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Camp
Merrie-Woode's extraordinary natural setting has inspired a lasting
appreciation of God's creation in thousands of girls and young
women since 1919. In this friendly, noncompetitive community of
simplified living, each individual is valued for who she is and
who she will become.
Listed
on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995, Merrie-Woode is recognized
for historical and architectural significance as a historic district that
has been preserved in its original Adirondack style.
Founded
in 1919, Camp Merrie-Woode®
was directed nearly thirty years by Mrs. Jonathon C. Day, of
New York and Richmond. Dammie, as she was known by campers, was
born of British parents and established the old English traditions.
"I knew I wanted an imaginative and meaningful name," Dammie
wrote, " and one night the name came so clearly to me- Merrie-Woode
for it is a merry wood and campers will always make it so." Dammie's
legacy of honor and appreciation of simple living and acquiring "eyes
that see" the beauty of God's world was emphasized in activities
which taught the importance of a life of service.
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Dammie
Day
& Mary Turk
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Fritz
and
Augusta Orr
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Fritz,
Jr., Dotty
and Augusta Orr
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Following
the 1951 season, the camp was sold to Mr. and Mrs. Fritz Orr
of Atlanta, who with their son Fritz, Jr. and his wife, Dottie,
operated Merrie-Woode until 1978. The Orrs were great outdoor enthusiasts
and were especially instrumental in building a strong canoeing and wilderness
program.
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Hugh Caldwell
with camper
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The
Kramers
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Upon
the Orr's retirement in 1978, Hugh Caldwell, a University of
the South philosophy professor and Merrie-Woode staff member since 1952,
led alumnae to form the Merrie-Woode Foundation, a non-profit corporation
with the sole purpose of owning and operating Camp Merrie-Woode®.
Through the generous support of the Merrie-Woode family, the Merrie-Woode
Foundation purchased the camp in December 1978. With the establishment
of the Merrie-Woode Foundation, the camp is now in effect owned and
operated by its former campers. Dr. Caldwell served as its first director
through 1985 and was followed by Art and Carolyn Kramer. The
Kramers were the directors from 1985 through 1989.
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The Strayhorns
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From
1990- 2002, Laurie and Gordon Strayhorn served as the Executive
Directors. The Strayhorns worked to maintain the historic architecture
during a period of extensive renovations to many of camps buildings
and cabins.
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The Dunns
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In
2002, Denice and Jim Dunn began their tenure as directors of
Camp Merrie-Woode®.
The Dunns work to continue the traditions founded by their predecessors.
Jim’s background is in education and Denice’s background is
in engineering, bringing a well rounded cadre of skills to the foreground
to continue Camp Merrie-Woode's success. The Dunns maintain their home
on the grounds of Camp Merrie-Woode®.
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