FRANKLIN, Mass.—The spark that ignited Camp Haiastan in the mid-1940’s is turning into an inferno these days, thanks to a group of aficionados determined to bring credit where it’s due.
Joined in the construction phase were, from left, Vasken Toomajanian, Shant Chebookjian and Astor Guzelian.
They’re calling their initiative simply a Founders’ Project, bent on bridging the generation gap and identifying the many volunteers who applied their sweat and grime in turning a dream into a reality.
Out of that impetus, thousands upon thousands of children have enjoyed this summer wonderland on the shores of Uncas Pond, not to mention the hundreds of counselors who weaned their way into adulthood. In each case, a better ethnic foundation was built.
“Many of today’s camp parents have no idea how the camp was built,” said Harry Kushigian, committee chairman. “It’s hard to believe that people gave up their weekends and vacations to thumb their way or catch a bus to fulfill this ambition. So many men did this after fighting in World War II. What an unselfish bunch.”
Mesrob Odian, another catalyst, echoed Kushigian’s sentiments, taking into account some primitive construction modes.
“These guys and gals chopped the trees with axes,” he pointed out. “I have more power equipment in my workshop than they did in building this camp. Today, we rent a chainsaw and do in five hours what it took them a dozen weekends to clear.”
Odian, like many of his peers, started as a camper, became a counselor, then a director, and board member.
Kushigian and Odian put their gears in motion and forged a committee of activists from around the country to put a nametag to those early pioneers, many of whom have passed on.
They are joined by Lucy Almasian, Barbara Berberian, Astor Guzelian (himself a founder), Michael Guzelian, Armen Boyajian, Mike Varadian, Adam Boyajian, Hagop Soulakian, Rita Soovajian, Claudia Antranigian, Mike Shamlian, and Armen Varadian. Family ties are quite obvious here.
The project stemmed from a series of summer presentations at the camp, given by Kushigian, Odian, and Mal Varadian. The children were enamored by their vast history and felt privileged to be in such a venerable surrounding.
Immediate signposts point to Wed., June 26, during the teenager session, when a reunion will take place and a presentation on camp history will be shared with campers by founders able to attend.
Bedirian sisters of Franklin prepare a meal for volunteers. Mom Parinaz is joined by daughters Lucy, Sippy and Zabel.
The group will convene in the dining hall for lunch, followed by an opportunity to chat, linger, and reminisce.
“This will be an exciting day for everyone, a chance to educate the campers, thank the camp builders, have founders reminisce with their AYF peers, and record some vital camp history,” said Kushigian. “A lot of homage will be paid that day to worthy individuals.”
Early records show that the AYF campsite was acquired as a gift in 1939 with a view toward establishing a wholesome environment for young Armenian Americans. The tract consisted of 50 acres of rolling woodland, an undeveloped waterfront, and a few decrepit buildings.
After careful planning, the project was scarcely set into operation when World War II broke out. By 1946, wartime conditions were somewhat alleviated. The 13th annual AYF convention established a new camp committee to carry the ambitious project forward.
Pictorial accounts show a cadre of volunteers dressed in work clothes with axes and shovels in their hands, cutting trees and clearing sites for the parking space, beach, dining hall, cabins, director’s cabin, and infirmary.
Central Committee members at the time included James Tashjian, Sarkis Atamian, Vartges Surabian, Jack Chadrjian, Kenneth Kazanjian Jr., Haig Der Manuelian, and Michael Hagopian. Chairing the camp committee was Robert Tutunjian, joined by Rosanne Karoghlanian, Zaven Najarian, Paul Piligian, Charles Semerjian, John Hodoian, George Narinian, Albert Bosnian, Anahid Semerjian, George Garabedian, Pauline Sanasarian, Helen Baronian, and Hal Avedisian.
The camp officially opened in 1951 with 11 boys; two weeks later, 8 girls were enrolled. Today, upwards of 200 campers enjoy the festivities. A teen center is complemented by a day session for younger children with no shortage of activities or improvements. It’s become a work in progress ever since with new sanitation facilities the next order of business.
The camp has also hosted seminars, conventions, athletic events, and a myriad of socials. Marriages were formed here. Lifelong friendships were introduced. For the Armenian community-at-large, it’s been a shining star in our galaxy.
The job of contacting founders still alive turned into a vigorous effort by members who scoured their individual communities and took the search cross-country.
Names like Kenny Kazanian, Lucy Semerjian, Anne Surabian, and Harry Setian popped up on the radar screen in New England. Out west, there’s Paul Piligian and Sol Chooljian, a charter boys’ camper. In Florida, Charlie Piligian’s name surfaced. The Piligians, including deceased brothers Carnig and Murad, were very active AYFers in their time.
“It was always a challenge to find rides since everyone didn’t drive in those days,” recalled Dusty (Dostourian) Cotter of Worcester. “Some people had farms and they would pile into the farm trucks to get to camp.”
Whitinsville was replete with such people as Carol Tosoonian, Alice Sagherian, Sue Bedrosian, Sylvia Bedrosian, and Sippy Andonian, while Boston had people like Zaven Najarian, Marty and Hal Avedisian, Al Bosnian, Peter and Paul Felegian, Peter Eknoian, and Red Bedrosian.
You could always count on a meal from the Bedirian sisters of Franklin—Lucy, Sippy, and Zabel—but only after dragging branches all day. Their mom Parinaz was chief cook and bottle washer. A bonfire added to the ambiance.
The project’s intent was not only to emerge with living founders but those now deceased. Members researched Hairenik archives for articles published between 1939-51. Newsletters were sent and an electronic mailing list compiled.
A videotape will be available for those unable to attend the June 26 reunion. Much of the video footage has been shot by Armen Varadian over the past three years, joined by executive director Roy Callan, who has bolstered his support.
Also in the works is a Camp Haiastan history book that would incorporate significant anniversary celebrations over the decades, along with an inscribed brick of each founder placed in a designated area leading into the courtyard.
“Such a project is long overdue,” said Kushigian. “As names and photos began to surface, a new chronology was introduced. Campers will be able to share these stories of how their camp was built and the legacy it has produced.”