How was CAMP TIPI MITAWA Built?
A Remarkable Woman
- The cabin was built in 1902 through the work of our great-grandaunt Harriet, who was known in the family as Aunt Hatte (pronounced like hat.)
- In the 1900 US Census Aunt Hatte is listed as a self-employed masseuse in Cohasset, MA, with an office on Main Street.
- In 1900, due to the growing interest in physical health, hygiene, and therapeutic treatments, a time period known as the Progressive Era, many women in health and wellness professions such as nurses, masseuses, and physical therapists were part of the expanding workforce of independent women at the time.
- Cohasset was (and still is) a fairly affluent coastal city, and Aunt Hatte operated her business in the center of Main St. She certainly had respected clientele giving her the means to build Camp.
- It was not uncommon in 1900 for single woman to purchase or build a rural retreat.
- In 1902, at just 31 years old, Aunt Hatte was clearly an independent and capable woman with the means to create a retreat. In March of that year, she bought 3 small adjacent pieces of property.
- She purchased the lumber to build camp from local saw mills using wood from local pine forests. In rural NH at that time there were numerous saw mills providing lumber to build houses, barns, and cabins. Local records show there were at least two saw mills close to camp. One at the lake and another just north of the cabin.
- The lumber would have been delivered using horse drawn wagons. Aunt Hatte commissioned local carpenters, masons, and blacksmiths to build camp. Construction must have begun as soon as there was the last frost. It was completed by August as seen in the first entry in camp's 1902 logbook.
Camp is Born!
- Camp was built to be a retreat for Aunt Hatte and her family and friends. It's clear from her design that she wanted a place to serve as a retreat, with the large front porch, 3 bedrooms, a large gathering space in the living room, and an eating porch. Reading through Camp's log book, it clear that she accomplished what she set out to do.
- Camp's log book from 1902 mentions fishing, canoeing, climbing and exploring everything NH. The view from the front porch was outstanding. It is not visible during the summer now, because of the tree growth hat has occurred over the past century.
Camp: Now vs. Then
- Currently, Camp is exclusively used by our family for typically one week at a time, and if lucky, maybe up to two weeks.
- For the first 30 years of Camp's life, mothers and their children would stay at Camp for weeks, and sometimes, an entire summer. Husbands would come when they were available.
- Friends and family would visit during these summers for several days or even a week, but it was really like a community all summer. Meals, activities, retreat time, and even sleep all had to be coordinated.
- Reading the log book, clearly, everything was directed by the women. Aunt Hatte even placed an ad at an all women's college over a two year period, advertising Camp Tipi Mitawa as a woman's retreat. In the ad she listed activities such as fishing, canoeing, and hiking, which were not typical for women at the time. CLICK HERE to see a copy of the original ad.
Camp has Changed
- Rather than rebuild Camp, it has been lovingly modernized through the years, starting in the 1930's when electricity was added. It was updated in the 1950's, then again in the 1990's and also, just last year.
- The foundation was reinforced in the 2000's.
- Camp had new roof put on in the 1980's, again in the 1990's and again last year.
- A microwave was added in the 1990's. Last year network equipment was installed where the microwave was and a security camera was added.
- New appliances were installed in the 2010's and 2020's.
What is Camp?
- Throughout the years, Camp is and has been literally a living museum of family history. Every pine beam, log book, or piece of memorabilia tells the story of generations of family gatherings.
- However, it is also a place of celebration, laughter, and fun where our families gather to share meals, play games, explore NH, and make new memories.
- Whether reflecting on history, exploring NH, or simply enjoying relaxing time on the porch, Camp remains a multigenerational retreat, part museum and part playground.