Camp Cachalot Alumni Association Forums

[Dennis Wilkinson]

I got email over the weekend from Darryl Higgins, who is currently with Pack 93 in Wareham, MA, asking why the name of this area had been changed from Squaw's Corner, along with information about why it had been named that way in the first place.

To refresh the memories of those who haven't been in Camp for a while, this is the camping area and beach at the southern end of Little Five Mile (just north of the maintenance building.) For many years, this was the designated family camping area in Cachalot, until the Plymouth Board of Health determined that we weren't licensed for this kind of family camping in the early '90s.

The first name change, from Squaw's Corner to Scouter's Corner, came not long after the Board of Health decision. As far as I've been able to determine, after asking around (thanks, Jeff!) this first change was apparently a result of trying to be "politically correct," although who exactly triggered the name change I haven't been able to determine. The second name change, to "Pitch Pine Beach" is even more recent (within the last 2-3 years) and occurred when names needed to be assigned to all of the off-season campsites so that when people booked them it was clear what area was which. A few other areas got named or renamed in the process, this being one of them.

Unfortunately, it seems that the original name of this area wasn't just a generic reference to Native American women, but a reference to one woman in particular. According to Darryl, the area was originally named for Gladis Rogers, whose nickname was "Old Squaw." She, along with her husband ("Big Chief") were among the first people to use this area for family camping -- in other words, the name was a little tip of the hat to her.

If anyone can confirm Darryl's information, or can provide any additional insight, post away!
_________________
Dennis
Minister of Propaganda, Webmaestro, and Chief Bottle Washer

"Everything that passes unattempted is impossible." - Stephen R. Donaldson

[mjoseph]

I assume Darryl is the son of Mrs. Higgins? Darryl, if you are reading this, I mentioned in my intro post that Mrs. Higgins taught me to swim at Squaw's corner.

I stayed there with my grandmother while my grandfather, Jack Byrne, did his thing down at Camp. I think at the time he was Cadre leader. I remember swimming and fishing there and I also remember an old man who would help us take our fish hooks out of the turtles we accidentally caught. I can't remember his name, though. I also remember picking blueberries with my grandmother to make blueberry pancakes.

I was so young at the time that memories are cloudy. I am sure there were other boys and girls I played with down there, and other adults that I interacted with. If anyone has memories of family camping at Squaw's Corner, please post them! My grandmother is still alive and she loves telling stories of those days. Maybe I can get some more stories from her that I can post.

-Mike
_________________
I firmly believe I would not be the man I am today if it was not for Boy Scouts. My experiences at Camp Cachalot and with Troop 46 in New Bedford have much to do with that belief.

[BrianB]

I will always refer to that place as Squaw Corner.

Brian

[Tom Whelan]

One of the most important aspects of the Alumni Association is to preserve our history and part of that history is a little place that we all affectionately know as Squaw Corner. I'd love to hear if anyone has first hand knowledge as to why it was named Squaw Corner and if it had any names prior to that.

I did hear a story that it was named for a certain individual, but the details escape me.
_________________
Tom Whelan
Pack 96 Webelos Leader
Troop 10364 Girl Scout Brownie Leader

[Dennis Wilkinson]

Just a quick follow-up: I asked Larry Harney about the origins of the "Squaw Corner" name at this year's Homecoming, and he confirms Darryl's explanation for it.
_________________
Dennis
Minister of Propaganda, Webmaestro, and Chief Bottle Washer

"Everything that passes unattempted is impossible." - Stephen R. Donaldson

[joycejo]

I just discovered this web site and it will always be Squaw’s Corner to me.

I can remember my folks staying there William “Bill” & Ruth Joyce.
We would swim and fish at the campsite.
Mr. & Mrs. Higgins were like family to us.
My father spent many years at camp and Squaw’s Corner was their home away from home during the summer. He was the scoutmaster for troop 35, Onset for a long, long time.

I can remember my Order of the Arrow induction ordeal when we silently marched past Squaw’s Corner and proceeded to the campfire up the road.

John Joyce