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Summertime in the BelgradesContentsfor Printing
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Castle Island: A Fishing Tradition ContinuesFulfilling a dream is how Rhonda and John Rice describe their purchase of 75-year-old Castle Island Camps three years ago. Along with young daughters Lydia and Elizabeth — and Paige, who was born last summer — the Rices represent a changing of the guard, a new generation full of enthusiasm, dedication and love for this unique, historic business which is one of only four traditional fishing camps remaining in a chain of lakes that once had eighteen of them. "We're the kids," says John, whose three years of ownership barely compare to the longevity records of some guests. One family has returned for 47 years, and one man who came to Castle Island 54 years ago with his grandfather is now bringing his own grandsons. Although fishing is the leading attraction, especially in the spring, the summer has become more family-oriented. Swimming, boating, a cozy recreation room, and a full meal plan are part of the appeal. The other part is the simplicity, rusticity, and hospitality. Other than repairs and sprucing-up the twelve cabins and other buildings, the Rices have no plans to change the decades-old character and charm of Castle Island. They don't even plan to change the menu, which includes a single sitting lunch and dinner and breakfast from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. "We're not too fancy," John describes, and that's the way it's always been. The Rices are the fourth family to be carrying on the tradition, which began in 1929 with Leighton Castle, a Belgrade native, boat builder, and fishing guide whose 200-acre homestead stretched from the West Road to the tiny island which separates Long Pond into Upper and Lower. Following a successful lawsuit against Elizabeth Arden, his abutting neighbor, to prove ownership, Leighton built his camp on Castle Island and ran it for 17 years. When health problems dictated he move to Florida, Leighton sold Castle Island to his nephew George Weiss, who ran it from 1947 to 1970. Leighton's son, Horatio then took over Castle Island until Rhonda (George's granddaughter) and John ("I married into the family.") Definitely a team, the Rices share all the daily detail of making Castle Island "a catered vacation." ("Not too many moms complain that they don't have to make a bed," says Rhonda.) John does all the cooking, while Rhonda preps for lunch and dinner, makes the desserts, and helps serve. They each take one day a week to go shopping (alone). And they both contribute to the loving, caring parenting that are obvious in their children. Relaxation? Rhonda takes time to swim with the girls, while John admits happily to the occasional hour out fishing with a guest. "The families, the connections, the relationships Plans to celebrate the 75th anniversary include barbecues, local performers and musicians, and commemorative magnets and t-shirts for the guests to take home. For more information about Castle Island Camps, visit their web site.
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