The Girls of Central High in Camp

In Short

This is a classic piece of early 20th-century juvenile fiction, centered on a group of high school friends who organize a summer camp on an island. While the narrative follows their attempts to manage camp life, cooking, and boy-related hijinks, the plot thickens with the arrival of a suspicious stranger and the subsequent hunt by local law enforcement. It has endured as a charming example of the "girls’ series" genre, reflecting the evolving independence of young women in 1915 while maintaining a wholesome, adventure-driven pace.

The Story

The story begins with the senior girls of Central High in Centerport planning their summer vacation. Led by the capable and resourceful Laura Belding, known as "Mother Wit," the group includes the creative Jess Morse, the timid Nellie Agnew, the Lockwood twins, and the irrepressible Bobby Hargrew. They decide to set up a camp on Acorn Island, secured by Nellie’s father, with Jess’s mother acting as their chaperone. To help with the domestic chores, they hire a blunt, eccentric local girl named Lizzie Bean, who is affectionately dubbed "Lonesome Liz."

The adventure begins with the arrival of their male friends from school, including Laura’s brother Chet and the overly dramatic "dandy" Prettyman Sweet, who arrives in an absurdly impractical "Robin Hood" style outfit. Purt’s comical misfortunes, including an unwanted encounter with a butcher and his dog—a scrappy mongrel they name "The Barnacle"—provide a recurring source of humor. The Barnacle eventually becomes the camp mascot and protector, much to the chagrin of the fastidious Purt.

As the girls settle into their island camp, they encounter strange phenomena. Food goes missing, and Liz seems terrified by a presence she insists is a "ha'nt." Laura, ever the investigator, discovers that an older man, Professor Dimp, is lurking nearby, and he appears to be hiding a younger, pale-faced man in the deep woods. When a group of men with bloodhounds arrives, the girls realize they are in the middle of a manhunt. The fugitive is a man named Norman Halliday, who is falsely accused of a crime.

The girls, particularly Laura, decide to protect the secret, suspecting that the Professor—an old, stern academic—would not associate with a true criminal. Liz proves her loyalty by using The Barnacle to intimidate the persistent sheriff, who arrives to search the island. Tensions peak during a storm and a series of investigations, but the truth is eventually revealed when a lawyer arrives with the news that the actual criminal has been caught and Halliday is cleared of all charges. The story concludes with the girls, the boys, and the exonerated Halliday celebrating their successful navigation of the wilderness, with the Professor agreeing to stay on as a guest for the remainder of their summer.

How It Unfolds

The voyage begins The girls finalize their plans for the camp, selecting Acorn Island for its isolation and the security of a rustic cabin. They navigate the logistics of supplies and chaperonage, setting the stage for their summer of self-reliance.

A comical arrival The boys join the girls, led by the impeccably dressed but hopelessly out-of-place Prettyman Sweet. His struggle with his own "hunting" gear and an unwanted canine companion provides the group with endless amusement.

The mystery deepens Lonesome Liz becomes increasingly erratic, sensing a presence on the island that leaves the girls unsettled. Laura discovers that a stranger is hiding in the woods, and the local authorities begin a search that threatens to disrupt the summer.

The standoff When a sheriff arrives with bloodhounds, the girls must rely on their own wits and the protective instincts of The Barnacle to shield the fugitive. They maintain their composure, successfully holding their ground against the intrusion of the lawmen.

The final resolution A legal representative arrives to clear the fugitive's name, vindicating the Professor and the girls’ judgment. The group celebrates the triumph of justice and settles back into the rhythm of their peaceful camp life.

The People

Laura Belding, or "Mother Wit," is the steady, rational center of the group, whose intelligence and calm nature keep the others focused. Jess Morse provides the creative energy and wit, often acting as a foil to the more anxious members of the party. Bobby Hargrew serves as the group’s "tomboy" and source of humor, always ready with a clever retort. Lizzie Bean, the local girl hired to assist them, grows from a sullen, frightened worker into a fiercely loyal protector. Prettyman Sweet, the "dandy" of the group, provides the book’s comic relief, as his vanity and lack of practical sense constantly clash with the realities of camping. Professor Dimp is the enigmatic, stern catalyst for the mystery, whose hidden agenda and eventual redemption frame the story’s moral arc.

In Its Own Voice

"Boiled down, to its last common divisor, it is 'Where, oh, where shall we spend our vacation?'"

Bobby captures the core dilemma the girls face at the very beginning of their summer planning.

"Lizzie Bean 'had all her wits about her,' as the saying is."

The narrator notes the surprising sharpness of the young maid, who initially appears to be little more than an oddity.

"The Barnacle went raving mad. The sigh and sound of so many canines heading toward the island that had been his own domain for a week, quite drove the Barnacle out of such few senses as he possessed."

The narrator describes the chaotic reaction of the camp’s mascot dog when the sheriff’s bloodhounds approach the island.

What It's Really About

At its core, the book explores the transition of young women toward independence and competency. By placing them in a "wilderness" setting—even one as tamed as a lake island—the narrative argues that girls are just as capable of managing their own affairs, solving mysteries, and maintaining an organized household as their male counterparts. It touches on themes of class and social expectations, particularly through the interactions between the school girls and the "local" Lizzie Bean, and the intrusion of the city-dwelling Professor and Halliday. Ultimately, the story is about the value of loyalty, the importance of "Mother Wit" in navigating life’s unexpected crises, and the belief that integrity will eventually be recognized, regardless of how many misunderstandings arise along the way.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy the nostalgic, earnest tone of early 20th-century juvenile fiction will find this a delightful time capsule. It captures a specific moment in American history where "suffragette" leanings were beginning to influence the aspirations of young women, even while the characters remain deeply rooted in the etiquette and social structure of their era. The dialogue is snappy and often funny, particularly when it involves the "dude" character, Purt.

Modern readers should be prepared for the period-specific attitudes, including the occasionally condescending view of local rural residents and the use of now-outdated dialect to characterize characters like Lizzie Bean. The pacing is reflective of the leisurely style of its time, focusing as much on the social dynamics and character growth as on the unfolding mystery. It is a warm, spirited, and gentle read that offers a window into a past where the greatest drama involved a lost picnic, a stray dog, and the proving of one’s own capabilities. If you appreciate character-driven stories where "getting into trouble" usually results in a laugh and a lesson learned, the camaraderie of these girls will likely stay with you long after the final page.