McWain Pond Association
Written by Bob Plate
The Plate Farm on McWain Hill has been in the Plate family for 84 years and has been a Waterford landmark for even longer. (To our surprise, we’ve even been featured in a couple of Down East calendars and on the Town of Waterford website!)
As part of the Waterford Historical Society’s monthly programs, I’ll be sharing the history of “The Farm.” I’ll begin with what we know about the property dating back to David McWain’s time, then cover its use as an active farm in the early 1900s, what life was like in the 1940s when my dad and his parents first settled here, and finally a brief look at the decades since—through five generations of Plates who have lived or vacationed on McWain Pond.
The presentation will take place in the Plate barn at 327 McWain Hill Road and will be followed by a short tour of the barn and refreshments provided by the Waterford Historical Society. We hope to see you there!
Written by Chris Tomaino
In 1965, my father, Bruno Tomaino, became the Program Director at Camp Waganaki, hired by camp owner Miller Bugliari. Camp Waganaki was founded in 1919 and originally wasn’t located on Lake McWain, but moved there soon after. Miller and my father were both teachers from northern New Jersey, and like many summer camps, the staff was made up of teachers and coaches enjoying their summers off. Ed Muzik from Camp McWain served as the Waterfront Director, and his booming voice and whistle calling “SWIMMMMM!” echoed across camp.
Ed’s father, Emile, was once the shop counselor, and many of the Whichard boys also worked at the camp. I was a camper alongside David Muzik for many years—we even shared summer birthdays. Birthdays were a big deal at camp: you’d get tossed into the lake first thing in the morning and later celebrated with a birthday cake made by Chef Larry Caret. Larry was a camp legend, often called into the dining hall from his kitchen to a standing ovation and this chant:
“Larry Larry, you’re a wonder
And when you’re old and grey
All the girls will say by thunder
You were something in your day.”
We arrived at camp a week before the campers and stayed a week after to help shut things down. Having the camp to ourselves was fun, but nothing beat the excitement of the buses arriving from New Jersey, bringing back old friends and introducing new ones. I was the oldest of the Tomaino boys and started living “down the hill” at camp when I was just eight years old.
During my years as a camper, Bill and Woody Hanger were my counselors at different times. Camp life was full of activities—from riflery and archery to swimming and woodshop. A special treat was walking with your cabin mates to Springer’s General Store to spend 50 cents on a massive bag of penny candy. New campers were often pranked into touching the electrified cow fence at Springer’s Farm.
The highlight of the summer was parents’ weekend, especially if you got invited to dinner at The Country Way Restaurant in Norway for their Smorgasbord. Other major events included hiking trips in the White Mountains and canoe adventures on the Saco and Androscoggin Rivers. As I got older, I became a CIT and then a Junior Counselor, helping with a cabin during the day and every other night.
Having every other night off was a big change. We’d head into Bridgton or Norway to explore and try new food—or attempt to sneak beer into the CIT cabin without getting caught by my dad, which was no small feat. My time at Camp Waganaki on Lake McWain was deeply formative. The life lessons and friendships I made there have stayed with me and are something I continue to treasure today.
Download the June 2024 Newsletter (PDF)
Well, Mother Nature threw us a few curve balls this past winter. There was not too much snow (until the two snowstorms very late in the season). But we did have some major storms, with extended power outages and a lot of downed trees due to rain, wind, and wet, heavy snow.
Luckily, that is all behind us now, and mud season has come gone. As I write this, we are in the middle of black fly season, which means pollen will start to fall soon. Enough of that, let the summer begin! It will not be long until we start to see docks appear on shoreline, boats out our lake, and joyous sound laughter excitement as neighbors campers return Waterford back Lake McWain.
Enough of that, let the summer begin! It will not be long until we start to see docks appear on shoreline, boats out our lake, and joyous sound laughter excitement as neighbors campers return Waterford back Lake McWain. Enough of that, let the summer begin! It will not be long until we start to see docks appear on shoreline, boats out our lake, and joyous sound laughter excitement as neighbors campers return Waterford back Lake McWain.
July 4th usually marks the start of another summer season. It’s a fun-filled day with activities for everyone to enjoy. In Waterford, the day begins with Breakfast at the Wilkins House—a great way to reconnect with neighbors and friends who’ve been away since last fall. After breakfast, you can head down to the Flat for one of the best small-town parades, which starts at 11:00 am. There’s always room for more people to join in, marching from Waterford Elementary School to the beach. If the weather’s nice, you might even ride in the parade on a fire truck or in an antique car.
