Camp Wangum
During 1942 Claude
Rose, an Honorary Member of the OM’s, located a run down
girls summer camp in Falls Village, Connecticut on the Housatonic
River. Through the efforts of Mr. Rose, the camp was
acquired by the Club. It became an outstanding acquisition to the
assets of the Club and worth many times over the price actually
paid.
Over the next few
years, the Older Members completely equipped the kitchen at a
cost of $1800 and raised funds to purchase ten aluminum canoes
costing $1200. Other major repairs of the camp also were financed
by the Older Members and in 1948 -1949, 40 boys who could not
afford to go were sent to camp at the expense of the group. Camp
fees were held at a minimum through support of the OM’s,
friends and businesses allowing many boys to attend two week camp
sessions during the summer months.
In 1951, Graham
“Spike’ Norton became Executive Director of the Boys
Club and during his administration, Camp Wangum further developed
into a first-class camp. Through the work of the OM’s, the
original wooden cabins were replaced with cinder-block barracks.
In 1957, a swimming pool was built and dedicated. The road to the
camp was black-topped in 1959 again through the efforts of the
OM’s. The OM’s and another local organization provided
funds for camp bus in 1962.
From the beginning,
the OM’s were instrumental in maintaining the upkeep of the
camp. A typical two day work weekend at camp involved 15-28
volunteers during several weeks prior to the opening of the
season. In 1972, a disastrous fire destroyed a large portion of
the main lodge at the camp. The OM’s rebuilt the building in
time for the reopening of camp in 1973. The camp continued
operating until 1986.