Camp Stories: "Tall Pines" Exhibit Reveals the Reaveley Family

Art and local history come together in a unique new exhibit opening at the Hancock Town Library on Jan. 7. Titled "Art and Adventure at Tall Pines: A Legacy of Local Art and History," the exhibit highlights the artwork and story of the Reaveley family, whose creative and progressive influence left a lasting mark on the region. The exhibit will be on display through Feb. 11 in the library's Daniels Room. The collection features paintings, prints and camp-related materials dating back more than 100 years. Much of the artwork was created by siblings Catherine and Evelina Reaveley, accomplished artists who taught art and crafts at Tall Pines, a summer camp they helped establish in the early 20th century. Alongside their artwork, visitors will see historic souvenirs and promotional materials from the camp, offering a rare glimpse into a vibrant chapter of local history. An opening reception will be held on Sunday, Jan. 11, from 2 to 4 p.m. (inclement weather date: Sunday, Jan. 18, 2 to 4 p.m.). A presentation featuring a talk and a short film will begin at 3 p.m. and will further explore the history of the Reaveley family, their artwork and the Tall Pines camps. The Reaveley family moved to New Hampshire from Gloucester, Mass., in the early 1900s. Of English ancestry, they were part of the progressive movement that shaped the era. Like many families at the time, they were drawn to New Hampshire by the availability of affordable farmland, as many local farms had been abandoned when farmers headed west. The family consisted of six siblings: Tom, Evelina, John, George, Catherine and Howard. Three of the siblings — John, Catherine and Evelina — later purchased a farm in Hancock from Dr. Griswold known as Moose Brook Farm. They renamed it Tall Pines Farm and Guest House, where they raised livestock, grew fruits and vegetables and maintained large apple orchards. John handled most of the farming, while the farm's guest house offered lodging and home-cooked meals to travelers. At the time, increasing numbers of summer visitors from cities sought the health benefits of fresh air, cooler temperatures and rural landscapes. Tall Pines Farm attracted many repeat guests and offered activities such as berry and apple picking, picnics, maple sugar parties, ice cream making and winter sports including skiing, snowshoeing and ice skating. A small gift shop added to the experience. In 1915, the siblings founded Tall Pines, originally called Hillside Camp, a summer camp for girls ages 7 to 18. The 100-acre camp was located on Lake Whittemore, spanning parts of Bennington and Greenfield. Camp activities emphasized outdoor recreation and the arts, including horseback riding, swimming, canoeing, tennis, hiking, basket weaving, pottery, painting, loom weaving, printmaking, theater, gardening, folk dancing and nature study. As the camp evolved, the Reaveleys expanded their vision. They later established the Tall Pines Camping Club, a summer camp for business and professional women, teachers and college students ages 18 and older. In the 1940s, they founded Camp Bass, designed for older women who gathered for social and homemaking activities such as quilting, embroidery, canning and recipe exchanges. New Hampshire played an important role in the history of organized summer camps. While the earliest camps in the late 19th century were for boys, New Hampshire became home to some of the nation's first girls' camps and was the first state to license and regulate them. Catherine ("Miss Kitty") and Evelina ("Miss Eva") Reaveley were progressive women for their time. Catherine worked in oil, watercolor and pastel and was skilled in calligraphy. She earned a certificate from Federal Schools, Inc., a commercial art correspondence program, and later served as art supervisor for public schools in Lynn, Mass. Evelina primarily painted in watercolor but was also talented in embroidery, rug hooking, wood carving and marionette-making. She taught at the Perkins School for the Blind in Boston, where she met Helen Keller, and later became blind herself. Drawing on Catherine's background in commercial art and their access to printmaking equipment, the Reaveleys produced their own camp brochures, postcards, advertisements and booklets. Many of these beautifully designed materials have survived. Although the camps were already declining due to the Great Depression, the devastating hurricane of 1938 caused severe damage, and the camps never fully recovered. Today, much of the Reaveley family artwork and camp history is preserved by the Sysyn family of Hancock. Their close personal connection to the Reaveleys ensured that these materials were carefully collected, organized and saved for future generations. This exhibit offers the community a rare opportunity to experience the artistic legacy, progressive spirit and rich local history of the Reaveley family. The exhibit can be viewed during regular library hours: Monday and Wednesday from 2 to 6 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to call the library at 603-525-4411 before arriving to confirm that no special events are scheduled. Hancock Town Library is located at 25 Main St., Hancock.