GATHERING OF THE "OHIOS"
That evening the girls met in Kate Hollister's library. Although it was
June and there was a log fire in the fireplace it was not warm. The
girls carried a small flag upon which the word "Ohio" was embroidered,
and underneath appeared a horse-chestnut. Each girl had made her own
flag and they were well done.
That afternoon Kate had taken her cousin to the Camp Fire counsel,
where, upon her signifying the desire to become a member, the silver
ring had been presented to her.
After order had been established and the roll called, Kate, who made a
dignified Guardian, began to address the girls, formally introducing
her cousin, the new member. Then Ethel repeated the following:
"It is my desire to become a Camp Fire Girl and to obey the Law of the
Camp Fire, which is
Seek beauty,
Pursue knowledge,
Give service,
Be trustworthy,
Hold on to health,
Glorify work,
Be happy.
"This Law of the Camp Fire I will strive to follow."
Then she took her seat while Kate arose and explained the Law, phrase by
phrase, after which Ethel stood before her and repeated the Wood
Gatherer's Desire, whereupon she taught Ethel the "sign" which was made
by flattening the fingers of the right hand against those of her left,
which indicates crossed logs. From the first position, Ethel raised her
right hand and followed the curves of an imaginary flame. Kate explained
that this sign was used by the early American Indians. It may be made
easier by placing the fingers of the right hand across those of the left
with the forefinger slightly raised. Ethel learned how to use the sign
and practiced it, after which Kate presented or awarded honors to the
various girls who had worked for them. They were only the different
colored beads, but each girl's eyes beamed with happiness as she
received them.
Then they showed Ethel the "Count" book, in which were kept records of
their work and play. The leaves were of brown paper and laced together
with a leather thong or cord. The cover was of leather also. Symbolic
charts for recording the requirements of the Fire Maker and Torch
Bearer, as well as for nearly two hundred Elective Honors, were parts of
the book. The book contained ninety-six pages. It was arranged for a
group of twelve girls. Should the group grow larger, more leaves could
be added. Three leaves for each girl were in the first part of the book.
These were for recording the honors and requirements, making thirty-six
pages. The balance of the pages were for the records of events,
pictures, and pen and ink sketches, etc.
The totem of the Camp Fire is as painted on the brown leather cover. It
should always tell some legend or story--some natural industry or beauty
which is true to the locality in which the Camp Fire is located. The
"Ohio" Camp Fire totem was a large horse-chestnut under the word
"Buckeye." The first leaf was left blank; the second was the title leaf
upon the top of which appeared the name of the Camp Fire, and at the
bottom the date of the first council fire; following the title leaf each
girl fills out her group of three leaves. On the first she will write
her name, date of birth, parents' names, birthplace, and present
address. She also puts down the date as she attains each rank, using for
the month the Indian name. On the next leaf were symbols of all Elective
Honors, and these were painted in colors corresponding to the beads
received. The third leaf for each girl was for her individual
symbol,--the chosen name with its meaning,--for each girl naturally
wishes to own some name by which she may be known. She may hold some
desire which to her may mean the way in which she may give of herself
the best. Perhaps some poem has lines which she feels are a response to
her desire. Not only could these girls write what happened and insert
photographs of their excursions, but they were at liberty to make pen
pictures along the margin of the leaves of the book--all Indian signs
from a moon to a snake, telling of a trip to Rat snake Pond, etc. They
were to use the rhythm of Hiawatha, which after a little practice becomes
the natural language for some girls and it adds much to the interest of
the Count; for instance,
"Supper over, now they hasten
To their wigwams, all excitement,
And from hence soon reappearing
Now true Indian maidens seem they,"
etc.
"Now that we have initiated our new member," said Kate, "and have
explained to her about the Count book, etc., we shall postpone the rest
of the ceremonies until we reach Camp, as I know that each one of you
will need your rest. So we'll meet at the train for the boat landing at
eleven tomorrow. I hope it will be a fair day. Take plenty of wraps
along for it is cold tonight and it bids fair to be so tomorrow."
Then saying goodnight to each as they left the room, Kate and Ethel
found themselves alone in front of the dying fire.