Camp Wanake

The Legend of
Chief How How

          Long ago, before there existed a camp on the Wanake property and before white man settled the area, the indians ruled the land. A great and wise indian chief lived on the land and ruled over his tribe. He liked to sit on the highest point in the area under the largest tree. Today that point is the top of the hill by Vesper Hill. Because he was so great and wise, he was well respected and the indians of his tribe would lay down their lives for him.

          The chief had one small problem. He was burdened with a speech impediment - he studdered. When he would want to say the indian word "how" meaning hello, it would come out "hhhoww - hhow."

          The indians of the tribe, having great respect for their chief, returned his greeting by saying "how how" so not to offend him. When white men, and later campers, came to this area they met these indians and quickly learned to say "how how."

          Now we use the words "how how" to say "hello", "goodbye", "good job", etc. So, the next time you are at Wanake and you hear the words "how how," think of the great chief - Chief How How.

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