I have a fascination with old books. Maybe it's the musty
smell, or the cloth covers and binding, but any time I'm digging
through the used bookstore and find a canoeing or camping title,
I can't resist bringing it home.
Part of the fascination is the history lesson we can get from
these books. Ancient history in canoeing practices isn't
that long ago. I have some not-to-old books that
outline camping procedures which would make a no-trace-camping
proponent pull out their hair. It's amazing how quickly
our attitudes towards camping and environmentalism have changed
in the past 50 years. The recommendations about
camping equipment and practices are a fascinating journey into
our not-so-distant past.
Some examples from "Canoe Trip Camping" by Ronald H.
Perry, published by J. M. Dent and Sons in 1953. Marked on
the first page as "Recommended by the Canadian Camping
Association"
"Everyone should have a knife of some sort. Since it
is rarely necessary to defend oneself from wild animals, a small
jack knife with two good blades is the best. The giant
hunting knife, so popular with little boys, is a possession of
doubtful value."
"Whether for cooking, warmth or good cheer, the camp fire
is the heart of any campsite. Actually it should not be
different from any other outdoor blaze, yet somehow there is
mystery and friendship in its heat. The campfire seems to
cook food more tastily than the most elaborate city stove.
Even the smoke is different and is a tonic on a crisp, clear
day. But an eyeful, unfortunately, is just as painful as
any ordinary smoke."
The lean-to ... is the best known camp shelter, and can be
either a very simple affair or one on which considerable time
might be spent. First find two trees about 6 to 8 feet
apart. To them attach a ridge pole approximately five feet
from the ground, Cut several small poles for the roof
leaving an inch or so of the branch stubs on to assist with
thatching. Run these from the ridge pole to the ground
equal distances apart. On top of these place four or more
cross pieces and secure them to the roof poles. This will
provide a solid framework on which to place such branches as may
be secured, preferably balsam. Thatch them on carefully,
working from the bottom up with the ends of the branches towards
the ridge pole. The more layers that are added, the better
protection afforded by the roof."
 When
setting up a tent be careful to see that ... a trench has been
dug around the outside with a run off to take away possible rain
water."
Or how about these items from the 1952 version of
"Tenderfoot to Queen's Scout" the handbook of the
Canadian General Council of the Boy Scouts Association.
"Even today, the axe is the first too concerned in the
production of many things, including paper for books. For
instance it cut the trees which produced the paper for this
scout book!"
"Test No. 15 ... Make a camp kitchen with open fire and
other necessaries and prepare therein (a) two of the following
dishes: porridge, rice, pancakes. (b) a damper of half a pound
of flour or a twist baked on a thick stick. (c) a stew (as an
alternative for the stew, skin and cook a rabbit, or pluck and
cook a bird, or clean and cook a fish)."
Hard to read the captions, but this shows a variety of items
made from wood, including a cooking basket, wash basin, dish
rack, wood box, picnic table and pot holder
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