New York Philharmonic conductor for nearly 50 years, Walter Damrosch, served as honorary president of the Eastern Music Camp. Recognized as one of the greatest living musicians at the time, Damrosch was both a stage and radio star. Damrosch married Margaret Blaine, Maine politician James G. Blaine’s daughter in 1890.

Damrosch acted as guest conductor for the 100-piece camper orchestra in 1931, 1932, and 1934. The Kennebec Journal reported the camp asked Maine State Police to assist with traffic on “Damrosch Day” in 1932 when 4,000 people attended. Damrosch called the Eastern Music Camp “a miracle of musical achievement in the woods of Maine.”