Dave Porter At Bear Camp

In Short

This is a classic piece of early 20th-century juvenile fiction, serving as the eleventh installment in a long-running series. It follows a group of affluent, well-meaning teenagers as they embark on an automobile trip and set up a lakeside camp. While the plot features standard outdoor adventures—hunting, swimming, and exploring—it is primarily driven by the persistent, uninvited presence of the protagonist's past rivals. The book has endured as a nostalgic artifact of a specific era of American boyhood, emphasizing manners, physical self-reliance, and the triumph of the "manly" hero.

The Story

The narrative begins with a sense of calm domestic stability for Dave Porter, a young man who has recently found success in the American West and achieved financial stability for his friends through the discovery of the "Landslide Mine." Eager for a change of pace, Dave and his core group of companions—Phil Lawrence, Roger Morr, Shadow, and Ben Basswood—embark on a maritime voyage, followed by an ambitious automobile tour through the Adirondacks. Their destination is a secluded retreat known as Bear Camp, near the scenic Mirror Lake.

The trip is not without its difficulties. The boys face the physical challenges of rugged mountain roads, unpredictable weather, and the occasional breakdown of their touring cars. However, their primary source of friction is the reappearance of Link Merwell, a vindictive former classmate and associate of criminals who has previously caused Dave significant trouble. Merwell, initially suspected to be a "wild man" haunting the local woods, is revealed to be lurking near the camp, intent on unsettling Dave and his friends.

As the group settles into their camp life, the tension between Dave and his past begins to overshadow the outdoor recreation. Dave discovers that Merwell has been writing harassing letters, attempting to cast doubt on Dave’s origins and personal character. The boys eventually confront Merwell, and after a brief, scuffled physical altercation, they manage to apprehend him. They hold the captive in a woodshed, guarded by turns, until they can turn him over to the local authorities.

Concurrently, the group navigates social dynamics within their circle. There is lingering, subtle tension between Dave and his romantic interest, Jessie Wadsworth, exacerbated by jealousy regarding another girl Dave once saved. These emotional hurdles, while less dangerous than a confrontation with a criminal, prove just as taxing for the young protagonist. The group also contends with a search for a local "wild man," who is eventually identified as the mentally unwell brother of a friend, later sent back to a sanitarium.

The summer concludes with the group moving past these conflicts. They enjoy successful hunting trips—bagging deer and spotting a bear—which cement their bond and sense of accomplishment. As the mountain air turns cold and the first snows threaten to isolate them, the party packs up their bungalows. Dave leaves the mountains with his honor intact, his rivals subdued, and his relationships mended, ready to move forward toward a future that appears, at last, cloudless and bright.

How It Unfolds

The voyage begins The story opens on a steamer, where the boys enjoy a cruise that leads them toward their mountain destination. They discuss their past adventures and look forward to the camaraderie of the planned camping trip.

The automobile tour The group transitions to traveling by road, navigating the difficult, winding, and muddy paths of the Adirondack Mountains. They face a violent thunderstorm, a fallen tree, and mechanical issues that test their patience and mechanical skill.

Arrival at the lake Upon reaching the bungalows, the group settles into a routine of canoeing, fishing, and swimming. The peaceful setting is quickly marred by hints of a local intruder, leading the boys to speculate about a "wild man" in the vicinity.

The shadow of a rival Dave discovers that Link Merwell is lurking nearby and sending malicious notes. This escalation forces the group to shift from recreation to surveillance and eventually to a physical confrontation.

The capture and resolution The boys successfully corner and subdue Merwell, holding him captive until the authorities can be notified. With the threat removed and the mystery of the "wild man" solved, the group finds closure.

The close of the season The final days at camp are spent in reflection and lighthearted outdoor activities. As the weather turns, the party prepares for the journey home, satisfied with their summer’s work.

The People

Dave Porter is the quintessential hero of the series: steady, physically brave, and morally upright. He acts as the anchor for the group, often mediating conflicts and providing the level-headed decision-making required to navigate both the wilderness and social disputes. Phil Lawrence, the son of a wealthy shipowner, acts as Dave’s lieutenant, providing the resources and the impulsive energy that drives much of their travel.

Roger Morr, the senator's son, brings a sense of loyalty and occasional comic relief, while the group’s "story-teller," Shadow, provides levity even in tense moments. Link Merwell serves as the primary foil; he is characterized by his cowardice, his inability to learn from past mistakes, and his persistent, petty jealousy of Dave’s success. He represents the antithesis of the group’s "manly" values. Nat Poole, the son of a local miser, also appears, serving as a character who struggles with the influence of his own family's reputation while trying to turn over a "new leaf."

In Its Own Voice

The following exchange highlights the tension between Dave and his antagonist, Link Merwell:

"For two pins, Link, I'd give you the thrashing of your life. You deserve it. What right had you to send me that note and call me a 'poorhouse nobody'?"

Dave confronts his rival after capturing him, emphasizing the personal nature of the conflict.

The camaraderie among the boys is best exemplified by their reaction to their hunting success:

"This is what I call wholesale hunting!" announced Ben.

The group shares in the pride of their accomplishment after Dave and Roger successfully shoot two deer.

Finally, the author reflects on the series' core character:

"He is a typical boy, manly, brave, always ready for a good time if it can be obtained in an honorable way."

This blurb, featured in the book’s back matter, accurately encapsulates the ethos of the narrative.

What It's Really About

At its heart, the book is about the maintenance of moral and social order. It argues that a young man’s worth is determined by his ability to remain calm under pressure, his dedication to his friends, and his refusal to be intimidated by those of low character. It also touches on the concept of "manliness" as a performance—the importance of being able to handle a boat, shoot a rifle, and drive an automobile with confidence. The underlying question is whether the protagonist can outgrow his past; the book insists that while one cannot always control who one's enemies are, one can always control the dignity with which one manages them.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy historical period pieces, particularly those interested in the "boys' adventure" genre of the early 20th century, will find this a fascinating, if dated, experience. The prose is clean and brisk, moving quickly from one activity to the next. It offers a window into a bygone vision of American youth culture, characterized by a deep belief in meritocracy and the inherent goodness of the "manly" life.

However, modern readers should be prepared for the book's period-specific attitudes. The language occasionally reflects the prejudices of 1915, and the casual dismissal of certain characters based on their social standing can feel jarring. The plot is formulaic, and the dialogue relies on the slang of the time, which may feel stilted to contemporary ears. Despite these limitations, there is a genuine warmth to the writing that makes the bonds between the boys feel sincere. If you are looking for a gentle, uncomplicated adventure that captures a specific historical imagination—and you can appreciate it as a document of its time—this book will provide a satisfying look at a classic, if somewhat rigid, literary archetype.