Jonathan Feuer - True North on the Mowglis Compass
Jonathan Feuer came to Mowglis in 1958 - the result of a bit of serendipity when his mother learned about Mowglis from her perch on a dentist's chair. Pregnant at the time with another Mowglis icon brother Charles, Jonathan's mom decided that it might be the right time for Jonathan and his brother Robert to spend part of their summer at camp.
As a young camper, Jonathan experienced the transition from Mowglis under the private ownership of John Adams to the inspired leadership of William B. Hart Sr. and the Holt Elwell Memorial Foundation, a foundation that he himself would one day come to lead. . . though he affectionately blames Bill Hart Jr. for roping him into the job.
Jonathan digs deep in his memory bank in this conversation; reflecting on the profound impact that a young Charlie Walbridge had on his life, likewise the impact of crew coach and future HEMF President Bill Hart Jr. He speaks of his admiration for Wes Pullen, Steve Underwood, Stuart Klein just to name a few and laughs at Bill Hart's challenge to balance the crewboat - both in terms of weight and power - with a young, huge and powerful Gaius Merwin.
He speaks humorously and gratefully of his moment - in the doghouse - on "Mr. Hart's porch" and the lifelong impact it had on him.
With three racing crew stripes on his Mowglis hat, Jon is among a very elite group of Mowglis campers. He is pictured above with his Mowglis hat, its ribbons and stripes sewn lovingly by Irene Gibbs during quiet moments in the Jungle House.
There are few Mowglis to whom we all owe such a debt of gratitude but, of course, Jonathan is quick to say that - on balance - the debt he owes to Mowglis could never be fully repaid.
Listen here:
