Finding ‘Camp Phoenix’ A Maine native delves into the history of a Piscataquis County sporting camp

“CAMP PHOENIX: THE HISTORY OF A MAINE SPORTING CAMP,” by Bill Horner, M.D.

Mention Nesowadnehunk Lake in this neck of the woods and it’s a sure bet that the ensuing conversation will conjure up images of wild brook trout boiling for emerging mayflies – green drakes, of course – while a spruce-scented dusk quietly draws the curtains of night. It isn’t likely, however, that the verbal casting would end without raising the image of Camp Phoenix, situated on the eastern shore of Nesowadnehunk.

Otherwise known as Sourdnahunk or Sowdyhunk, the lake is located in T5 R10, Piscataquis County. As the crow flies, that’s about 12 miles northwest of Mount Katahdin.

First built in 1896, Camp Phoenix set the standard for many of the Maine sporting camps that later attracted hunters and fishermen from all corners of the country. Accordingly, the Camp Phoenix of today perpetuates the outdoor traditions, culture and heritage that are still the soul and spirit of this state. In the interim, however, the camp’s rustic ambience and character were not left unthreatened.

Aware of those events, and inspired by a story that appeared in the March 1899 issue of The Maine Sportsman, Dr. Bill Horner, a coastal Maine native who is an avid fly fisherman, amateur historian and current president of the Camp Phoenix Owners Association, set out to record the history of the storied retreat.

After 12 years of diligent backtracking, he had amassed a veritable archive including records, interviews, photographs, advertisements, maps, deeds, newspaper articles and anecdotes.

The result of that research is Horner’s recently published book, “Camp Phoenix – The History of a Maine Sporting Camp.”

The 64-page trail of words begins with the original camp built and operated by Albert McLain and his son Will, and continues through changes of ownership that eventually resulted in a proposal to develop the camp into a “condominium conversion.” Owing to a fortuitous shuffle of the cards by the hands of fate, however, the proposal was withdrawn and the spacious lodge and its 19 separate log cabins now are owned by the Camp Phoenix Owners Association.

In addition to being interesting and informative, Bill Horner’s well-written book is a touchstone to the Maine that it seemed would last forever but soon began changing forever.

In addressing the unbridled development that is decimating wildlife habitats, denying public access and threatening traditional uses of natural resources, the author is circumspect and correct in stating that only through professional management and a spirit of cooperativeness can the multiple use of those treasured resources be protected and enjoyed.

All told, “Camp Phoenix – The History of a Maine Sporting Camp” is a reminder that the woods, waters and wildlife once taken for granted by sportsmen and nonsportsmen alike are gifts to be guarded.

Printed by Down East Graphics and Printing Inc., the paperback book priced at $15 is being distributed to area bookshops. It also can be ordered directly from Bill Horner: phone 207-288-3543, e-mail: phoenix8@midmaine.com.

Tom Hennessey’s columns and artwork can be seen at www.bangornews.com. His e-mail address is: thennessey@bangordailynews.net