Margaret Vandercook
The Camp Fire Girls in After Years
"The Camp Fire Girls in After Years" by Margaret Vandercook is a work of fiction likely written in the early 20th century. The book serves as a continuation of stories focused on the Camp Fire Girls, featuring characters who have grown and evolved since their original adventures. Central to the narrative are Angelique Martins and her relationships with her friends, particularly Betty Graham, as they navigate their lives filled with personal struggles and societal expectations. The opening of the story introduces us to the scene of the Inaugural Ball at the Governor's mansion in New Hampshire, setting a backdrop of anticipation and tension. We first meet Angel, a young woman who is anxious about her friend's sick child and who struggles with feelings of inadequacy as she witnesses the grandeur around her. As she interacts with Betty, the new Governor's wife, we see their deep bond shaped by their shared past in the Camp Fire days. Amid preparing for the ball, discord brews as Angel harbors suspicion towards Kenneth Helm, the new secretary, adding layers of complexity to their relationships. The opening chapter intricately sets the stage for themes of loyalty, ambition, and the transition from youthful dreams to adult realities among the Camp Fire Girls' circle.