From the Archives - Les Compagnons

  

I never tire of reprinting print ephemera from the collection of Pillpat (agence eureka).  Next to the Library of Congress, no other flickr stream issues forth so many amazing, hard to source images of French clothing catalogs, playing cards, maps, children's books, educational texts and party games from the early to mid twentieth century.  Here's a terrific, scouting themed coloring book, Les Compagnons, that defies the user to reproduce or improve upon what has already been illustrated.  While the coloring book lacks explanatory text, its presentation of well appointed campers and hyper stylized camp sites reminds me of Tom's beloved Little Golden Book of Camping and Camp Craft (1959).  I'm including a few blank page in case Archival readers wish to draw up their own aspirational scenes from camp.   Scan and send me the results. I'll repost in a future blog.

 

 

 

  

Shopping from 1977 - Men's Club Magazine

Per Peter Allen - Everything Old is New Again. I've been browsing through the pages of Men's Club magazine from Japan. Who needs a costly Free & Easy subscription when everything about outdoor and inspired cycling garb has already been spelled out in 1977. Here are a few sample views:





I love the mixed view approach of Japanese magazines: model the fashion and then provide a beautifully arranged, spatialized shopping list of essential supplies. Even in 1977, Brooks saddles, lace up leather cycling shoes and French cyclo-tourist bags were the final word.




Makes sense to me - backpacking along the interstate. Don't forget your flask and water filter.

Summer Camp Review - 2012

While I edit together a new kinoks movie, here are a few placeholder views of my return trip to Camp Robbinswold. Thanks to Sara T. (and an amazing cast of extras) for performing as my camp hands and feet since my historical surrogate was unavailable.

Archival Camp

I'm heading off to my childhood summer camp for a much needed, late August media disconnect. In lieu of a twitter feed I'm posting these photos of my future self enjoying camp activities.

Shopping from 1952: Summer Camp Kit

Next week, I'll be heading to the Hood Canal for a weekend at my old summer camp. Since I'm fulfilling my packing list from the pages of the 1952 LL Bean catalog, I'll only need to shop for few perishable provisions (coffee beans, 35mm film and almonds).

I have a two shoe rule for traveling but I couldn't decide between the no-sole moccasin, camp oxford and canoe shoe, so I'll pack all three (and throw in the 9" moccasins just in case I do some ad hoc tramping and fishing).

All my gear will be packed in Bean Zipper Duffles and our trusty A.C. rucksack (camp tested by Sweet Juniper).


Camping in the movies:

Charlotte Vale's well appointed camp site (Now Voyager)