Did you know that Rockbrook was founded only 2 years after women earned the right to vote? The 19th Amendment was passed on June 4, 1919 and Rockbrook officially opened on July 6, 1921. Nancy Carrier, founder of Rockbrook, was certainly ahead of her time in creating a space for young women to come to gain independence, learn skills, make friendships and take part in adventures. It is hard to imagine the excitement a camper must have felt to pack up and ride the train to Brevard and stay at camp for 8 weeks! Here are some wonderful historical excerpts from an early camp catalog that describe the adventures.
“For 25 years camping parties have gone out from Rockbrook, thus they know by experience how far the first hike may go, where is the best spot for a moon-light supper and in what sheltered coves tents may be pitched for a stay of several days. They know where the coldest springs lie hid; when the huckle-berries are ripe on the top of the ridges’ and on whose property a canoeing party may camp.”
“Hiking. Here at Rockbrook, it means a well regulated walk amid scenes of unsurpassed beauty with a party of congenial comrades. The over-night hikes, taken after the girls have learned to climb up and down, to make camp and to care for themselves and others, are among our most popular sports.”
“The Pisgah National Game Preserve is within reach of both riding and hiking parties from Rockbrook. The forest regulations are complied with so that campers may enjoy the camping and fishing if they wish to do so.”Thanks to strong, empowered women like Nancy Carrier, we think Rockbrook Girls have always been ahead of their time! Here’s to many more years of fun, friendship and adventure in the heart of a wooded mountain.
