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!
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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!
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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!
Download the June 2024 Newsletter (PDF)
Written by Nancy Hanger
In 2006, a loon laid an egg on Damons’ dock. Too much rain had eliminated the few places available for nesting. Damons called Bill and me, and the floating nest began with helpful supplies from the Muziks and the Plates.
Bill and I were fortunate to have such a great view of the nest. We saw them mate on the nest (they can only do so on solid ground). We saw an egg being laid. We watched them sit through pouring rain and being attacked by black flies. We watched them take turns sitting on the nest or calling for the other mate when it was late for its shift (you can’t tell them apart).
We watched them get low in the water when folks would get too close. (I, the evil witch, would yell at the encroachers.) When there were two chicks, we watched the chicks fight for dominance even before they left the nest. The adults fought an eagle in the water to protect a chick.
Some years there were two chicks; some years one, and some years none. There were unfertilized eggs. There was an egg cracked open by a raven. An egg was accidentally kicked into the water, followed by a plaintive call from the adult. One June was so cold and rainy that neither egg hatched. It is stressful to have eagles in the trees above you and the snapping turtle lounging on the rock not far away. Loons will look for a new site if they have had low success, which ours have had these past few years. He has tried to persuade her to get into the nest. He has done it often. She just swims by.
Lucky for us, there will be new loon tenders next year. My daughter and her husband, Lisa and Scott Fraley, have helped me put in the nest these past few years. It was their last act on the pond before they moved to Arizona. The new “nesters” are Leah and Walker Roberts, with help from Mary Martin and Peter Sevcik. The nest will be down closer to the dam.
The loon is the first bird in the bird books. The Call of the Loon is one of the most iconic. When I first came to McWain Pond in 1967, there weren’t any loons. Getting rid of DDT and lead sinkers has brought them back. In these past seventeen years, seventeen chicks have fledged from the nest. That’s a good thing.
It’s spring at last, Birch Rockers, and Opening Day is approaching fast! This edition of The Birch Bark is devoted to three of our finest gentlemen. We pay tribute to the one and only Rich Deering ’73, who celebrates 50 years at BRC this season. We honor Erik Joelsson ’99, newly appointed Assistant Director, for his 25 stellar years at Birch Rock. And with deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved Toby Brewster, ’60s, S’80s, P’10s, at his home in Concord, NH after a long illness.
We have had an exceptionally wet spring. Let’s hope that the sun shines soon, indicating that summer is close by. Hopefully, the lake temperature will get a bit warmer before July 4th.
Hoping that July 4th is a nice sunny day, the Traditional Commodore Bob Hanger Boat Parade will set out promptly at 4:00 pm. Boats of all types are invited to rendezvous off the Point at the Cottages at McWain Point at about 3:45 pm. The past few years we have had a huge turnout, both by boats joining in the slow circle of Lake McWain and the many land owners on their docks waving American flags, blowing horns and ringing bells as the flotilla motors by. It is a special treat to navigate past Birch Rock Camp and Camp Waziyata and see their docks lined with campers from all over the globe. But, as Commodore Bob Hanger stated, “either rain or shine,” he hopes that at least one boat will always continue the tradition he and his wife started over 50 years ago.
July 4th will come to an explosive close starting at 9:15 pm when Matt G. Pyrotechnics, along with Jared W., put on an impressive aerial delight of beautiful fireworks out over Lake McWain. ALL the fireworks are donated for you to enjoy by Matt G. Pyrotechnics. The Whichard family does collect donations, and, as in the past, 100 % of these donations are turned over to the Waterford Congregation Church for “friends in need.” Last year, donors gave slightly more than $3,500.
Come on, neighbors, let us set a FIREWORKS DONATION GOAL of $4,000 for the summer of 2023! Donations are ALWAYS accepted. Checks may be made out to:
Arlene Whichard
(Fireworks donation)
Arlene Whichard, PO Box 13, Waterford ME 04088
One of our greatest pleasures here at McWain Pond is the return of the hummingbirds around the first week of May. With our feeders ready for another season, filled with homemade nectar, we await their return from their migration from Central America! A singular bird seems always to arrive first to kind of “check things out,” and soon after, many others follow. Their antics keep us happily entertained through the summer! If you are interested in learning more, there are many books and resources on everything “hummingbird.” Truly a source of enjoyment for us.