Elizabeth Ford Holt in front of Jungle House 1905

“The establishment of Camp Mowglis was the result of the convergence of the positive experience of a young man at a camp, his mother’s vision, a famous author’s imagination, and association with her friends who knew, loved, and purchased land around a beautiful lake. The camp movement had just begun, promoting vigorous outdoor experiences for urban children. Elizabeth Ford Holt was among the earliest to buy property to start a girls’ camp (Redcroft 1900) and, up the road, a boys’ camp (Mowglis 1902).
“

Camping Skills 1916

Mrs. Holt focused on designing the program, recruiting staff and boys, blazing trails, and raising dormitories and infrastructure. Most of today’s buildings date from her era. Hiking, singing, watersports, 15-mile walks to Plymouth for haircuts(!), crew and the multiday Long Trip were all features of a boy’s summer, many of which remain. It was also during this time that the Cub program for younger boys was born. Go to THE HOLT ERA to learn more about how the Camp grew and boys lived at Mowglis more than a century ago!

The Lair/Kipling

Three junior staff – Alcott and Bruce Elwell and Louis Grandgent – liveed in Khaki Tent, the site of the modern-day Panther, named after Bagheera. From the tent platform, Alcott Elwell (later Colonel Elwell) was able to touch the top of an abutting 12’ Pine. This would become the iconic ‘Colonel’s Pine.’ The Lair, also known as Cub House, Club House and Bug House, was built as a dormitory near the Cave. During this period, the Jungle House was further expanded with the addition of two living rooms. An old boat house from Masquebec was skidded across the frozen lake in winter to become the center portion of Waingunga, initially located on the future site of Hope-To-Be. Other firsts are ‘The Long Trip’ to Waterville and a 3 ½ Horsepower ‘Launch,’ the first gasoline motorboat on the lake.

Waingunga

Jungle House with EFH

Baseball 1905

First Howl 1907

The first Howl was published. There are no photographs or writings from the boys, but it reflects the existence of Duties and Inspection, reading in the dormitories, a synopsis for every day of the summer, and the names and addresses of all the campers and staff. Most significant is Mrs. Holt’s exceedingly well-written vision and philosophy for the Camp, and what could be expected for all who came. Hope-To-Be was built as was the center portion of Headquarters which served as the early Council Room and Mrs. Holt’s Office. The original part of Waingunga was moved to its current location, and the first Chapel was constructed, largely of wood. The Lantern House was built at the entrance to the camp property, and the Canoe House and Wood Working Shop were built near the present day canoe racks at the Waterfront; all three now long gone.

Ford Holt and boys at Tri Pyramid Mt 1907

Crew Race 1910

Crew races were in full swing using 4 rowers and a rudder-man. The Upper Ball Field was built, complete with a baseball diamond. Challenges still remained as players dodged significant boulders in their paths! The poultry house was converted into Cook’s Cottage and Mang, named for the bat and originally a cowshed, was converted into staff quarters.

Den 1910

Writing Porch 1910 Panther tent

Mang 1950

Cooks Cottage contemporary

All Camp 1910

Pump House Contemporary

A 2,200 gallon water tank and a pump were installed to eliminate the need to carry water from the lake and a pump house was built to shelter the pump. Both still exist as emergency water supplies (1913). The Garage was built in 1914. The entire Camp walked to Mt. Chocorua, excepting for a boat trip to cross Squam Lake (1913). Though boys in early years come predominantly from Boston, in 1914 Mowglis extends its reach to Omaha, Chicago, Cleveland, and Indianapolis. 1914 also sees the first ascent by Mowglis boys of Mt. Washington.

Garage Contemporary

Kipling

Kipling was expanded and the Chapel was improved with substantial benches and a wooden tower with a bronze bell named for Mathew Baird. A recent graduate, he spearheaded the casting of the bell from melted coins collected from boys and staff.
“Ring Chapel Bell, through Jungle Woods. Ring out the shadow of Shere Khan. Ring in the Brotherhood of Man. Ring, Ring your message through these woods.”
– Elizabeth Ford Holt

Chapel with Bell Tower

1918 Baloo

Baloo, named for the old wise bear who taught the wolf cubs the Laws of the Jungle, was built to replace a tent and the barn was transformed into the Lodge (Infirmary) by Stanley Elwell The Jungle House Dining Hall and kitchen were vastly enlarged to their current configuration.

Lodge shortly after it's conversion 1917

1918 All Camp

1918 Exterior of expanded Dining Hall Jungle House

1919 Interior expanded dining hall

Red Cross House Contemporary

A major programatic shift occurs when Cubs, the youngest boys, are separated from the Pack, taking over Ford and Kipling Hall. The Red Cross house is built to allow for Dr. visits, weights, and height measures; an indication of the concern for the development of healthy young men.

1921 Gray Brothers

Gray Brother’s Hall, named for Mowgli’s cub brother, was built. Col. Elwell established the concept of “industries” which though not academic, challenged boys to become knowledgeable and proficient in a range of activities. Ultimately a boy could earn a colored “Ribbon” aka Husky Mark as proof of achievement. Achievements, provided entre to the Inner Circle at Campfire. Industries still remain the backbone of the Mowglis program. Electricity came to Mowglis until 1922.

Trail Work 1929

Col. Alcott Elwell became Assistant Director in 1920 with Mrs. Holt and began to influence the development of the Camp program. His academic and military backgrounds are strongly reflected in the values Mowglis holds today. It was Col. Elwell who formalized “Industries” to develop boys’ in-depth skills in their chosen activities and who added “School of the Open” to Mowglis’ name. He became Director after Mrs. Holt’s death in 1925. Go to THE ELWELL ERA to learn more about camp life during that time including people like Wah-Pah-Nah-Yah!

Toomai Dorm Pic 1983

John Adams’ personal injury, low enrollment, and financial strain forced the sale of Mowglis again in 1962. Adams could have sold to a developer but he wanted to preserve Mowglis as a camp. The death of Col Elwell in 1962 brought together many formidable Mowglis men who forged a plan to save the Camp and put it on a firm footing for the future. The non-profit Holt-Elwell Memorial Foundation was founded and continues to underpin and support Camp Mowglis. Go to THE HOLT-ELWELL FOUNDATION ERA to learn how Mowglis has flourished since then!