Rhoda Harnick

Wayne Hall Office Manager(1963 to 1983)



For a generation at Tyler Hill Camp, everybody knew Rhoda as the office manager of Wayne Hall. But she will also be remembered as the "voice of Wayne Hall," as she made all of the public address announcements coming from that building. Rhoda was one of the unsung heroes at camp, endearing herself to the CIT's, who worked with her in the main office learning to answer phone calls on that old-fashioned switchboard, a relic from the days of the Wayne Country Club. For many people, Rhoda was the link to the outside world. Former campers will remember picking up packages from home and counselors surely remember needing to cash a check or pick up messages.

Rhoda and her husband, Leo, who also helped out in the office on weekends, made many friends during Tyler Hill Camp's glory days of the sixties and seventies. She was part of an annual tradition every summer at the Tyler Hill Camp Banquet, which always fell on, or near, Herman Pingel's birthday. At the end of the banquet, Rhoda was the one who presented Herman with a gift envelope and a warm hug. It was another example of the affection that so many of the long-time veterans had for one another.

Another great contribution that Rhoda and Leo Harnick made to Tyler Hill Camp was their three children--Arlene, Janet and Paul. All three kids were spirited and athletic campers, exemplary counselors, and eventually, all three would become group leaders. And to top it off, they all had memorable turns as Color War generals.

Rhoda loved working at THC and it showed. Bill and Joe surely appreciated her hard work in performing what was a very difficult job in the days that pre-dated computers and electric typewriters. She always had a smile and something nice to say, and Tyler Hill Camp was a better place because of the entire Harnick family.

Video Clip: Rhoda presents Herman with a gift