In 1901, George & Italia Tomes headed to Maine for a family vacation. They began their trip in Brooklyn, NY and over the course of three days travelled by boat, narrow gauge road, lake steamer, and finally a horse-drawn mail coach to make it Waterford, Maine. This is when the Tomes family first laid eyes on Keoka Lake. They visited both Camp Konewago and the smaller, junior camp a little down the south side of the lake known as Camp Kokosing.
As a Girl Scout Troop Leader in Brooklyn, Italia Tomes had experience leading young women during their pivotal growth years; guiding them in learning new skills and gaining experience. Mrs. Tomes had a dream to own an all girls summer camp & in 1925, that goal was realized when she & her husband purchased the Camp Kokosing on Lake Keoka.
By 1926, the camp was up and running for pre-teen and teenage girls to spend their summer learning how to swim, sail, paddle a canoe, hike, build strong friendships, and put on productions for the local Waterford residents including musicals and pageants. It was a success, having even their own grandchildren attend as campers and eventually, camp counselors.
After 25 years, in 1950, Camp Kokosing was transitioned into a family camp from a girls summer camp when ownership was passed to the Tomes’ daughter, Shirley Strong. In the wake of World War II, it was becoming less urgent to send young people away from home and most of the original campers were all grown up. At this time, Camp Kokosing became Kokosing Vacation Club. The first guests were the parents and families of the kids that used to attend the camp. With time, the guest list extended to the friends of those parents, and their friends until it was no longer quite the secret oasis it once had been.
For the past 100 years, guests have left and arrived on Saturdays to spend a week or two in one of the ten cabins on Keoka Lake. Some families have come to Camp Kokosing for three or four generations and spent Sunday mornings snacking on donuts & coffee and getting to know their fellow campers for the week. Generations of kids have become family by spending summers swimming, playing, and growing up together.
All the original cabins are still standing, but we’ve made upgrades like bigger porches, “modern” appliances, and plumbing. We’ve downsized from two tennis courts to one, families bring their speed boats for water skiing and tubing, but there are always kayaks, sailboats, and canoes available for those looking for a slower day on the water. Kokosing Vacation Club is now owned & managed by the Tomes’ great grandchildren.
Kokosing is a place for families to come together, meet other like minded individuals, and experience a magical, peaceful summer listening to loons croon and comparing mosquito bites. We hope to see you soon!
