Sweet Charlotte - Bell Towers on Waymarking.com

I was raised in the rural community of Burnt Lake just east of Sylvan Lake in central Alberta. At the time, the Farm Women's Union of Alberta was active in the community addressing rural issues and providing and important social and political voice for Alberta farm people. In 1965 the FWUA awarded me a sponsorship to attend Goldeye camp. For me it was an incredible opportunity. In addition the general leadership seminars, the camp fires, and all the good things of a summer camp as well.

At the time, Goldeye camp was new. There was a new general meeting hall with stone fireplace and several new dormitory cabins set back into the trees. In the center of the development there was a bell tower made of tall pine poles topped by the latest acquisition, a big bell. Every morning the bell was rung with enthusiasm and determination by a camp counselor who felt it a duty to ensure that everyone was wide awake and ready for a new day.

One chilly morning we were all gathered at the foot of the tower and informed that the first task of the day was to provide a name for the bell. It was early and cold and we were all missing the comfort of our beds; however we rose to the occasion and tried various names. None of the suggestions seemed quite right and all of us were casting around for inspiration. It was Patti Page who provided the answer. That summer of 1965 her song "Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte" was constantly on the radio. As we stood shivering in the morning breeze, I spoke up. "Let's call it Sweet Charlotte," I suggested, “because it would be nice if it would 'hush, hush' especially in the morning." The name was adopted and the bell has been dutifully rousing campers and refusing to hush ever since.

- Murray Lindman

Address of Tower: Nordegg, AB Canada T0M2H0 Still Operational: yes Number of bells in tower?: 1 Relevant website?: [Web Link] Rate tower: Tours or visits allowed in tower?: Not listed

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