholics .We all got along and developed many new friends.Also we would go home with $250-$300 in our pockets in September.The camp food was good and John Campana made us keep the place very clean and his family was very pleasant. The camp got us out of the hot,humid Brooklyn during our
early teens (14-15) and all because of John Campana. God Bless him– John D. Lenihan
Hello, I am trying to identify which Caddy camp was in Dixville Notch, NH in 1923, any help is appreciated! I suspect it may be named Caddy Canuck? But I can’t decipher the writing (I am in possession of a letter, sending my grandfather home, whom was “too michevious” for camp). Thank you for your time 🙂 seraphinekelley@gmail.com
Seraphine,
I suggest you contact the Museum of the White Mountains who have done some research on those early summer camps in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Janice
Thank you for is hint!
I was at the Bretton Woods Caddy Camp 1951-52. Great summers of my life.
Charlie Goldstein
Charlie I was there at the same time.
Sorry I don’t remember you but I remember Mickey Davis, and the (I think) Finkelstein twins, from Revere mass, Owen Maceckeran, (spelling?) the Wentworth twins, Fred Franzien , who ran the place
I still remember the Northern Lights in late August
And hiding when there was a call for caddies in the afternoon
John Kane
Merrymeeting, did you say that you had a guide as to who the caddies and staff were at Bald Peak ? I’d love to see that. Thanks
Memorable summer of 71, recall caddying for Princess Grace, Prince Rainier, Clearance Campbell and many other names of the day. Started my addiction to golf, recall playing constantly in the evenings. So many great memories!
I had forgotten about Clarence Campbell. I still have a Monaco casino chip Princess Grace gave me in 1969. Such nice people. I think what we all learned was how nice most of the members were, although sometimes a few cranky ones were there as well.
Dick Frame was one of my favorites while I worked as a starter. Always a kind word and a generous tip!
Dick Frame was a great guy! I still have my Monaco casino chip somewhere. We should go over and cash them in sometime 🙂
Steve..were you a caddy at Bald peak? Your name seems familiar to me
I caddied summer of 1975. I came up with Dan Bagleynout of Jaffrey NH. I sure wish I kept a caddy card to show what folks payed for a B caddy vs A caddy. Fun times.
Bull, I think Dan was a camp councilor at caddy camp before it closed.
Jim Kraus here. I was a caddy from at BPCC from 1964-1967. I was from the Charlestown BGC. One year I worked also at the Garage where the maintenance crew lived, cleaning bathrooms before caddying. Life’s lessons were all over. I remember taking golf lessons from the pro and playing the course at the end of the day. We rode everywhere in an old army truck, sitting on wooden boards in the back. Trips to Wolfboro were the best. Lots of singing, skits, great food and friends.
I caddied at Wentworth Hall Jackson NH
Runner up in the caddy Championship
Back in the 60’s. Miss those days!!
Mark Fields
Feel free to contact me if you remember those days!!
Mark.fields@mstoneawards.com