From the Archive: Nathala M. Case

We’ve all seen this small marker on the stone pedestal in the chapel.

But who was Nathala Case? And why is this plaque here?

Sadly, very little is known of Nathala as she lived only four years, from 1906-1910.

So why is she memorialized at Camp Mohawk? The answer lies with her parents,

Fredus Moses Case, and her mother Nathala Parsons Merwin Case.

Fredus lived most of his life in Windsor, CT and the last six years in Milford, CT. He was a well-respected and prominent citizen in both towns. He was First Selectman in Windsor for several years and in 1883, served one term as the youngest state Representative in the State Legislature. Fredus was active in the Congregational Church in both towns and ran the gymnasium connected to the Milford church. He was also active with the Boy Scouts.

This photo of a memorial plaque in our archives reads: Lodges One to Five erected in loving memory of Fredus Moses Case. A man who loved youth-one who labored joyfully and effectively as a pioneer in building Camp Mohawk.

As an aside, our history also states that Mr. Case interested Mrs. N.M. (Nannette) Pond of Milford in Camp Mohawk.  Mrs. Pond donated the funds to build the original Pond Lodge dining hall and recreation building. It was struck by lightning and destroyed by fire in 1923 and rebuilt with insurance funds in time for the 1924 camp season.

Fredus Case passed away on December 26, 1925. His wife continued their connection to Camp and donated the funds used to create the Chapel. On August 8, 1937, the Chapel was dedicated with the stone pedestal and simple plaque with their daughter’s name. It was then called the Nathala Merwin Case Memorial Chapel.

Writer’s Note: The Fredus Moses Case dedication plaque is lost to time. Does anyone remember where it was on Camp or know the location of Lodges 1-5?