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The Lipskys Meet the Salters 101
The Camp Song from Surprise Lake Camp –
Surprise Lake Camp. Oh how I love it.
Surprise Lake Camp, I’m dreaming of it.
It’s hills and dales, and how we love to hit the trails. Surprise Lake Camp, I really love it.
And another song, with a punchy melody, called "Solidarity Forever,” went like this:
Oh the workers know their lessons now As everyone can see.
The workers know their bosses are Their greatest enemy.
They’ll fight and fight
Until they win their final victory For one big solid Union!
Oh, solidarity forever!
Solidarity forever!
Solidarity forever
As truth goes marching on!
Years later, when I was Mayor of Beverly Hills, Janet and I visited Mainland China with California Secretary of State March Fong Eu and her husband, Henry. As honored guests at a large, formal affair, we were seated on the stage. After a few too many drinks, I grabbed the microphone and began singing the song I learned so long ago. Sung to the tune of the “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” I belted out, “Oh, the workers...”
Camp Nishgedeiget was run by communists, but what did that matter to me, Sonny Salter of Brighton Beach? Fun was fun.
With March Fong Eu and Janet in China, 1980s.
Opposite
A collection of commemorative pins I’ve been given over the years. Some honor the two terms I served as mayor of Beverly Hills; others are for my service at Temple
Beth Am.
.