If one parade is good, two are better! Join us again at 4:00 pm for the annual Commodore Bob Hanger Boat Parade. Boats gather at 3:45 off the Point at the Cottages at McWain Point, then make a slow loop around McWain, flying American flags and ringing bells while neighbors on shore cheer them on. It’s always exciting to see the Birch Rock and Waziyatah Camp docks full of campers ready to enjoy the summer on the lake.
To end the day, a fireworks display will light up the sky at 9:15 pm. It’s a beautiful way to close out a busy day, start another summer on the lake, and honor our veterans. The fireworks, donated by Matt G. Pyrotechnics and put on by Jared and Matt with help from others, are for everyone to enjoy.
As we wake up on July 5th, let’s all hope for a drier summer than 2023—and let the fun at Lake McWain begin!
Download the June 2024 Newsletter (PDF)
My favorite place to relax and watch the sunset and stars come out is by the fireplace next to the lake. There are countless reasons why, but I can’t imagine anywhere more peaceful than looking out across McWain. This spring, we were lucky to witness two incredible events in the sky. On April 8th, we saw over 98% coverage during the eclipse, and on May 10th, the Aurora Borealis put on a stunning light show! I’m already looking forward to more starry nights and celestial wonders by the lake.
Even though total eclipse viewing was less than an hour away, I couldn’t resist the chance to experience almost-total coverage right in our own backyard. After building a tiny 6-inch snowman with the last patches of snow, we put on welding helmets and launched a canoe onto the lake. Watching me paddle while wearing a welding helmet was probably more entertaining than the eclipse photos I managed to take from the unsteady boat. Still, it was an unforgettable experience. If you saw it, you know—the sky went dark! The afternoon light dimmed to dusk, the air cooled, and the crickets began to chirp.
The second event was even more magical for me. I started a campfire early, hoping to return later and catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights after 11 pm. As the sun set behind Rice Hill, we began to see movement in the sky. With friends gathered around the fire, we compared views and took pictures of the stunning greens, blues, and pinks that lit up the night.
Can’t wait for more star-filled nights and sky shows by the lake!
Download the June 2024 Newsletter (PDF)
Written by Bruce Whichard
Let’s all consider donating to a great cause! The Lake McWain fireworks display on the evening of July 4th not only kicks off another fantastic summer on the lake—it also supports a meaningful mission. Every single dollar donated goes directly to a worthy cause.
About seven years ago, Jared Whichard partnered with Matt G Pyrotechnics to put on the first public fireworks show on the lake. While a few people donated money for the display, Jared chose not to use the funds for fireworks. At the time, Jared, along with Arlene and Bruce Whichard, was on the board of Honor Flight Maine—an organization that flies veterans to Washington, DC, so they can visit their memorials. Originally focused on WWII veterans, Honor Flight Maine now also serves Korean and Vietnam War veterans.
In those early years, 100% of the fireworks donations went to Honor Flight Maine, and thanks to the generosity of the Lake McWain community, six Maine veterans were able to visit their memorials in Washington, DC. A powerful way to say thank you.
Three years ago, Jared, Arlene, Bruce, and Matt decided it was time to direct those donations closer to home. They reached out to the Waterford Congregational Church to see if there was a need in the local community. The church introduced them to “Waterford Friends in Need,” a program funded by the church and coordinated with the town. Since then, 100% of fireworks donations have gone to this fund, which helps local residents with things like heating oil, Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, and other urgent needs. Another truly great cause.
So, as you enjoy the fireworks show on July 4th—whether you’re on a boat or at the shoreline—please consider donating. Your contribution goes entirely to the Friends in Need fund.
Matt G. Pyrotechnics generously donates all the fireworks, and Jared, Matt, and others volunteer their time and effort to bring you one of the top four fireworks displays in Maine.
To donate, make checks payable to:
Arlene Whichard
PO Box 13
Waterford, ME 04088
Memo line: Fireworks donation – Friends in Need
Or, you can hand-deliver your donation to Arlene at the annual Lake Association meeting at Birch Rock Camp on Saturday, July 13, at 10:00 am.
And don’t worry—it’s never too late to donate. The church is always grateful for support of the Friends in Need fund!