If we were to re-enact a pioneer day, pereemad could cook over a wood-burning stove, as per the reminiscences of the first perenaine Hilja Kütt. Her written memories of the summer of 1953 were read by Lia Kaljurand. In those days there were so many Estonian butchers and pagarid to go around in Toronto, that different ones supplied the camp each week throughout the long 8-week camp season. The little farmhouse had no running water back then, kids had to bring along their own dishes and the big hit on the menu was berliini pannkoogid, more akin to deep-fried donuts.
The evening of May 31 at Tartu College kicked off the camp's 60th anniversary celebrations and was organised by members of Jõekääru Suvekodu Selts together with Tartu College and VEMU's chief archivist, Piret Noorhani, in association with the Home Movie History Project.
An old 1958 film was brought to the attention of VEMU (Museum of Estonians Abroad) by film enthusiast Kalev Raudoja, who was also on hand to provide running commentary. Support was also received from the Estonian Film Archive for the digitalisation of the old home movies, which Marcus Kolga later helped montage into a shorter film. VEMU was responsible for the digitalization of 26 albums of old Jõekääru photographs, and from the large collection of pictures throughout the years, putting together an entertaining visual show.
The first 20-minutes of film shown were shot in 1958 by a teenage Ants Toi, who was a kasvataja (counsellor) at the time. A teenager's perspective was refreshing and fun indeed! We were reminded of various bygone rituals including hair in curlers, elaborate Valguspeo plays and so much rahvatants (folk dancing), it made your head spin.
Rudolf Mathiesen's film footage spanning 1962 to 1973 was a time capsule of neighbouring Kivioja summer festivals, 20th anniversary celebrations and the one time Balti Olümpia, which brought over 300 Baltic athletes to Jõekääru to compete from all over North America. In front of an audience of close to 3000! VEMU head archivist Piret Noorhani pointed out, that even seemingly everyday home movies, such as scenes taken around a Jõekääru cottage, have great value down the road, as Rudolf Mathiesen's footage proves. VEMU awaits any and all such valueable historical documents for future generations to behold.
Between films life-long camper and former camp leader Jaan Schaer, camper Merike Kalm, recent kasvandik and kasvataja Markus Liik and longtime swimming instructor Mai Kreem shared how Jõekääru has influenced their lives. The evening was topped off by a 5-minute video from 2006 and a slide show of photos taken by Merike Luud dating back to 1984.
Did you ever dream of being crowned Jõekääru prints or printsess? Or do you remember who you envied for having taken the throne? Krista Raun Spence introduced the Prints and Printsess project, led by Ellen Valter. They are trying to fill in the gaps (names and faces) time has erased from memory, but surely not everyone's memory and would appreciate everyone's help. Tauno Mölder spoke on behalf of EstDocs, reminding everyone to put on their thinking caps and try their hand at a short 7-minute documentary for competition and a chance to be showcased at the next vintage film night… And the VEMU museum would very much appreciate people donating or even briefly sharing any of their Jõekääru memorabilia and documention. Please contact Linda Karuks at Tartu College for further information linda@tartucollege.ca, 416-925-9405.
Who do we have to thank for this evening? Piret Noorhani, Kalev Raudoja, Eesti Filmiarhiiv, Teele Trei, Kerly Ilves, Agnes Neier, Marcus Kolga, Taavi Tamtik, Andre Vare, Eva Kütti and Jõekääru Suvekodu Seltsi juhatus, Lia Kaljurand (MC), Krista Spence, Monika Kolga, Heikki Novek, Rita Kütti, Eerik Valter and Linda Karuks. Also, for sharing their memories and stories, Jaan Schaer, Mai Kreem, Merike Kalm, Markus Liik and Hilja Kütt (sent by Toomas Kald). Not to mention the men behind the cameras and their fans.
You are all awaited at the Jõekääru 60th anniversary celebrations starting at noon on July 14. It will be perekonnapäev or Family Day at camp, with a Valguspeo (Festival of Lights) performance at 7 pm. Külapoisid, Lehmapoisid and Kungla will be among those performing, in addition to the campers. Naturally there will be a sing-along and bonfire. See you all there! For more on the Jõekääru vintage film night including photos, please see Eda Oja's article in last week's Estonan language issue.
Riina Kindlam
