Submitted
by: Carey Kollock Madigan
In 1967, my Dad (John Kollock) began a yearly boat race
called the “Macartan Campbell Cup Race” which took place on the Soque River
between Hardman’s Bottom and Wall’s Bridge Road, as the river flows. This was
THE EVENT of the summer! Family, friends, friends of friends descended upon our
summer home in a wild array of themed costumes before loading up children and
canoes to begin the race. We were quite a spectacle for the passerby as station
wagons and VW buses unloaded people and river crafts on Hardman Bottom Bridge.
As the bull horn sounded each entries first stroke into the gentle rapids, we
all watched cheering them on until they were out of sight.
Once all the boats were in the river, the caravan of
onlookers would make their way to the finish line. Here the bridge was awash
with people above and below looking out for the first boat to come into view.
With a chorus of “stroke, stroke!” wafting toward them, every entrant leaned
into their final pull to cross the finish line. Tired and wet, canoeist were
congratulated as boats were hauled up to the road. Once the last boat had come
in, times were tallied and a winner announced. A smiling bedraggled group with
winners holding up the “cup” was photographed before one and all made their way
back to the lake for a potluck mean, swimming and shared stories that lasted
until dark.
This wonderful event took place for 13 years. I will always
be reminded of my Dad and his love of people when I think back on this one day
every summer that brought so many together for a simple yet grand adventure.
