Something about the idea of summer camp seems so old fashioned.  I can't imagine girls today wanting to attend camp.  But my area, which has had thriving camps since the 1910s still has a few that seem to be doing fairly well.

Above is a group shot of Camp Dellwood, which was located about 5 miles from where I live.  I can remember it as a child in the 1960s, or rather, I remember the sign and the archery range, which was all that was visible from the highway. It must have closed by the 70s. 

In this close-up you can see that in 1931, these campers were still wearing bloomers. but most of them are pretty short - over the knee.  It could be that these were "special" uniforms, as I can't imagine that they wore all white to hang out in the woods!

There was also, just up the road from Camp Dellwood, Camp Junaluska.  Here is an ad from a 1941 Vogue. 

As far as I know, there is only one girl's camp remaining in my county - Skyland Camp  .  It sits on a hill just across my little town.  In the morning we can hear their announcements and at night we can hear their recording of Taps.  This camp  was started in 1917 on the site of an old  hotel.  The hotel was being closed, and an impulse, a woman guest bought it at a public auction on the site. The hotel still stands, though it has seen better days.

But Hendersonville, about 45 miles away, has a thriving camp industry.  Last week all the camps held a job fair, and they were swamped by job seekers.  And not just the usual collage students looking for a fun summer job - many of the applicants were out-of-work adults  looking for a temporary job to make ends meet.  Hopefully the camps will be full and will provide these needed jobs.

 

this is beautiful just love your site I have only just started on my own site. Thanks for letting me visit nice.

I attended Camp Dellwood from 1966 until it closed in 1973. What fun to see these photos on your website!

Nancy, Thanks for posting. I want to know more!!

I started attending Camp Dellwood after Camp Montreat closed. Loved the pictures! Thanks for posting.:)

What a great pic! My in-laws, the Crums purchased Dellwood in the 1940's and you are right about it closing...1973 to be exact. I attended as a camper and counselor from 1960-1972. A camp reunion was held in 2006 and 2008. Great memories!:)

I attended Camp Dellwood in 1962 & 1963, then was an Arts & Crafts Director in 1969. The Krumm.s ran the camp then. I have great memories from being there.

I attended Camp Dellwood for several years in the fifties. I know for sure I was there in 1954 because the cost of a first class postage stamp went up from three to four cents that summer. Fred Crum, who was the camp director then, introduced my parents (Edna Earl Clausel from Memphis, Chattanooga, and Lookout Mountain, TN, and Ashton Thomas Griffin Jr. of Goldsboro, NC) to each other. I have fond memories of Dellwood and also of its companion, Camp Hemlock for boys. I fell in love every summer with at least one Hemlock camper. Note to Margaret Crum- I tried to link to "Sparkles" without success. If remember correctly, the Crums had two children. You must have married one of them. Are there any records of campers' names from the fifties? I remember a few names, but mostly just first names. Buried somewhere in some closet or attic corner of my house, I think there is a box of photos containing pictures of the camp. If I find them, I'd be happy to share. Cheers, Bev

My sister and I visited the Asheville area recently to find the Dellwood Camp area where our mother and 2 aunts were in 1930-33. We discovered (after asking about 6 people) where the camp was located. It is off of Old Clyde Road, which is just east of 209 on the dam side of Junaluska Lake. Turn left into FoxFire Estates. The camp was located at the top of the semi circle road. The old water fountain and some steps are viewable from the road. o:)

Melanie, That is good to know. I need to ride over there and take photos.