Camp Tonawandah

A summer camp for 60 girls, located in New London, New Hampshire, from the 1940s to its close in 1967, Tonawandah was one of three camps on Pleasant Lake in the Lake Sunapee area. Other camps in The New London area during this period were Camp Kear-Sarge, Camp Tabor, and Camp Sunapee. Tonawandah was owned by Peg and Elmer Bussell.

The camp had many girls who returned year after year, and was greatly loved. Several former campers organized a reunion in the mid-1990s in the Boston area. Memorabilia and photos were collected and displayed, a composite book for each attendee with pictures and memories was compiled, and a song book with 100+ songs was made from group input. Everyone had an opportunity to express their feelings AbOUT how much camp meant to them, as well as tell stories, laugh, share memories, and sing songs. "Mrs. B" (Peg) and her son, George (the cook for several years) attended, as did approximately 25 former campers and counselors. Many more, who unfortunately could not attend, were also located.

The camp grounds on Bunker Road are now occupied by a number of lovely homes which share use of the lake front. The remaining camp buildings include only the newer nurse's cabin behind the flag pole, and the old shed below where the rec hall stood. Former campers are always welcomed to visit the grounds by the friendly and hospitable home owners, who mention that many campers have stopped by over the years.

Additional information and current updates on former campers would be welcomed.