Rinkie Weiherman Klein, daughter of Chief and Mom Weiherman, spent her first summer at Camp in 1923 when she was just 6 years old. Being that her father was the first Camp Director, it makes sense that a majority of her time was spent at Camp Arcadia.
She then went on to spend every summer up at Camp until she got married to cottager Ray Klein in August of 1942. Rinkie’s daughters, Shelley and Roxie, along with their families still attend Camp to this day. Fun fact, Rinkie’s wedding was the first one ever to be held on Camp grounds and was celebrated by the entire Camp. Her wedding dress is displayed in the Inn Lobby, but has also spent time in the Weiherman Exhibit (a past Assembly exhibit).
Click here to enjoy some historical video footage of Rinkie on her wedding day!
Since Rinkie essentially grew up at Camp Arcadia, she spent a lot of her time painting many of the designs you see today in the Wigwam, the Inn, and the Assembly. In fact, Rinkie developed her own font, which is similar to other ones that were popular in the 1930’s — this same font is used on all of Camp Arcadia’s signage. Her artwork and décor is on display throughout Camp, but most of her work is concentrated in and around the Wigwam.
If you’ve ever had the chance to work on staff, you probably have very fond memories of eating meals with other staffers in “the Shanty.” The Shanty, located behind the northeast corner of the dining room, is a small dining room with tables and benches. Rinkie and Mom Weiherman decorated the Shanty in 1944, and most of the original décor remains today.
Along with the walls and signage, Rinkie also painted serving dishes that were used in the Trading Post. Servers used (and still use) these serving trays to carry ice cream, soda, candy, and other sweet treats to guests.
Some of the original serving trays had a very unique stripe pattern painted on them by none other than Rinkie herself. Thanks to Archives Volunteer, Austin Wyeth, we were able to get this design digitized and now have her artwork in pin form. Please feel free to take a pin home with you the next time you visit Camp!
Written by Elijah Harns, Archives Intern
This is part of the ongoing work of the Camp Arcadia Archives program. You can support these archival efforts by becoming a member of the Camp Arcadia Historical Society. Learn more here.
5 Responses
Great job Elijah! Nice article.
I had no idea that Rinke’s family still came to camp…..
I’m Rinkie’s daughter and I’m honored that Camp has preserved her memory through her artwork all over camp! I started coming to camp in 1952 when I was a year old and continued until Chief passed away in 1963. It was my oldest daughter Jacque insisted we start going back to camp that we again became involved with RKD the best camp of all ❤️
So very much I miss about her! She was truly part of the “Weiherman team”. I am grateful her beautiful, talented legacy will live on and on for many more generations to enjoy and cherish. I hope they all knew what a difference they made and how much they are still loved and appreciated. Thank you for the great article and tribute.
I was the flower girl in Rinkie’s wedding at age 3. She was also my Godmother. I was baptized by the camp dean, Rev. Richard Caemmerer, in front of the fireplace at our newly built cottage at the age of six weeks. RKD has been “home” to me ever since! LUV RKD!
Great article. I love Rinke’s artwork found throughout the buildings at Camp. Thanks, Austin Wyeth, for digitizing the serving tray design.