Si Ragsdale Jr. Dedication at Triple S Weekend

 

An open letter from Kathy Ragsdale to Former and Current Stewart Campers and Staff

I want to tell you about something exciting that will take place during this fall’s 52^nd SSS Gathering, Aug. 31-Sept. 3.

We will be unveiling and dedicating a life-sized bronze of Si Ragsdale Jr., demonstrating a proper handshake to a young camper as a special feature of the weekend.

The actual dedication will be 4 pm, Sept. 1, in the area between the Stewart Office and Canteen (former Armadillo Arms), lasting approximately an hour.

I felt SSS was the proper time to dedicate his bronze as SSS was one of the many unique contributions he made to Stewart and one that reached across the generations.

Conceived as a time for men to gather, enjoy good food, music, camaraderie, networking, etc, as well as camp and special activities in the beautiful setting of Camp Stewart, SSS has grown to include sons and grandsons through the years.

You can come just for the dedication ceremony if you are not able to attend the entire SSS, and as a one-time special for those who cannot make the entire weekend (space permitting) you can come for the ceremony, Saturday evening dinner and activities, spend the night and participate Sunday morning. (The only housing available will be for SSS attendees and staff).

Can you tell this is something I felt former campers and staff might want to be a part of and that I am excited about?

 

Sculpture Background

Right after Si died (1-5-11), I asked Marsha Elmore, owner/director of Camp Waldemar and a noted amateur sculptor, if she would do a bronze of Si.  Initially, my thought was to ask Marsha to recreate his infamous jumping in the air and clicking his heels in “Down by the Old Millstream” which still honors him at many campfires.

Yet as time passed and former campers visited and reminisced, I realized Si’s real legacy to so many men were the lessons shared during Pow Wow each day.

A major one was teaching how to properly shake hands.  Those Pow Wow sessions of ‘look me in the eye, and give me a firm grip’ were mentioned time after time, so in the summer of 2017 I finally gave Marsha the go-ahead.

She began the long process right after camp, 2017, and finished just prior to camp, 2018.  The foundry came to her studio to make the mold; the piece is so large and intricate.

It will stand not only as a lasting tribute to Si, but also to the many boys and men he influence throughout his lifetime, at Stewart and beyond.

A few have asked if smaller replicas will be available for purchase. Marsha is currently working with the foundry to see what can be done and the price would be for a limited number.  If you are interested in receiving this information when we get it, please email me (kathy@campstewart.com).

 

SSS Labor Day

As a special tribute to Si, this SSS Gathering will have many retro aspects.

Doan (Chef Doan Shockley) is adapting selections from original menus (some even typed by Si) and George (Morgan, SSS Director) is reaching out to several of the original instructors to see if they can join us. It promises to be a fun time!

Junior Pruneda is bringing back his original ‘Junior Sympathy Band” (as affectionately called by Si) and will be playing many of Si’s favorites throughout the weekend as well as the western swing he is noted for currently.

Jim Kuper, one of the original SSS instructors, will be here once again offering fly fishing

 

Details

SSS begins Friday, August 31, 2018, anytime after 3 pm, and ends following brunch on Monday, September 3. (SSS is an all-male weekend, except for the dedication).

There is a 10% discount for early registration prior to August 15. Discounted price in (x).

Cost for 1 adult:                              $450 ($405)

Cost for 1 adult/1 child:                $650 ($585)

Cost for 1 adult/child over 21:     $700 ($630)

Cost for 2 adults/1 child:              $900 ($810)

Each additional child:                    $95

Overnight Sat. thru Sunday lunch:     $150 special event rate

You may register here. If you are not a camper family on Campminder, you can create a profile, register and pay through there. Current families can easily register. You may also call camp during office hours (830/238-4670); or email George (george@campstewart.com). Heart O’the Hills will be hosting a Mother/Daughter SSS simultaneously.

 

Last Note

As you can tell, I am hopeful that many former campers, Program Directors, Chiefs and friends will use this as a reunion time and return to be part of this memorial weekend as we pay tribute to Si and the legacy he left at Stewart.

A number of ‘old timers’ such as David Appleton (oldest living program director), Creighton Maynard (first chief), Jeff White (leading Stewart favorite songs),  Larry Davis (who has attended all but 1 Labor Day SSS with his son Steven), Joe Herring, Jr. (Si’s community influence), Rob Stull (Si’s uncommon friends) and Marsha Elmore (sculptor) are among those who have committed to being on hand for the dedication.  Of course, Jane Ragsdale and Jeeper will be on hand and participating. Jeff (White) says he has been talking to a number of Chiefs about making it a reunion weekend.

Some have told me that they are making it a multi-generational family affair: I can’t wait!

Do come and enjoy Stewart from an adult-perspective, just as Si dreamed it!

~Kathy Ragsdale