EXTENDED FAMILY
FORWARD TWP — In the early 1900s, a group of businessmen from the Bloomfield section of Pittsburgh decided it would be nice to have a place to get away from it all.
The group, all German parishioners from St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, found a wooded spot in Fombell, Beaver County, to pitch tents, fish and hunt.
"It was started in 1907 by a bunch of guys who wanted to get away for two weeks each summer," said Jim Gemperle, 77, of Brentwood, Allegheny County, son of club co-founder John Gemperle.
Initially debating on what to name the club, the founders settled on the Royal Outing Club, adopting the name of the Royal beverage company which supplied their libations.
By the 1920s, the club decided to find a permanent location to build a campsite.
After searching the Butler County area, the members leased more than five acres off Old Route 68, north of Evans City.
Originally a men's club, the group expanded to include the families of its members.
"It gradually grew," he said.
As the club has grown and dwindled over the decades, one constant has been the same extended families, now in their sixth generation of membership.
"I've been coming up here all my life," Jim said.
The club eventually bought the land in the early 1950s.
Indicative of its German roots, the camp also has a biergarten, or beer garden, a social hall with a bar and a built-in fire pit in an outdoor tavern.
The site also has men's and women's bunkhouses, a mess hall and a playground.As many camps and cottages along the creek did years ago, the club built a dam to create a swimming area.Even before such dams became prohibited, the club built its own pool.Dave Gemperle, 49, grandson of John Gemperle and nephew of Jim Gemperle, organized the club's 100th anniversary celebration, which was held Aug. 4.About 200 people attended the festivities.Various club members spent the weekend reminiscing about past summers at the camp.Anne Farrell, 86, is the oldest member of the club. Her father, uncle and late husband were all members."It's been a wonderful place," she said. "It's a great place to roam around and not worry about cars."Margaret Mittereder, 81, of Gibsonia recalled when the club had more rules."No ladies stood in the bar," she said. "That was a no-no."Margaret attested to the camaraderie at the camp, saying people were always impressed there was no swearing and fighting among the men — or women."People couldn't understand with all of the women, there was no bickering," she said.The camp's camaraderie isn't just reserved for longtime members. People only need to visit it once to become enamored with its atmosphere.Sheila Gemperle, 37, of Cincinnati was visiting the camp for a few days. Along with her sister and 4-year-old niece, she intended to return home Saturday. But they decided to stay another day."I love it," she said. "I met relatives I never knew I had."One of Sheila's relatives, Jay Gemperle, 67, came from his Austin, Texas, home for the anniversary celebration.The gathering was poignant for Jay."Oh my gosh," he said. "Some of these people I haven't seen since 45 years ago."Jay Gemperle couldn't single out a single memory, saying all of them about the camp are special.However, his cousin Sharon Gemperle, 57, of Rockville, Md., will never forget Jay trying to teach her to swim in Connoquenessing Creek.His "idea" of lessons was to throw her in the water, she said.Loretta Chapala, 69, of Bridgeville, remembered playing hide-and-seek at the camp as a teenager."You came with your parents and had a good time," she said.Loretta savors her memories of the camp."It's a comfort zone," she said. "It's like being home."Carol Beggy, 43, the features editor for the Boston Globe newspaper, also made it back for the club anniversary.She recalled Sunday Mass held at the camp. All of the nearby farmers would attend.The priest didn't waste any time."The only time he stopped was when the train (came through)," Carol said.As children, Carol and Joey Mittereder wanted dimes to buy bottles of pop. Putting quarters in the collection basket during Mass, they took change back.After getting busted, the children were asked why they didn't just keep the quarters to not get caught. Carol and Joey reasoned their method did not constitute stealing.As the years passed, the members have scattered across the country as the founders' descendants moved out of Western Pennsylvania.
The club's 25 members use a timeshare program in the summer, rotating weeks they have the campground to themselves and their guests. All members are welcome on weekends.Each member contributes something to the campsite. Carpenters build, electricians do the wiring and others wing it by doing tasks that are not their forte.Members pay about $500 in annual dues. Invited guests pay a nominal fee to spend the day at the camp.Since the club is private, guests and members need to be invited.If guests who frequent the club want to join, they can pay an annual due to become a social member. Club members could eventually vote on accepting the individual as a member.Over the decades, the club has survived several generations and Mother Nature.Although the 2004 deluge ruined furniture, a vehicle and other items at the campsite, the main buildings withstood the water."I happened to be up here (then)," Jim said, recalling that his van was swept up by the water."It's amazing what we did in three years to bring it back," Dave said about club members making repairs.Natural disasters aside, Jim enjoys the camp's rural locale, hearing birds chirping in the morning and sitting under moonlight in the evening.What every club member enjoys is the camaraderie."Most of the people here I probably consider family," Loretta said. "That's how close we've become."
