Munsee, NJ

I apologize for the gap between entries: keeping up with the whole blog thing is a little challenging for me. Quite a few things have happened since the last post.

First, the weekend in Munsee, NJ provided a great change of pace as well as some nostalgic feelings. For many years the monastic community in Newark resided on relatively small acreage – compared to other Benedictine monasteries. However, in the 198os they were donated property in Munsee. It is situated in a very rustic location: along a brook and sharing borders with a state forest.

The past owner ran a small summer camp. So, the property contains a main building with kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, dining room, and common rooms, a tennis court and a basketball court, a couple maintenance sheds, and three or four large cabins. In addition, this main complex sits along the base of a medium-sized hill. Walking up the hill, I discovered a few more cabins and a hiking path. Following this path for about five minutes, I witnessed the transformation of the landscape from that of a moderately dense forest to a rolling prairie. In this prairie, a brief respite carved out of a larger surrounding forest, sat a man made swimming hole. In its present state, the swimming hole is surrounded by vegetation. Though, this was not always the case: In the main building a 1960s brochure for the camp depicted the swimming hole completely enclosed by sandy beaches. Continuing the walk further, through knee high grass, I happened upon a single chain-link backstop. Close by were evergreens, including one where the pitcher’s mound should have been.

Crossing a county road led to even more monastic property. The sounds of a brook became audible a couple minutes walk from the road, and at the top of a small cliff-like mound overlooking the brook, sat a house belonging to the original owners of the camp. Because of some recent rains, the brook was high and looked closer to a river. It was in this setting that I was reminded of my time at camp Icaghowan, and the camp’s 100th anniversary. I wish I could have been there, and hope all of my old camp friends are doing well!