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Durbar (1) a formal reception marked by pledges of fealty given to an Indian or African prince by his subjects or to the British monarch by native princes. (2) what The Commodore, for reasons all his own, called reunions of Hyde Bay campers and councilors.
"The great Durbar of 1912 is said to have cost the Maharajah of Jodhpur 2,000,000 rupees."
The Committee on Arrangements Cost Per Person letter from Durbar III |
The Final Banquet
March, 1970
Final Banquet sign painted by Tom Lynn
1970
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Tom Lynn writing 08/01/11- Looking at the "history" of the Durbars at HydeBay.net, I can shed a little light. In March 1970, just a few months after we all learned that HBC was to go out of existence, the "Final 'Final Banquet'" was held in Baltimore at the former Eudowood Gardens banquet hall in Towson, MD. Some of the old guard decided to throw this (presumed) "last hurrah." My father was one of the people who helped organize it along with Bucky Turner and other B-more folks. I was assigned the duties of making a large poster for it, as well as table "centerpiece" drawings. I believe there were at least two designs: a drawing of a pyramid tent and one of a rumpled cot/bed. Walter Lord kept one and had it out on display in his apartment in NYC when Dad and I visited in 1983 to watch the Orioles trounce the Yankees during the season of the Birds' last Series appearance - and victory. Harry Turner can tell more about Walter's "displays" to honor visitors.
Mike Hilliard writing 08/01/11- I recall attending the "Final 'Final Banquet" at Eudwood Gardens in Towson, MD the spring after the final season of camp. I remember going with my parents, Dee-Dee, Mouldy, Betty, and the Davison's. |
Durbar I
Circa 1976
Tom Lynn Writing 08/01/11- Durbar I was held in 1976, I believe, followed by a 10 year break until Durbar II in 1986. Durbar III, though, was only 4 years later, in 1990. Then, the longest break occurred, with Durbar IV taking place in 2003. It was then that Rusty said something during an Otsego cruise on behalf of us younger campers to the effect of "it was time for the younger generation to take over"! We had a quick poll to determine if we should "durbar" every 4 years or 5 years. Feeling exuberant (and presidential?) the consensus was every 4 years. Thus, we've had that quadrennial thing happening since ... and no impeachments -- so far...
Larry Pickett writing 05/24/11- Not 100 % sure but it may have been in Baltimore maybe in 1972 (this is a guess)? I've got a 'silver' round tray somewhere but can't find it. The name durbar may not have been in use then. |
Durbar III
September 6-9, 1990
Doug Coupe came through with info on this reunion. |
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Durbar II
September 6, 1986.
This invitation is all we have. |
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Durbar IV
June 26-29, 2003
Photos and Comments
Photo courtesy of Josh Shoemaker |
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Durbar V
June 21-24, 2007
Photo courtesy of Winston Wood |
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40th Reunion
of the
Last Bonfire
Aug 22 - 23, 2009
Photo by Rusty Pickett |
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Durbar VI
August 4-7, 2011
Photo Courtesy
Shirley & Bob Cunningham |
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Contact us is you have any information
on Durbar I, II or III |
Back to The Lodge |
