One year, Charlie even had a trained robin nesting near the campground entrance canopy, which would come and eat out of his hand. They didn't charge him rent.
Memorial Day weekend is a big event at the Hope Oak Knoll campground and the beginning of many camp get-togethers. The campground has a large building where folks can hold reunions, parties, breakfasts and get-togethers. In August, the Cowells host a party for those they camp with in McAllen, Texas.
The event draws quite a crowd, about 100 people. Some of them come from quite a distance. The Cowells said they have been quite lucky in regards to the weather when they have held this event in the past.
Before Beulah and Charlie leave for Texas in the fall, their son, Ivan, puts on a hog roast on Labor Day weekend, which is open to the public. This event also draws a large crowd of people. In many ways, the event has become like a big, extended family reunion.
The Cowells tend to the campground by keeping a supply of groceries, such as paper plates and cups, napkins, toilet paper, etc. Also available are snacks, ice cream and other things of that nature. They also have charcoal, bug spray, lighters and firewood in their little camp store, and a few gift items too.
The campground has picnic tables at each camp site, and the main office area at the campground has laundry facilities, pool tables, magazines and books, area maps, etc.
The Hope Oak Knoll campground, which is a Good Sam Park, is owned by Kathy Dunn, who lives in Montana, and has a total of 90 campsites. Fifty-four of the campsites have water and sewer, and all of the campsites have electrical hookups. The use of air conditioning units is included in the lot rent, but they do charge extra for using electric heaters.
The campground also has 30 seasonal camping sites. A large number of people leave their campers at the campground year-round, while others store their campers at Wagners’, near St.Olaf Lake, over the cold winter months.
The Cowells are the parents of four children. Their daughter, Linda Young, of New Richland, had been with the New Richland Care Center for over 30 years. Young recently retired and is dedicating more of her time to giving ceramic lessons. She offers lessons three days a week at her home, and of course, she also checks out the campground near Owatonna frequently.
Ivan is in the trucking business, but he has a place in his heart for camping too, so he makes the campground his weekend hangout. Brian, the Cowells' youngest son, lives in Northfield and is a baker by trade. The Cowells' son, Ervin, who lived in Mankato, died several years ago from a brain tumor at the age of 34.
The Cowells say that being at the Hope Oak Knoll campground gives them a feeling of freedom, less stress and friendly faces to greet every day. One day they will retire, but not too soon.
