Tapawingo Beginnings as written by
Mildred Sexmith
for the 40th anniversary celebration held in 1988:
On the long weekend in May in the year '48
a party of eight ventures' drove to Candle Lake.This photo includes five of the eight venturers'
Photo submitted by Carolyn Fox (nee Lambert)
Back Row: Rev. Vic Sanguine (Minister at Nipawin) and Mrs. Sangwine
Front Row: (from left to right) Gerald Lambert, Carolyn Lambert, Rev. Jack Lambert and Minister at Aylsham with Janet Lambert
The group just had four ministers, two wives and children too. And they asked a friendly Ranger if he had a clue...
Where a special spot would be with a wide and shallow shore, And spruce and poplar trees.
Who could ask for anything more?Jean, Lois and the children climbed into a 4-wheel jeep
They pulled a small wee trailer with Vic, Rae,
George and Jack in a heap.Over the bumpy trail they went; off into the trees. Their stomachs did some flips and flops, and the mosquitoes bit their knees.
At last they got to the special spot; what a sight they did behold: A beautiful sandy beach they found with clear water (but oh so cold).
One of the women donned her suit and waded into the deep To ensure the rest of the shallow beach.
She finally took the leap.Later on she got the shakes and the others bundled her up. They pitched their tent to spend the night
after they had a "mug up".The next morning when they awoke, they explored the area round And decided that the church camp would be built before too long.
Rae Allan called the camp 'TAPAWINGO'. What a name! It meant "a place of happiness".
The Haida Indians shared the fame.So that was the beginnning. A dollar was then paid, And Tapawingo was claimed for us.
The foundation had been laid.Now we thank our God and Creator for the vision of those few, And pray we'll always cherish our past
and look to the future too!
Camp Dining Hall in 1948Photos on this page submitted by:
Photo submitted by Carolyn Fox (nee Lambert)
Picture taken at the swim beach