LOCALadk Magazine

56 Spring 2018 LOCALadk Magazine LOCALadk From Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Jason Pratt, Roger Pratt, Andrew Kaercher, Kelly Pratt, Nancy Pratt, Keriann Kaercher charm. Part of the resort's appeal is that it has kept up many other traditions as well. A "fire boy" still arrives at each cottage early in the morning to light the fireplace. In the early days, this fire heat- ed the pipes for the water needed to shower and shave, but in the 1980s, water heaters were installed. The Waldheim has continued the "fire boy" tradition to allow their guests to wake up each morn- ing with a warm fire burning in the fireplace. Also, a bucket filled with leftover bread is still put out each day in the back of the kitchen for children to take and feed to the ducks that gather along the shoreline. A "bell-ringer" walks along the walkway in front of the cabins each day to let guests know when the meals are ready, and sometimes children tag along and take turns ringing the bell. Once a week, the guests are offered an opportunity for a tradi- tional camp picnic. They are taken on a boat ride and then a hike to reach another remote lake. There, the traditional picnic featuring favorites such as fried bacon, potatoes, steak, and even pancakes, is cooked over an open fire. "It's a nice tradition," said Keriann. "It gives the guests an opportunity to really get to know each other." Guests can also take leisurely hikes on their own, or take out ca- noes, kayaks, or paddleboards. Some guests bring their own boats. There are also swimming and picnicking spots at The Waldheim. Puz- zles and board games are available for quiet evenings or rainy days. Once a family starts staying at The Waldheim, they are given first priority for reser vations the following summer. Mar y Ellen Bern- hardt, 77, first set foot at The Waldheim when her parents rented a cottage at the resort in 1958. At the time she was 17 years old, and her family had come from Buffalo to stay at Big Moose Lake. They

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