Editor's pick: Remembrance of summers past

Summer camps in Pike celebrated in new Columns exhibit

WHEN: Dedication ceremony and reception at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 23. Exhibit to remain open on ongoing basis.

WHERE: The Columns Museum, Milford, PA.

COST: Admission to dedication free. Regular admission to museum $5 for adults, $3 for children.

CONTACT: pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org or 570/296-8126.

MILFORD, PA — The Pike County Historical Society will dedicate a new exhibit titled “Summer Camps of the early 1900s in Pike County” on Saturday, August 23 at the Columns Museum.

William and Joanne 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 Troys own and care for what was once known as Beaver Lake Camp for Boys.

Summer camps have always been an intrinsic part of Pike’s history. Four of them are highlighted in the exhibit: Pole Bridge Camp for Boys; Beaver Lake Camp; Dan Beard’s Outdoor School for Boys; and St. Michael’s Choir Camp, a little-known camp on the outskirts of Milford that was run by a church in Harlem. These camps were chosen because of the wealth of memorabilia the museum was able to find regarding them.

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.

Also featured in the room with the camp exhibit are Native American artifacts and information surrounding the Lenape, our area’s first settlers. The room is brilliantly painted with a ceiling of blue sky, trees and ferns.

Ellen Snyder-Grenier, author of the book “A Place Along the Raymondskill, Beaver Lake Through Time” will speak at the 4:00 p.m. dedication ceremony There will be a reception following. The public is invited to attend free of charge, although donations are always appreciated.