Banner Lodge Social Scene | East Haddam Stories

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East Haddam Stories

Have I Got a Girl for You!

Banner Lodge was the Club Med of its day. From its founding in the 1930s through the 1950s and early 1960s, the Lodge attracted tens of thousands of singles looking for a fun time in the hills of North Moodus. Hookups came in three flavors: between guests, between staffers, and between staffers and guests. For some, the romance lasted the duration of a vacation, for others it was a summer-long fling. And not infrequently, a Banner match resulted in marriage.

A 1962 Reunion Weekend dance.

A strapping young couple emerges from the Fountain of Youth.

Dancing in the late 1940s to the house band.

Pausing for the smooch that refreshes in the 1950s.

In the 1960s, reunion weeks would be held for guests and staff. This campfire took place during a 1962 reunion week.

Band members and a guest in the late 1940s.

Single-oriented events were part of the Banner experience. Here 1940s guests do a line dance on the handball court.

A sailor dallying with a guest during a June 1944 visit.

A sailor meets a guest at a 1951 dance.

Banner Lodge played host to many servicemen during WWII. This group of sailors visited in June 1944.

A happy group celebrates its fifth reunion vacation.

Another early 1960s bathing beauty competition.

The finalists in this early 1960s Swimsuit competition won "Lolita" soundtrack record albums.

A 1960s exercise class held on the outdoor tennis courts.

Three Banner guests enjoying the beautiful Moodus countryside.

In the 1950s and 1960s, a caricature artist would visit on the weekends.

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