Pole Bridge Camp

MILFORD –The Pike County Historical Society’s Museum will dedicate a new exhibit titled “Summer Camps of the early 1900’s in Pike County”, next month.

Mr. and Mrs. William Troy were named as honorees of this exhibit by their three daughters, who made a donation to the museum on the behalf of their parents, and suggested an exhibit that would be close to their hearts.  Finding a topic for the new exhibit was an easy decision, as the Troy’s own and care for what was once known as Beaver Lake Camp for Boys.

Summer camps were always an intrinsic part of Pike’s history. 

There are four camps highlighted in the exhibit; Pole Bridge Camp for Boys, Beaver Lake Camp, Dan Beard’s Outdoor School for Boys, and a little known camp on the outskirts of Milford that was run by a church in Harlem called St. Michael’s Choir Camp.  These camps where chosen because of the wealth of photographs and other memorabilia the museum was able to find out about these camps.

Items in the “Summer Camp Collection” include the original bugle from Beaver Lake Camp, inflatable water wings from Pole Bridge and many images depicting camp life. The smiling faces of the boys and girls tell a tale of fun, camaraderie, new lessons learned, and perhaps set off a twinge of jealousy, for they beckon to the child in us all.

Also featured in the “Camp Room” are Native American artifacts and information surrounding the Lenape, our areas first settlers.  Each clan of the Lenape is represented by a taxidermy specimen of natural history, courtesy of local hunter John Galasso.  The room is brilliantly painted with a ceiling of blue sky, trees and ferns, and a wise old owl. 

Scheduled to speak at the dedication is Ellen Snyder-Grenier, author of the book “A Place Along the Raymondskill, Beaver Lake Through Time”.  The program will commence at 4:00pm, Sunday, August 23,  on the main floor of the Columns Museum, with a reception following.  The public is invited to attend free of charge, although donations are always appreciated.

For more information about the Pike County Historic Society, please call 570-296-8126 or visit us online at www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org.